Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions
Game Time: 7:30 PM EST on Monday December 13, 2021
Houston Rockets 132, Atlanta Hawks 126 (Final)
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_FeigenNew #Rockets at #TXSN – Rockets pull off stunning comeback win over Hawks ift.tt/31ZNBpm – 1:18 AM Chad Ford @chadfordinsider
Top Rookies on Mon
Scottie Barnes, 16 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast, 5 blk
Charles Bassey, 13 pts, 10 reb, 4 blk
Alperen Sengun, 11 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk
Evan Mobley, 9 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl
James Bouknight, 13 pts, 6 reb
Davion Mitchell, 8 pts, 4 reb, 6 ast – 12:53 AM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets have wins against the Hawks, (Eastern Conference finalists last season,) the Nets, (Eastern Conference front-runners,) the Bulls and Hornets and played the Bucks tough. They might need to get themselves back in the Eastern Conference. – 11:34 PM Yu Fu @YuFuTroy
Hawks’ 4th quarter struggle pic.twitter.com/6ZnQpmfpo1 – 11:29 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
I asked John Collins about the disconnect between knowing what’s going wrong in the 4Q and the Hawks fixing the issues:
“It’s just a matter of trying to slow down, understand, analyze and execute. That’s been tough as hell for us, in the 4Q for us going down the stretch.” pic.twitter.com/pH2roMFl5s – 11:26 PM Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets move back above .500 and to 14-13 on the season after tonight’s win. Denver has Minnesota at home Wednesday before a 3-game road trip (ATL, BKN, OKC). Austin Rivers should be back soon — maybe for Wednesday. He was on Denver’s bench tonight. – 11:25 PM Dallas Mavericks PR @MavsPR
Kristaps Porzingis had only the fourth game in franchise history by a player with 24+ points, 13+ rebounds and 5+ blocks:
*Porzingis, 12/13/21 vs. CHA (24p-13r-5b)
Porzingis, 2/8/21 vs. MIN (27p-13r-5b)
Porzingis, 3/1/20 at MIN (38p-13r-5b)
Nowitzki, 3/3/01 vs. HOU (26p-13r-5b) pic.twitter.com/Fl7HTsER9N – 11:20 PM Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
John Collins: “Every loss is frustrating, but it’s the way we’re losing. The same way we’re losing is frustrating. That’s it. I would much rather lose a different way than for us to keep giving games away. I feel like that’s what we’re doing. We’re not getting beat.” – 11:12 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets pull off stunning comeback win over Hawks houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 11:10 PM Yu Fu @YuFuTroy
the Hawks had a 19-point lead against the Rockets pic.twitter.com/jek9Fa6ZEr – 11:06 PM KJ Martin @kj__martin
LFG👌🏽💯 – 10:56 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
Nate McMillan on the Rockets: “I thought they out-worked us in that fourth quarter. When we did force misses, they were able to get second, third opportunities. 44 points in a quarter, I can’t explain that. That’s just getting out-worked. That’s no defense.” – 10:55 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
Clint Capela on the Hawks’ 4th quarter struggles:
“The intensity’s got to be there. I don’t think it’s mistakes, scheme-wise, it’s just energy. Do you want more than than the team in front of you? … It’s just, do you want it more than the guy in front of you, or not?” – 10:54 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
Watch EG put in work. 🔥
🚀 32PTS pic.twitter.com/iV5ySkoIPd – 10:44 PM David Hardisty @clutchfans
Rockets will be in Cleveland on Wednesday to face Evan Mobley and the Cavs. That day could also kick off some trade activity in the NBA as Dec 15th is when most players who signed new contracts in the offseason become trade-eligible. – 10:42 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
DJ was in his bag tonight. 💼
🚀 22PTS
🚀 6-7 from behind the arc pic.twitter.com/8nntnpm8yo – 10:40 PM Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
David Nwaba on the up and down playing time: “That’s the whole part of being a professional. You just always have to stay ready. I have my teammates in my ear telling me to stay ready. And that’s what I did.” – 10:38 PM Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
In 4Q, Rockets had 5 offensive rebounds.
