Trae Young scored 36 points and his Atlanta Hawks held on to beat the San Antonio Spurs 109-99 at State Farm Arena on Monday afternoon. Atlanta almost blew a thirty-five point lead during the second half.

“I think obviously we did a good job in the first half, the attention to detail and the focus we had was huge for us,” Young said. “In the second half, I just think we got too relaxed.”

Speaking of the thirty-five point lead, Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama failed to score a point in the first half. In the second half, he scored 26 points

“Our team has learned they need to throw the passes,” said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich of Wembanyama’s ability to score near the basket.

Jalen Johnson had 16 points, 10 rebounds and six steals. His game has been rising as of late with stellar performances against the Sixers and Wizards. However, the talk after the game was the lackluster play in the second half of games which results in many blown leads.

“I really think is probably those first five minutes of the half,” Johnson explained. I know a lot of the times you know when we get good lead in the first half, we call a timeout because they go on a run. We got to just cut back on that allowing that to happen.”

Killer Mike performed during the MLK Day festivities at State Farm Arena. Each head coach explained the significance of playing in the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s hometown.

“To be able to play on this day is an incredible honor to be able to celebrate Dr. King,” said Hawks coach Quin Snyder, who said, “obviously the significance of this day in this city is something really good and really good to be part of.”

Popovich added MLK Day is “even more meaningful and appropriate because of the lack of leadership we seem to have in the world right now.”

The Hawks will face the Orlando Magic this Wednesday at 7:30pm.

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Jalen Johnson had 25 points and 16 rebounds in a huge performance against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. Coupled with a key three pointer down the stretch in overtime, the Atlanta Hawks snapped a two-game losing streak, winning 139-132 at State Farm Arena. It was the first win the Hawks had in three tries against the Sixers.

Joel Embiid was held out due to injury. Also, former Tennessee State swingman Robert Covington was held out due to swelling in his ankle.

The Hawks won the first game of a five-game homestand. They’ll return to the court Friday night against the Indiana Pacers.

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The Atlanta Hawks today announced their plans to host their annual ‘MLK Game presented by Chase’ at the award-winning State Farm Arena on Monday, Jan. 15. Nominated for the Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song at this year’s 66^th GRAMMY® Awards, hip-hop icon and Atlanta native Killer Mike will perform a special tribute at halftime which will celebrate and honor the life and legacy of Atlanta’s most favored son, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All fans in attendance will receive a Hawks-branded tote bag courtesy of Chase.

During warm-ups, Hawks players and staff will join teams throughout the league in wearing special MLK shooting shirts that feature a quote from Dr. King. The Hawks, who will wear their Fly City Edition uniforms, are set to play San Antonio at 3:30 p.m. Limited tickets remain for this game and purchased at Hawks.com/tickets.

“As an Atlanta native and fellow Morehouse Man who is also a Hawks fan, performing for Atlanta during the MLK celebration is the homecoming dream of a lifetime,” said Killer Mike.

Killer Mike gets recognized for many things – being an Outkast protégé, a member of rap powerhouse Run The Jewels, one of Atlanta’s biggest advocates and, perhaps most importantly, a voice of reason in an increasingly insane world. Some might know one or two of those sides of Mike, but with his new album ‘MICHAEL’ he has finally introduced the world to the totality of Michael Render. Killer Mike has a growing empire of barbershops, including one at State Farm Arena, where fans can get a cut and a shave in the S.W.A.G. Shop, a four-chair barbershop that overlooks the court.

