Atlanta HawksOpen full analysis
New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 115–98 on November 22 at Smoothie King Center, with Kristaps Porzingis leading the way on 30 points and Valdemaras Krejčí adding 21 in a dominant road performance. Atlanta's offense proved suffocating, shooting 46.7 percent from the field and draining 17 three-pointers while committing just 7 turnovers against New Orleans' 14 miscues. The Hawks' second quarter proved decisive—they outscored the Pelicans 35–21 in that frame to seize control. New Orleans, led by D. Queen's 20 points and T. Murphy III's 19, managed only 41.7 percent shooting and made just 8 threes despite 48 total rebounds. Atlanta's defensive rating of 102.6 compared favorably to New Orleans' 120.6, showcasing the Hawks' ability to control tempo and limit second chances. The 17-point margin underscored Atlanta's balanced attack: 28 assists and a +21 turnover differential proved too much for a Pelicans squad that struggled in isolation. The win positions Atlanta favorably in the Eastern Conference standings.