Hawks got 4 defensive rebounds. – 10:33 PM Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Eric Gordon on his 30-point performance: “I want to win the game. That’s what matters. I wouldn’t have this great feeling if I scored this many points and didn’t win. Like I said, winning is the most important thing.” – 10:31 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
EG dropped 32PTS in our comeback win against the Hawks! 🔥
@creditkarma | #MoneyMoveoftheGame pic.twitter.com/58jInfFp6e – 10:31 PM Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Eric Gordon: “When we had that winning streak, guys saw the formula of what it takes to win.” – 10:29 PM Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
If you’re the Rockets you aren’t altering the plans you made before the season to make a run at a play-in spot, but playing meaningful games in March and April would really help this group moving forward – 10:27 PM Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
Trae Young said the he wished he could have a couple of plays back: one where D.J. Augustin back cut him for a layup and another where Nwaba got past him for an offensive rebound. – 10:25 PM David Hardisty @clutchfans
Christian Wood struggled tonight, going 4-13 from the field and 0-6 from three for 12 points and five rebounds. He did not play the final 14:37 of the game. Silas said he stuck with the lineup in the fourth that brought the comeback energy. – 10:17 PM Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Rockets are 2 games back of Portland for the final play-in spot – 10:17 PM Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
McMillan, on HOU’s 44-point quarter:
“That’s just getting outworked.” – 10:15 PM Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
Nate McMillan on the Rockets: “I thought they outworked us in the fourth quarter.” – 10:15 PM Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Silas says he’s been trying to get David Nwaba serious playing time for a while and saw a good opportunity tonight. – 10:14 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
pic.twitter.com/nKvP1gqILf – 10:11 PM StatMuse @statmuse
Eric Gordon tonight:
32 PTS
10-16 FG
5-8 3P
He is shooting 44.8% from three this season, 7th highest this season. pic.twitter.com/pHC0jfeV6c – 10:09 PM Sean Highkin @highkin
We’re going to get so many ratings think pieces about the Cavs-Rockets Finals – 10:09 PM Cayleigh Griffin @cayleighgriffin
ROCKETS WIN!!!!!!!! – 10:09 PM David Hardisty @clutchfans
DJ Augustin on the #Rockets: “We’re a team that’s not going to lay down. No matter who we play, no matter who we have out, we are going to come in with 5 or 10 guys that’s going to play hard until the very end, fight and try to get a win.” – 10:08 PM Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
#Rockets @Eric Gordon to @SportsMT on our postgame show on @SportsTalk790 – “This is growth man, this is growth.” on the team’s huge comeback (down 19 in 2nd half) & 44 point 4thQ for their 9th win of the season. Rockets win 132-126 – 10:06 PM Kelly Iko @KellyIkoNBA
Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Rockets win. – 10:06 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
CAME ALL THE WAY BACK TO BRING IT HOME IN THE ATL
@ATT | #LightTheFuse pic.twitter.com/7g34J5gF0H – 10:05 PM Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Gusty road win for Houston. They’ve now won 8 out of their last 10 games. – 10:05 PM Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
These pesky kid Rockets go from down 19 to winning in Atlanta. – 10:04 PM David Hardisty @clutchfans
Down 12 in the fourth, the Rockets used an improbable lineup to pull off a furious comeback and beat Trae Young and the Hawks 132-126. Eric Gordon scored 32 points and DJ Augustin scored 22 (6-7 3P) while David Nwaba and KJ Martin were huge during the run. Gritty win. – 10:04 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
Total meltdown for the Hawks, who led by 19 in the first half and by 13 entering the fourth quarter but fall to the Rockets, 132-126.
Hawks were outscored 44-25 in the final period.
They drop to 13-14.
Trae Young led Atlanta with 41 points and 9 assists. – 10:04 PM Ryan McDonough @McDNBA
The Rockets were 1-16 three weeks ago
They are 8-2 since – just 2 games out of the Play-In – 10:04 PM Matthew Tynan @Matthew_Tynan
The Eric Gordon resurgence tour continues – 10:04 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Tate over the head slam and that’ll do it.
Rockets 132, Hawks 126. Rockets best win of the season. – 10:04 PM Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
Final: Rockets 132, Hawks 126 – 10:04 PM Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
The Rockets had back-to-back-to-back terrible possessions.
