New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
Atlanta HawksOpen full analysis
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 117–100 on January 7 at State Farm Arena, controlling most of the contest despite a fourth-quarter surge from the visitors. Zaccharie Risacher led Atlanta with 25 points, while Jrue Johnson added 19 as the Hawks shot 46.3 percent from the field and made 18 three-pointers to dominate offensive efficiency. New Orleans countered with Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole combining for 43 points, but the Pelicans' 44.2 percent shooting and just 8 three-pointers made proved insufficient. Atlanta's third quarter was decisive—the Hawks outscored New Orleans 24–13 to build a commanding lead that the Pelicans could not fully overcome, despite rallying for 34 points in the fourth. The Hawks' defensive rating of 90.9 versus New Orleans' 105.9 reflected Atlanta's superior execution, though both teams matched 13 steals and committed 19 turnovers. The final margin of 17 points fell well short of the 246.5 Vegas total line, suggesting a defensive-minded affair. Atlanta's balanced attack and third-quarter execution position them favorably in the Eastern Conference standings.