“We are beyond excited to have world-renowned and Atlanta’s own Killer Mike perform as part of this special annual MLK Game presented by Chase,” said Melissa Proctor, Chief Marketing Officer for the Hawks and State Farm Arena. “We encourage Hawks’ fans to come downtown for the early afternoon tipoff to and join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Prior to the game, the Hawks are hosting a special panel at 1:45 p.m. presented by Chase titled, “A Transparent Conversation About Homeownership in Atlanta” featuring panelists Terri M. Lee (Chief Operating Officer, Atlanta Housing), Corey Mason (Head of Chase Home Lending for Atlanta) and Latresa McLawhorn Ryan (Chief Executive Officer, Blackbird Strategy Group). Chase is the official bank, credit card, wealth management and investment banking partner of the Hawks and State Farm Arena. Moderated by Rohit Malhotra (Founder and Executive Director, Center for Civic Innovation), the panel will focus on how to increase home ownership rates among Black Americans in the Atlanta area. This discussion will be open to fans who have a ticket for the game and have RSVP’d to attend the panel. Fans who purchase tickets will receive an invite link to RSVP. The panel will also be livestreamed at Hawks.com/stream.

“Chase is honored to stand alongside the Atlanta Hawks and Killer Mike to pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by actively championing the path to financial freedom for all,” said Corey Mason, Head of Home Lending for Chase in Atlanta. “Our pregame panel aims to enlighten Hawks fans about homeownership, emphasizing its role as the cornerstone of building robust communities and fostering generational wealth.”

To tip off the festivities, the Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society will sing the Hawks’ player introductions along with the national anthem.

During the game and through social recognition, the Hawks and Chase will honor local Black and woman-owned marketing and communications firm, Communiqué USA. Communiqué USA provides flexible marketing and communications services for corporations in need of relief for their overworked and understaffed teams.

In honor of recognizing the courageous activism of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Olympian Dr. Tommie Smith will also be honored by the Hawks during the game. Dr. Smith along with fellow American John Carlos, placed gold and bronze respectively in the 200-meter race at the 1968 Mexico City games. Standing on the medal podium, Dr. Smith and Mr. Carlos, shoeless in black socks (representing Black poverty in America), adorned with one black glove, and wearing pins supporting the Olympic Project for Human Rights on their jackets, raised one fist during the national anthem. This symbolic act not only reflected their dedication to the Civil Rights Movement but also echoed their broader commitment to human rights worldwide and athlete activism.

In October 2022, the Atlanta Hawks and JPMorgan Chase announced a new agreement to expand and grow their integrated partnership. As part of the expanded agreement, Chase became the presenting sponsor in two key experiences: the Chase Concert Club: the arena’s ultra-premium space for enjoying the world’s best live entertainment and NBA action.

In January of 2023, the Atlanta Hawks and Chase hosted a special MLK Day panel, “Advancing the Legacy: Investing in the Next Generation.” The Hawks also played their annual ‘MLK Day Game presented by Chase’ and honored local small business, Tracy Nicole Clothing, recognized civil rights and pioneer broadcast executive, Xernona Clayton, and more. In January of 2022, the Hawks and Chase hosted a special MLK Day panel, “Advancing the Legacy: Realizing the Dream”. The Hawks also played their annual ‘MLK Day Game presented by Chase’ and unveiled a new ‘MLK Wall’ as part of the team’s annual tribute of Dr. King’s life and legacy.

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Ja Morant had legions of fans inside State Farm Arena Saturday night and he gave them something to talk about. He scored 30 points and dished out eleven assists as the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Atlanta Hawks 125-119 at State Farm Arena.

The game was not without controversy as Morant blocked Bogdan Bogdanovic’s layup attempt during the fourth quarter. The Hawks clamored for a goaltending call but the officials did not oblige.

“I’ve pretty much been here, so I know what type of team we can have and what type of noise we can make in this league,” Morant said after the game. “We didn’t start how we wanted to, but we’re where we need to be. We’re hungry and people are doubting us. That’s when we are at our best.”

Meanwhile, the Hawks lost their second game of a back-to-back. Notably, Atlanta starting forward De’Andre Hunter missed his second straight game with knee soreness. Also, it is expected Jalen Johnson will return from injury in time for Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls.

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This holiday season the Atlanta Hawks, in collaboration with the Lady Hawks, orchestrated a festive day for over 60 students at the Boyce L. Ansley School, a tuition-free private institution catering to children experiencing homelessness in Atlanta.

