ATL ReKap: Hawks vs. Hornets Showdown, Falcons News, and Braves Spring Training Buzz

Good evening, everyone, and welcome back to yet another blog on ATL ReKap. I wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day, and to all of you that don’t have that special person yet, I hope you all do down the road and get to spend this lovely day with them. Now let’s dive straight into the blog!

Atlanta Hawks

Tonight, the Atlanta Hawks faced the Charlotte Hornets in a very aggressive matchup fighting for the so-called “pig trophy.” This NBA Battle Series trophy, dubbed the “BBQ Series,” symbolizes the battle of the South between the Hawks and the Hornets, as division rivals. The team winning the overall series at the year's end takes home the trophy for the year. But enough backstory, let’s jump straight into the game.

Unfortunately, the Atlanta Hawks did not come through tonight, losing the game 122-99, which means the Hornets have tied us in the season series for the trophy. The game itself was very technical, as the rivals drew many fouls, scored plenty of threes, and saw lots of contact throughout.

Forward De’Andre Hunter shined once again tonight, making it two nights in a row leading scoring for the Hawks. Hunter put up 21 points, going 6-12 from the field and 2-4 from beyond the arch, putting him right at 50% for both areas. Seeing Hunter come off the injured list like nothing happened is something we all love seeing, and soon enough, we should be expecting him to take Bruno Fernandez’s spot in the starting five.

Dre finished off the game with 3 rebounds, and an assist to go along with a steal. Following Hunter, Jalen Johnson put up 19 points, going 9-18 from the field and unfortunately missing all five of his three-point attempts. But let’s put that aside because, if you have been reading my blogs, you know what’s coming. Jalen Johnson does not miss a night with his brutal posters. And let me tell you, these slams JJ is putting up are just unreal; it’s like it’s 2K in real life with different combos.

Now Johnson had some plays that got everyone up on their feet in just the first quarter, with Trae passing the ball to Johnson as he was driving into the paint, postering two defenders. A couple of plays later, Dejounte Murray blocks a Hornet driving the ball towards the paint then passes the ball back to Johnson who was on the arch. Johnson then fakes a three, confusing his defender, driving up to the paint with a contested layup by three defenders, putting two on the board for the Hawks.

In the second, Johnson went coast to coast after blocking a shooter, driving down the court and finishing the play off with a euro step. Johnson finished off the first half with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and a block. In the third, Trae passes the ball once again to Johnson outside of the arch who then drives towards the basket with full speed and power, completely demolishing Nick Richards and the rim with a one-hand slam. Johnson finished off the game with 7 rebounds, 12 assists, and 2 blocks, making it another double-double night for him.

Saddiq Bey followed Johnson in scoring, putting up 14 points, going 5-13 from the field and 2-5 from beyond the arch. Bey contributed lots offensively, putting up crucial plays for the Hawks, especially a play in the third as Bey drove towards the basket booking a flight straight to Slamtown and tearing down the rim. Should we call him Saddunq Bey now after this surreal play? Let me know in the comments!

Dejounte Murray put up 13 points tonight, going 5-15 from the field and 1-7 from beyond the arch, putting up some important points for the Hawks, drawing in and-1’s and mid-range shots here and there. Trae Young put up 12 points, going 4-12 from the field and 2-8 from beyond the arch with a rebound and 12 assists, adding another double-double to his stats.

Congratulations to Young as he now leads the franchise in most threes at 1,051, as he hit that three in the second, crossing up his defender, dishing in a swish from beyond the arch. Now, this marks the last game for the Hawks as the All-Star Weekend is right around the corner, which will be held this weekend in Indiana. This means the Hawks won’t play till February 23rd, which is in 9 days… The Hawks will face Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors on the 23rd at 7:30 PM. The Hawks are favored to win 68% to 32% according to ESPN, and I already cannot wait for this game because it’ll be a good one for sure. Catch me after the game for a recap!

Atlanta Falcons

Switching gears to the Falcons, here is some quick news. Stay on the lookout for Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed if they are unable to sign him. The Falcons are expected to be front-runners pursuing the veteran CB.

Atlanta Braves

Now onto the Braves, Spring Training starts in just 10 days and I am pumped for it. Baseball has always been my favorite sport, and Spring Training in Florida is always a great way to start the preseason, seeing the lineup card notifications pop back up on my phone. I will be covering these games as well, so make sure to tune in on the 24th as the Braves battle the Tampa Bay Rays at 1:05 PM. I am so excited for baseball season to pick up again!

The expected lineups for Opening Day have also been released, here they are for the Braves. Leading off, we will have right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr., with Ozzie Albies at the second spot, followed by third baseman Austin Riley, with first baseman Matt Olson at cleanup. Marcell Ozuna will DH putting him at 5th, and the new addition Jared Kelenic will be at left field in the 6th spot, following veteran shortstop Orlando Arcia, closing out the lineup with the 2021 Rookie of the Year, center fielder Michael Harris II. Make sure to stay on the lookout for the latest buzz and updates with the Braves!

As we bring this blog to a close, I wish each of you a fantastic rest of the evening. Let's make the most of the day and share some love with our parents and loved ones – they truly deserve it!