"ATL ReKap: Hawks Struggle Against Pacers, Braves Make Moves for 2024 Season"

Good evening, everyone, and welcome back to another blog on ATL ReKap. I hope you all had a wonderful first Friday of the year as the new year is now starting to hit us.

Atlanta Hawks

Let’s jump right into it! The Atlanta Hawks faced the Indiana Pacers this evening, not playing well, losing 150-116. Dejounte Murray led the court tonight, scoring 30 points, going 13-19 from the field and 2-3 from beyond the arch. Murray had a rebound and 2 assists tonight, putting up 17 points in just the second quarter.

Trae Young followed Dejounte Murray in scoring tonight, putting up 13 points, going a disappointing 4-18 from the field and 1-11 from beyond the arch. Trae Young did not have his lucky kicks on, and his shooting percentage was similar to how it was at the start of the season. I hope this drought is very short as Trae is a key player for the team, making crucial contributions to the team offensively. Young had 2 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals tonight.

Jalen Johnson put up 12 points for the team tonight, going 5-11 from the field and 1-4 from beyond the arch. JJ has a red carpet set for him in the paint every game as he assures everyone that he will have one insane slam. In the 2nd with 11:38 left in the quarter, Trae Young forced a screen that led to an opening for Jalen Johnson who had possession of the ball outside of the arch and then proceeded to drive towards the rim with a sensational slam striking awe to everyone watching. Trae Young was asked how it was to play with Jalen Johnson, and he said, “Peanut butter & jelly ~ just flows.” I love watching Jalen Johnson play, and he is definitely one of my favorites on the team.

Clint Capela and Saddiq Bey put up 18 points tonight with 11 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal, and a block combined. Off the bench, Bogdan Bogdanovich continues to shine, leading the bench in scoring, putting up 16 points, and going 3-14 from the field which is a little upsetting but it may just be a little setback that should have his shooting percentage back up next game, and 1-9 from beyond the arch. Bogi was named Georgia Natural Gas Hot Shot of the Month with a 40-piece and a franchise record of 10 3-pointers off the bench.

The Atlanta Hawks are set to play the Orlando Magic on Sunday evening at 6:00 PM. The Hawks are favored to win 60% to 40%. Stay tuned after the game for a recap!

Atlanta Braves

Switching gears to the Braves, Alex Anthopoulos has been awake making transactions for the team. The Braves have signed INF Luis Guillorme to a one-year, $1.1 million contract for the 2024 season. They have also signed RHP Huascar Ynoa to a one-year, $825,000 contract for 2024, the team announced. Seeing Ynoa come back to the team is exciting as he used to hit homers when he would pinch-hit for the Braves when he pitched back when the NL had the rules where the pitcher had to bat.