-DJ Augustin almost loses the ball trying to split the double only to get a bail-out whistle
-Trae Young gets a wide open path for a full court layup
-Jae’Sean Tate almost throws it away before Eric Gordon jumps for it – 10:03 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
EG getting BUCKETS tonight! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/svl6h2hRYy – 10:02 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Augustin nearly lost the ball trying to split a double team but going to the line with 21.8 left. – 9:59 PM Jason Walker @JasonWalkerNBA
Love the quick hoop for Trae – just a blur coming downhill like that – 39 tonight – 9:58 PM Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
that was such a ridiculous floater by trae, full speed from the dotted line over a leaping sengun – 9:58 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
Latest Trae Young bucket narrows the Hawks’ deficit to 126-124 with 23.9 seconds to play.
Young has 39 points and 9 assists. – 9:58 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Young with a floater in the lane. It is a free throw shooting contest now, assuming Rockets can inbound and take care of the ball up two with 23.9 left. – 9:57 PM Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
Huge bucket from Trae, gets the runner to fall with 23.9 seconds to go.
Hawks down 126-124 – 9:57 PM Jason Walker @JasonWalkerNBA
If Kevin or Gallo get an open look, they have to pull immediately – they’ve been the Hesitation Brothers – 9:56 PM David Hardisty @clutchfans
5 fouls for Alperen Sengun in 24 minutes. He’s just got to hang in there for 49 more seconds. – 9:55 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
KJ said GIMME THAT 🗣 pic.twitter.com/KEPPqaeZPB – 9:54 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
Sengun steal & Augustin 3⃣ to give us the lead in Atlanta pic.twitter.com/q99vuGWkmj – 9:54 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
Call has been overturned, challenge successful. That’s huge for the Hawks.
John Collins heads to the line. – 9:54 PM Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
Hawks win the challenge on John Collins’ offensive foul call.
He’s at the line for two shots with the Hawks down 5 and under 50 seconds to go – 9:53 PM Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Mavericks say Kristaps Porzingis just joined Clint Capela and Anthony Davis as the league’s only players since Porzingis’ rookie season in 2015-16 to post at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in the opening half of any game.
More NBA: marcstein.Substack.com – 9:53 PM Tas Melas @TasMelas
Eastern Conference tiers. Tell me I’m wrong.
—Tier 1: Nets, Bucks
—Tier 2: Bulls, Heat
—Tier 3: Cavs (1), 76ers (T2), Hawks (T2) – 9:52 PM Tony Mejia @MejiaDinero
Didn’t count on the #Rockets bringing that Astros revenge factor to Atlanta. Eric Gordon looking like Jose Altuve out there. Props, Houston looked like it was going to get buried. Hawks struggled late in games early part of last season before Nate McMillan took over. – 9:52 PM Kelly Iko @KellyIkoNBA
Energy in this building is electric. Rockets playing fast and furious. Big call being reviewed here with Houston clinging to a 5-point lead with 48.9 seconds left. – 9:52 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
The Hawks were up 17 with 1:38 to go in the third quarter.
They trail the Rockets, 126-121, with 48.9 seconds to play.
Hawks have been outscored 38-20 so far in the fourth. – 9:51 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Sengun draws a charge with Rockets up five with 48.9 left. Hawks challenge the call. – 9:51 PM Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
FINAL: Celtics 117, Bucks 103
– Antetokounmpo 20pts/8reb/3ast
– Holiday 20pts/8ast
– Connaughton 15pts/9reb/2ast
Bucks bookend road trip with Ls in MIA/Boston, while winning in Houston/NY.
Now the attention turns to Middleton, who left the game with a left knee hyperextension. – 9:51 PM Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Eric Gordon:
30 points
10-16 from the field
5-8 from 3-PT
5-7 from the FT line – 9:50 PM David Hardisty @clutchfans
Price for Eric Gordon just went up. Again. AGAIN! – 9:50 PM Dallas Mavericks PR @MavsPR
Since Kristaps Porzingis entered the league in 2015-16, there have only been two first halves before his performance tonight where a player had 20+ points, 10+ rebounds and 3+ blocks.