The Lady Hawks, a collective of wives, significant others, and mothers of Hawks players and staff, actively engaged in the festivities alongside volunteers from the Hawks organization. The day’s activities included arts and crafts sessions and a photo booth for the students’ enjoyment.

In preparation for the event, students were entrusted with creating wish lists, which were later displayed on a tree at the Hawks’ corporate office with the organization ensuring each student received a personalized holiday gift from their lists.

Johnny Ray James, a seasoned educator with 15 years of experience and the current Head of School, expressed his gratitude for the Hawks’ support of the school and students. “I understand the Hawks’ slogan is ‘True to The A,’ but the A, whether in terms of Ansley or Atlanta, truly resonates because they brought in a substantial number of people, including staff and volunteers,” James said. “The kids can genuinely feel the joy.” 

James, an alumnus of Teach for America with an MBA in education from LSU, stressed the importance of exposing students, not just to players but to everyone behind the scenes who came and volunteered. “I’m glad that the students were able to see the operation team of the Hawks to see truly what makes the engine go because a lot of kids only see the dreams that we give them, and this has given them some new dreams,” James said.

Further elaborating on the significance of the Hawks’ involvement during the holiday season, James empathized with the challenges faced by the students. “Our kiddos, unfortunately, have nightmares both day and night. By seeing that they were brought so many gifts from their wish lists, the Hawks are making literal Christmas dreams come true,” James told The Atlanta Voice.

In addressing the critical need for comprehensive education support, James emphasized the approach that the institution takes compared to many public schools—highlighting the challenge faced by public schools attempting to provide wraparound services, often falling short due to overwhelming student versus staff numbers. The Boyce L. Ansley School maintains low class sizes, capped at around 15 students, enabling a more personalized and effective approach.

James further cited that while public schools might have a social worker catering to about 300 students, The Boyce L. Ansley School’s two social workers on staff maintain a ratio of one to 32, ensuring more individualized attention and care. The inclusion of licensed therapists further enhances the support system, offering therapeutic sessions for students and one-to-one assistance for their families, “We provide holistic support to make sure that we can provide an outlet to economic mobility,” James told The Atlanta Voice.

Alexis Roe, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Strategic Initiatives, now in her third season with the Hawks, shared her commitment to helping the students of Boyce L. Ansley School. Born in the Lone Star state of Texas, but raised in Decatur, Georgia, Roe cites her passion for positive change stemming from her upbringing, while attending the Dekalb School of the Arts in DeKalb County. “I grew up knowing that I was going to change what Atlanta looked like in terms of decreasing barriers, tearing down barriers, making more access for people. At my core, that’s who I am,” said Roe.

With a diverse professional background, including teaching in China and marketing for Home Depot, Roe’s journey led her to her current role with the Hawks. In her position, Roe cites striving to make individuals “feel seen, heard, valued, supported, and respected,” while emphasizing the importance of fostering a sense of belonging.

Reflecting on the Hawks’ engagement with The Boyce L. Ansley School, Roe emphasized, “The Ansley school is such an amazing school that’s six minutes from State Farm Arena. When we look at our city and see different challenges, we recognize that as an organization, we want to help lift our community. We are true to Atlanta and a civic asset to the community,” Roe told The Atlanta Voice.

A poignant moment during the event included students taking the stage to declare their aspirations, as recounted by Morgan Walsh, a Lady Hawk of 15 years. Describing seeing the excitement of a young girl in a Hawks jersey, Walsh said, “It almost brought tears to a lot of people’s eyes because she just came out running and screaming.”

Walsh, married to Hawks director of team operations Zac Walsh for nearly 15 years, highlighted the organization’s positive impact on mental health. “This organization has been great for the city of Atlanta for doing activities, but also just for the mental health of the wives, girlfriends of the coaches and players,” Walsh said.

Charting the evolution of the Lady Hawks, Walsh credited the guidance of Jami Gertz (co-owner of the Hawks along with her husband businessman Tony Ressler) citing that the organization has grown substantially, actively participating in numerous service activities throughout the year.

