Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson (22) drives while guarded by Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)
The Atlanta Hawks started their season strong, outlasting the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night in a 120-116 victory at State Farm Arena.
Hawks point guard Trae Young scored 30 points and had 12 assists alongside some strong bench production from Onyeka Okongwu, who had a career-high 28 points. First-overall draft pick Zaccharie Risacher made his NBA debut, scoring a total of seven points throughout the game and logging in a total of 19 minutes of playing time.
A close game from tip-off, things started getting chippy in the fourth quarter. Nets center Nicolas Claxton clotheslined Atlanta shooting guard Dyson Daniels in the latter’s first game with the team.
Daniels attempted a fast break layup, which led to some pushing, shoving and an ejection for Claxton, ending his night early.
Free throws and late defensive stops sealed the game for the 1-0 Hawks.
An overview of the Atlanta Hawks season opener game against the Brooklyn Nets at State Farm Arena on Oct. 23, 2024. (Marlon Hyde/WABE)
Over the summer, the team’s front office traded away point guard Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Hawks received multiple first-round picks in the trade, along with Daniels, Larry Nance Jr. and E.J. Liddell.
The game was attended by 17,548, selling out State Farm Arena, the team’s home venue. Geoff Patton, one of the fans in attendance, says that he feels optimistic about the team’s young core.
“Man. I think they look good,” the fan said. “I think it’s going to be an interesting season. I like some of the lineups that are being run.”
Ronnie Thomas Jr. and his ten-year-old son Trey, both rocking Hawks jerseys, were excitedly bouncing in their seats.
“We’re looking forward to winning the championship this year. Let’s go, Hawks!” the father said. “This is our second season starting to come to games.”
Hawks fans Ronnie Thomas Jr. and son Trey Thomas cheer on the Atlanta team in their season opener on Oct. 23, 2024 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga. (Marlon Hyde/WABE)
And DJ Chika Takai says that she’s excited to bring the energy before the game and keep people engaged during breaks.
“I’m providing music and good vibes, and fans are watching. Basically, we’re having a party here,” Takai noted.
The party-like atmosphere hit its peak during halftime, where Atlanta’s own Gucci Mane performing a medley of his most recognized hits.
Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane performs a medley of his best hits during the Halftime of the season opener game of The Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 24, 2024. (Marlon Hyde/WABE)
Trina Scott, a new season ticket holder who sat only few rows away from center court, says that she was blown away by the experience.
“The whole atmosphere and the excitement here … it’s just all the excitement, and the air is alive, and there are a million people,” Scott said. “So it’s all good.”
The Hawks play their next game at home against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, Oct. 25 .
