Hawks dominate early
The Atlanta Hawks arrived in Dallas with a clear intention, and they made it known immediately. The visitors took control of the game at the American Airlines Center, outscoring the home Mavericks 39-34 in the first quarter. This early momentum allowed Atlanta to build a lead that Dallas never threatened to erase. The Hawks finished the first half with a 73-54 advantage, setting the stage for a decisive victory. The attendance at the venue was 19,178, witnessing a one-sided affair from the opening tip.
Alexander-Walker and Flemings lead the way
Nickeil Alexander-Walker was the primary engine for the Hawks, finishing with a team-high 25 points. His scoring was supported by strong playmaking from Kingston Flemings, who dished out six assists. On the glass, Jalen Johnson provided a physical presence, grabbing 14 rebounds for Atlanta. The Hawks' balanced attack made it difficult for Dallas to find a consistent rhythm. The visitors scored 34 points in the second quarter and 29 in the third, maintaining their lead throughout the middle of the game.