*K. Porzingis, 12/13/21 vs. CHA
Clint Capela, 11/23/18 at DET
Anthony Davis, 12/25/15 at MIA. pic.twitter.com/hiDdeXVT2H – 9:49 PM Kelly Iko @KellyIkoNBA
WHAT THE…..ERIC GORDON… – 9:49 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
Nwaba getting BUSY 💪 pic.twitter.com/yp83PlpBWx – 9:49 PM Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
somebody better trade for eric gordon – 9:49 PM Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
I like Silas sticking with the group that brought Houston here. – 9:49 PM Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
Yikes. Capela missed two free throws, Eric Gordon gets the bucket at the rim.
Rockets up 4 – 9:48 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
#Rockets on a 28-14 run with 2:44 left in the 4th! – 9:48 PM Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
#Rockets season high bench points with 60, 42 of them in the 2nd half to propel Houston back into the game, they lead the Hawks 121-119 w/ 2:44 left – 9:48 PM David Hardisty @clutchfans
This lineup of DJ Augustin, David Nwaba, Eric Gordon, Alperen Sengun and KJ Martin have been unbelievable down the stretch. – 9:48 PM Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
KJ Martin blocks the game-tying layup by John Collins. – 9:47 PM Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
I didn’t see a David Nwaba, D.J. Augustin podium game coming, but here we are – 9:47 PM Kelly Iko @KellyIkoNBA
Silas has said he’s one to reward players that put good stretches together. Big minutes for guys like Nwaba, Martin, Sengun and Augustin late in this one. – 9:47 PM Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Houston takes a 2-point lead off of a pull-up DJ Augustin three. – 9:46 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Down as much as 19, Rockets regain the lead on Augustin 3. – 9:46 PM Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
Hawks led by 16 with 30 seconds left in the third quarter.
It’s 121-119 Rockets with 3:25 to go. – 9:46 PM Kelly Iko @KellyIkoNBA
THE ROCKETS LEAD BY 2. WUT. – 9:46 PM Mike Richman @mikegrich
Are the Rockets better than the Blazers? – 9:45 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
4 minutes left to play in Atlanta, it’s a three-point game 👀 – 9:44 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets within three after 3-pointers from Martin, Gordon, with 4:19 left. Gordon with season-high 25. Rockets switched to trapping Young, willing to get the ball out of his hands and see if they can get enough stops. – 9:44 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
The Hawks led the Rockets by as much as 19 in the first half.
We’ve got a 3-point game, 119-116, with 4:18 to go in the fourth quarter. – 9:44 PM Cayleigh Griffin @cayleighgriffin
New season-high for Eric Gordon with 25. We’ve got a 3 point game in ATL, folks! – 9:43 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
As is often said, just can’t stop Trae Young or David Nwaba. – 9:42 PM Cayleigh Griffin @cayleighgriffin
David Nwaba, ultimate pro. Coming up big when his number is called. – 9:42 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets doing everything they can come up to score, get within five, and Trae Young hits a 3 from 35 feet. Unreal. – 9:38 PM David Hardisty @clutchfans
Now David Nwaba is making a strong case for future playing time. – 9:38 PM Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
11-4 run for the Rockets. Hawks lead down to 5. – 9:37 PM Kelly Iko @KellyIkoNBA
What the. Rockets down 5? Two threes from David Nwaba? – 9:37 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
yessir @KJ Martin pic.twitter.com/BMq0KmsCbK – 9:35 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Nate McMillan said the Rockets will scrap for 48 minutes. They have struggled in many ways tonight, but have done that. Back within six early in the fourth quarter. – 9:34 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
Rockets are out scoring the Hawks 13-6 to start the fourth quarter.
We’ve got a six-point game with 8:31 to play – 9:34 PM Jason Walker @JasonWalkerNBA
DJA is a certified Hawks Hater. – 9:33 PM Cayleigh Griffin @cayleighgriffin
DJ AUGUSTIN! 5-5 FROM THREE! – 9:33 PM Atlanta Hawks PR @HawksPR
Trae Young has recorded his NBA-leading 12th 30+ scoring outing of the 2021-22 season (currently with 30 points).
Young now has 74 career 30+ scoring efforts, tied with Stephen Curry for sixth-most since the 2018-19 season. – 9:31 PM Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
Another slow start for the Hawks to start a fourth quarter.
This is an 8-point game. – 9:28 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
End of 3⃣ in ATL.
