Hawks rout Mavs 135-111 behind Johnson’s double-double

A Dominant Start Sets the Tone

The Atlanta Hawks established control of the contest early, leveraging a blistering offensive start to build an insurmountable lead against the Dallas Mavericks. The visitors opened with explosive energy, outscoring the home team 39-34 in the first quarter.

This early surge provided the foundation for a comprehensive victory, as Atlanta maintained its offensive rhythm throughout the evening to secure a 135-111 win at American Airlines Center on Friday.

Hawks’ Balanced Attack Prevails

Atlanta’s offense was multifaceted, with multiple players contributing to the high-scoring affair. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the way for the visitors with 25 points, showcasing his ability to score from various levels. The Hawks’ frontcourt presence was equally formidable, anchored by Jalen Johnson, who controlled the glass with 14 rebounds.

Kingston Flemings facilitated the offense effectively, dishing out six assists to keep the ball moving and create open looks for his teammates.

The second quarter saw Atlanta extend its advantage, capitalizing on Dallas’s struggles to contain their perimeter shooting. By halftime, the Hawks had built a comfortable margin that allowed them to manage the tempo in the subsequent periods. The third quarter further widened the gap as Atlanta continued to find success inside and out, preventing Dallas from mounting any significant comeback attempts.

Mavericks’ Efforts Fall Short

Despite the loss, Cooper Flagg provided a bright spot for Dallas with a game-high 26 points and 12 rebounds, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the floor. Kyrie Irving contributed to the team's ball movement with five assists, but the Mavericks were unable to match Atlanta’s scoring output in critical moments.

The home team struggled to maintain consistency, particularly after the first quarter, allowing the Hawks to dictate the pace.

The fourth quarter saw continued scoring from both sides, but the deficit proved too large for Dallas to overcome. Atlanta’s depth and efficiency ensured they held firm until the final buzzer. The victory improves Atlanta’s record to 4-1, while Dallas drops to 1-3 on the season. The game drew an attendance of 19,178 fans to the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Sources

ESPN