Rockets: 81
Hawks: 101
@Kroger | #Rockets pic.twitter.com/W0Hw4INbYt – 9:27 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
KJ with the and-one 😤 pic.twitter.com/ysbDPbeVMu – 9:26 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
Hawks will take a 101-88 lead on the Rockets into the fourth quarter.
Trae Young has a game-high 30 points, plus seven assists and four rebounds. – 9:25 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Hawks 101, Rockets 88 after three. Does not feel that close. – 9:25 PM Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
Hawks up 101-88 over the Rockets at the end of the third quarter.
Young: 30/4/7, 9/15 FG
Gallinari/Reddish: 12 each
Hawks shooting 43 percent from 3 tonight – 9:24 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
C-Wood making moooves 🕺 pic.twitter.com/lJYwunwXxo – 9:18 PM Kelly Iko @KellyIkoNBA
Strong move from Wood attacking Capela in the paint. Rockets might want to test that matchup out some more, especially on the perimeter. – 9:12 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Mathews and Brooks a combined 1 of 9 on 3s. Tough to keep pace with the Hawks, the third-ranked offense in the league, when they are missing and the starting backcourt is out. – 9:10 PM Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
Didn’t have a ton of feel for what to expect tonight but I had ‘Gallinari can get stuff posting up’ on my mental list.” – 9:09 PM Atlanta Hawks PR @HawksPR
With his first block of the night, Clint Capela has tied Stacey Augmon for 25th on the Hawks all-time blocks list with 168. – 9:09 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
Tate from the corner! 👌 pic.twitter.com/GK5T7dJljo – 9:07 PM Atlanta Hawks PR @HawksPR
Clint Capela has now pulled down 10-or-more rebounds in 23 games this season and in 79 of his 90 games as an Atlanta Hawk. – 9:06 PM Jason Walker @JasonWalkerNBA
Trae just messing around out there against this team 🤣🤣 – 9:04 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
Five quick points from Trae Young to get the Hawks back up to a 13-point lead vs. the Rockets.
He’s got 26 points and five assists. – 9:04 PM Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
There’s really nothing anyone can do to stop Trae Young when he gets on one of these shooting streaks.
He’s 8/11 tonight and 4/6 from 3 – 9:03 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets got a lead that had been 19 down to seven. Trae Young triple. Trae Young triple. Hawks up 13, Young up to 26 on 11 shots. – 9:03 PM Kelly Iko @KellyIkoNBA
That was a very elite read from Christian Wood to Jae’Sean Tate in the opposite corner. EG with the heads up. – 9:02 PM Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Solomon Hill (hamstring injury), Buddy Hield (playing for Kings) wish each other speedy recoveries nba.nbcsports.com/2021/12/13/sol… – 9:00 PM Cayleigh Griffin @cayleighgriffin
Armoni Brooks is starting the second half. – 8:55 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
JayGup going 🆙 pic.twitter.com/zan7Unvwhn – 8:54 PM Cayleigh Griffin @cayleighgriffin
Armoni Brooks is back on the court getting up shots at halftime. – 8:51 PM Jason Walker @JasonWalkerNBA
That ref that called the phantom shooting foul on Gallo will T someone up tonight. He looks upset with some of his life’s choices and needs this. – 8:50 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets guard Armoni Brooks working on the floor as if he is either going to return or the Rockets are checking out if he can. Certainly looks like it is his intention to give it a go. Significant with Green, Porter, House all out. – 8:49 PM Atlanta Hawks PR @HawksPR
Atlanta poured in a first half season-high 69 points tonight on .524 FG% (22-42 FG).
Trae Young finished with 21 points (6-9 FG, 3-5 3FG, 6-7 FT), marking the sixth game this season he’s scored 20+ in either half. – 8:45 PM Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
Clint Capela on playing the Rockets: “It feels weird. First time since I left. Obviously I didn’t play with none of them, but still seeing that jersey… It’s a good feeling.” – 8:42 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Hawks 69, Rockets 58 at half. Hawks led by as much as 19. Hawks shooting 52.4 % and 42.9 % on 3s. Rockets bench looking a bit shorthanded with three regulars out and Brooks leaving early in second quarter. – 8:41 PM Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
#Rockets asst. coach John Lucas tells @Cayleigh Griffin in his halftime interview on @ATTSportsNetSW that Armoni Brooks probably will not be back in the 2nd half due to the injury suffered in 1st half. – 8:41 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
24 minutes left to play. pic.twitter.com/BvPGFYXcAI – 8:41 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
HALFTIME: Hawks 69, Rockets 58
Trae Young: 21 pts, 4 ast
Cam Reddish: 12 pts, 1 stl – 8:40 PM Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
Hawks up 69-58 over the Rockets at half-time.
Young: 21/4, 6/9 FG, 5 TOs
Reddish: 12, 3/5 FG
Collins/Gallinari: 7 points each – 8:39 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
Hawks are now shooting 9-19 from 3 (47.4%) with 2:44 left in the first half, leading Houston 65-49.
Overall, Hawks entered the night No. 2 in 3-point percentage this season (38.3%), behind only Charlotte (38.4%). – 8:34 PM Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
With HOU in town, a “Braves in 6” chant from the Sixth Man Section. – 8:29 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets trying some Wood-Sengun minutes. Might as well. Hawks up 17. – 8:24 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
Sengun staying with it 💪 pic.twitter.com/PiolqnDHEN – 8:23 PM Atlanta Hawks PR @HawksPR
With his first triple of the evening, Danilo Gallinari has connected on 1,350 career three-pointers, becoming the 21st active player in the NBA to do so. – 8:19 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
New #Rockets at #TXSN – Stephen Silas finds similarities in Hawks’ rebuild, start of Rockets’ ift.tt/3oR2jYT – 8:18 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
New #Rockets at #TXSN – Hawks coach Nate McMillan: Rockets ‘scrap for 48 minutes’ ift.tt/3ynNxMh – 8:18 PM Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
DJ Augustin has been a legitimately good rotation player for the Rockets for the past 10ish games. – 8:17 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Hawks game ops show replays of a dubious foul call again and again and many more times again. Don’t know why many teams don’t do this when they have the chance. – 8:15 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
Trae Young’s 16 points in the first quarter are a season-high for him in the first, per @Atlanta Hawks PR. – 8:10 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Hawks 38, Rockets 28 after 1. Hawks went on a 20-3 run, first 17 of those points with Young torching Rockets. He went 5 of 6 for 16 points. Rest of Hawks 7 of 17. Young and Hawks had their most points in a first quarter this season. – 8:09 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
1⃣ down in ATL.
Rockets: 28
Hawks: 38
@Kroger | #Rockets pic.twitter.com/7chQFMZJGo – 8:09 PM Atlanta Hawks PR @HawksPR
Trae Young finished tonight’s first quarter with 16 points, marking a season-high for points in a first quarter, as well as his second-highest scoring quarter this season.
His 16 first quarter points were two shy of tying a career-high for points in a first quarter (18, 2x). – 8:09 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
After the first quarter: Hawks 38, Rockets 28
Trae Young: 16 pts (3-3 from 3), 2 ast
Hawks went 7-14 from 3 in the first. – 8:09 PM Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
Hawks tie their 1stQ season high with 38 pts, lead the #Rockets 38-28. – 8:08 PM Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
Hawks up 38-28 over the Rockets at the end of the first.
Young: 16/2/2, 5/6 FG, 3/3 3pt FG
Hawks shot 52 percent from the floor and 7/14 from 3 – 8:08 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
Tate really came out of nowhere for this block 😯 pic.twitter.com/mFhZYDafYu – 8:07 PM Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
This game is very difficult to watch with the Hawks wearing ketchup and mustard jerseys. – 8:04 PM The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
ICE TRAE 🥶
pic.twitter.com/93boPgkYKH – 8:04 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
Trae Young has taken over this game in a hurry, with a game-high 16 points in his first 10 minutes. – 8:04 PM Cayleigh Griffin @cayleighgriffin
Eric Gordon picks up his third foul with 2:33 remaining in the first. Tough, as he’s been the Rockets best defensive option on Trae Young so far. – 8:02 PM David Hardisty @clutchfans
Eric Gordon picks up his third foul in the first quarter. Josh Christopher was struggling to defend Trae Young, EG took the challenge and immediately got his third. – 8:01 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
let ’em fly, vet pic.twitter.com/0OPkJx4c5N – 8:01 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
The display of emotion from John Collins on the bench after Trae Young’s four-point play… just fantastic 😂
To sum it up in emojis: 😳😱🥳🤪🥶 – 8:01 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Eric Gordon picks up his third foul while D.J. Augustin was at the table waiting for a deadball to check in. Silas went to midcourt to protest the call. Hawks on a 14-2 run and Young is cooking. – 8:01 PM Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
I’ll never get tired of watching Trae Young play basketball. – 8:00 PM Kelly Iko @KellyIkoNBA
Oh man. Trae Young is on one right now. Back to back crossover triples on Josh Christopher. – 7:59 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Trae Young faked Josh Christopher from the 3-point line into the lane, hit a 3, and drew a foul on Christopher rushing back. That one will get many viewings. – 7:58 PM Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
I hope they showed John Collins’ reaction to Trae’s 4-point play on TV lol – 7:58 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
EG making it happen in the first quarter!
🚀 11 PTS in 7 min pic.twitter.com/xNuSD0nFVT – 7:56 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
Cam Reddish checks in for the Hawks and immediately hits a 3, then gets a steal on the other end. – 7:55 PM Tony Mejia @MejiaDinero
The Hawks host Houston and are set to administer the people’s elbow in a blowout win. I joined the @WagerTalk NBA Tip-Off show to terrorize our great producer @RoboHarrisJr and drop a little knowledge prior to #Rockets @ #TrueToAtlanta
Get the write-up at https://t.co/H3MqROfC6k pic.twitter.com/dGkgZxZteA – 7:55 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Weird to think that while Clint Capela faces the Rockets for the first time, only one Rockets player in tonight’s game, Eric Gordon, played with Capela in Houston. He was traded in Feb., 2020. – 7:52 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets playing Eric Gordon off the ball with Brooks, Tate initiating offense. They have assists on all seven buckets through six minutes. Gordon with 11 points. – 7:50 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
starting off strong 😤
@Toyota | #Rockets pic.twitter.com/hDrM35KcLr – 7:49 PM Kelly Iko @KellyIkoNBA
Downhill Eric Gordon > – 7:48 PM Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
Two fouls on Collins gets Gallinari in early. – 7:47 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
Starting 5⃣ in ATL! pic.twitter.com/t3gfd32sIW – 7:24 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
Al P got range! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/A9K5OQNJDb – 7:18 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
Hawks will start Trae Young, Kevin Huerter, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, John Collins and Clint Capela vs. the Rockets tonight. – 7:06 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Rockets starters: Tate, Mathews, Wood, Brooks, Gordon. Return to the small lineup.
Hawks: Collins, Luwawu-Cabarrot, Capela, Huerter, Young. Capela’s first game against his former team. – 7:05 PM Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
#Rockets starters vs Hawks : Tate, Wood, Gordon, Mathews, Brooks
Hawks starters: Capela, Collins, Huerter, Luwawu-Cabarrot, Young – 7:03 PM Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Rockets starters:
Gordon
Brooks
Mathews
Tate
Wood – 7:02 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Great to see the legend @rolandsmartin at Rockets-Hawks. pic.twitter.com/HKrN6zRTWK – 7:00 PM Atlanta Hawks PR @HawksPR
Trae Young has notched five straight 25+ point, 10+ assist games, joining Michael Jordan and Russell Westbrook as one of three players to have such a streak since the NBA-ABA merger. Over his last five games, Young’s averaging 28.6 ppg and 11.2 apg. – 6:48 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
It’s getting drippy outside. 💧
@MichelobULTRA | #ULTRADrip pic.twitter.com/6ANZ8gJ8Ab – 6:42 PM Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
Clint Capela, catching up with all of his former teammates in his first game against the Rockets (approx.). pic.twitter.com/ySYEdDdPRO – 6:42 PM Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Stephen Silas says Eric Gordon will likely sit one of the games of the Rockets back-to-back with Cleveland and New York this week. – 6:08 PM Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
Stephen Silas said that he interviewed for the Hawks job when it was open before Lloyd Pierce’s hiring. – 6:08 PM David Hardisty @clutchfans
No restrictions on Eric Gordon tonight. “He’s good to go,” said Silas. – 6:08 PM Kelly Iko @KellyIkoNBA
Stephen Silas says Eric Gordon is good to go tonight. The team is evaluating how he’ll be during back-to-backs. – 6:08 PM David Hardisty @clutchfans
Stephen Silas on Alperen Sengun: “His basketball instincts are so good that if there’s anything lost in translation (when he communicates through translator), he usually makes the right decision.” – 6:04 PM Atlanta Hawks PR @HawksPR
In the month of December, the Hawks are averaging 15.8 3FGM per game, good for the most made triples per game in the East and second-most in the NBA.
Kevin Huerter is averaging 3.8 3FGM on .559 3FG% – fourth-most 3FGM and second-best 3FG% in the East. – 6:02 PM Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
Cam Reddish will come off the bench again, Nate McMillan said. – 5:47 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
Nate McMillan said Cam Reddish is not on a minute restriction tonight.
Reddish will come off the bench. – 5:46 PM Atlanta Hawks PR @HawksPR
Danilo Gallinari enters tonight’s game leading the NBA in points off the bench in the month of December pouring in 15.4 ppg.
Gallinari’s the only bench player in the NBA this month to be averaging 15-or-more ppg shooting .500-or-better from the field. – 5:04 PM Atlanta Hawks PR @HawksPR
Last season, the Hawks swept the Rockets in their two-game regular season series, averaging 121.5 ppg, 47.0 rpg and 32.0 apg (.528 FG%, .414 3FG%). Atlanta’s margin of victory in those two outings was +20.5.
Game Notes: nba.com/gamenotes/hawk… – 4:10 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
Taking on the Hawks tonight. 🚀
6:30 PM Tip-Off
📺 @ATTSportsNetSW
📻 @SportsTalk790 / En Español KLAT 1010AM pic.twitter.com/ujDCyny3y2 – 4:00 PM Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Hawks seeking first-round pick for Cam Reddish? sportando.basketball/en/hawks-seeki… – 3:28 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
New #Rockets at #TXSN – As NBA deals with COVID issues, all Rockets players have had booster shots ift.tt/3dNok4z – 3:18 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
The Bulls next road game is set for December 27th in Atlanta. Home games leading up to that date include : Lakers, Rockets, Raptors and Pacers. The Bulls play just one game in a 5 day span ( Dec. 21-26) – 3:18 PM Houston Rockets @HoustonRockets
#Rockets coverage begins TONIGHT at 6:00PM on @ATTSportsNetSW. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/00csJYfMxS – 3:00 PM Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
Was lucky enough to tour @OvertimeElite in Atlanta. Big thought: Too soon to tell if it’s the future of basketball development. But it’s definitely the future of basketball media. https://t.co/AHFGgpyQ99 pic.twitter.com/jsf0RRT73X – 2:20 PM Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic progresses activities to include individual on-court workouts sportando.basketball/en/hawks-bogda… – 2:18 PM Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
Hawks say Bogdan Bogdanovic (right ankle sprain on 11/27) has progressed his activities to include individual on-court workouts. He will be listed as out for tonight’s game vs. Houston and his status will be updated as appropriate. – 2:02 PM Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Hawks say Bogdan Bogdanovic (right ankle sprain on 11/27) remains out but has progressed his activities to include individual on-court workouts.
More NBA from me: marcstein.substack.com – 2:02 PM Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Hawks say guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (right ankle sprain on 11/27) has progressed his activities to include individual on-court workouts. He will be listed as out for tonight’s game vs. Houston. – 2:01 PM Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
Hawks say Bogdan Bogdanovic, who’s been out since Nov. 27 with an ankle sprain, has progressed his activities to include individual on-court workouts. He will be listed as out for tonight’s game and his status will be updated as appropriate. – 2:01 PM Sarah K. Spencer @sarah_k_spence
Bogdan Bogdanovic (right ankle sprain on 11/27) has progressed his activities to include individual on-court workouts, Hawks announce.
He’ll be out for tonight’s game vs. Houston. – 2:01 PM Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
NBA has postponed the Bulls next 2 games (Dec. 14 vs Raptors & Dec. 16 at Pistons) as the team has 10 players, along with addt’l staff members in the health & safety protocols. #Rockets are scheduled to play at Bulls on Dec. 20. – 1:47 PM Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
As NBA deals with COVID issues, all Rockets players have had booster shots houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 1:35 PM