Originally from South Carolina, Walsh, an Emory graduate in Political Science, now works in the clerk’s office at the Georgia State Capitol. Reflecting on the joy of giving back during the holiday season, she described the experience as invigorating. “I just want to say how thankful that we are that we’re able to help out an amazing organization and these kids. We’re decorating cards and ornaments right now, and it reminds you of the epitome of Christmas – that you’re around people and seeing the kids’ faces, smiling and their eyes shining. That’s what’s important,” said Walsh.

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Jamal Murray scored 29 points, Nikola Jokic rediscovered his shooting touch to score 25 and the Denver Nuggets ended their three-game skid, holding off the Atlanta Hawks 129-122 on Monday night.

Bogdan Bogdanovic set career highs with 40 points and 10 3-pointers in the Hawks’ fourth consecutive loss.

Bogdanovic sank three 3s in the final two minutes but the defending NBA champion Nuggets, who had a 20-point lead early in the fourth quarter, held off Atlanta’s comeback. The Hawks got within 126-122 in the final minute.

“I think this is the first time in a long time he really moves normally and doesn’t have any pains,” Jokic said. “I remember when he had games like this when he seemed like he never missed a shot.”

Rookie Julian Strawther scored a career-high 22 points while making six 3-pointers for Denver. Strawther had a game-high five steals.

Aaron Gordon had 18 points and 12 rebounds.

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The tables had beautiful floral centerpieces on them and were covered in red tablecloth. There were name cards strategically placed on the tables for the guests of the hour when they arrived. The holiday season schedule is traditionally packed with parties and get-togethers for many of us, but for many seniors within our community, there aren’t always opportunities to get together. 

The Atlanta Hawks, national insurance provider State Farm, and Meals on Wheels Atlanta (MOWA) did something about that Wednesday, December 6, collaborating on the first ever ‘Brucnh, Beats & Bingo’, an event that allowed local seniors to have fun during the holiday season, while also being given groceries. 

Food insecurity is one of the issues that all three organizations attempt to battle year-round, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Manager Tonya James said. “This is just another example of how we can work together and impact our community. It’s an opportunity for us to provide nourishment, a sense of community, and connection to our seniors.” 

The brunch menu included beef ribs, mashed potatoes, green beans, and pies for dessert. 

Before ‘Brunch, Beats & Bingo’ began a dozen volunteers helped pack bags full of breakfast foods and drinks for the seniors to take home later that afternoon. The bags contained juice, milk, cereal, granola bars, oatmeal, and fruit. All of the items come courtesy of the Hawks and State Farms Good Neighbor Food Pantry. 

Atlanta Hawks Vice President of Basketball Development Jon Babul was on hand and said these events are a way for the franchise to build a sense of community outside of the basketball games and camps they host.

“This is the power of our community partnerships and the ability to come together and fight food insecurity,” Babul said as he looked around the room as it filled with people, including DJ Jazzy T, who has worked with MOWA for the past two years as the organization’s defacto DJ, played holiday classics throughout the event. “The ability to collaborate and bring some stars together for the holidays is always a good thing too,” he said.

The event took place downtown inside the Meals on Wheels Atlanta headquarters and the entertainment for the day along with DJ Jazzy T was a three-song performance by Que Parker of 112 fame. He sang a number of holiday classics.

More than two dozen seniors were invited to take part in a brunch, including Reverend Ronald Brown, Sr. A transplant from Maryland six years ago, Brown moved to Atlanta and immediately joined the congregation at New Bethel Baptist Church. He said he decided to bring along two members of his church family to the brunch because “I always like to have some of my fellow seniors participate in events,” Brown said.

Meals on Wheels CEO Charlene Crusoe-Ingram greeted the seniors, who were surprised with cheers from a pair of Atlanta Hawks cheer squad members. Some of the seniors made their way to the tables with canes, walkers, and walking sticks, but all were driven to the MOWA headquarters in a chartered van. 

“We have to feed our seniors and we can’t do that without the help of all of these partnerships,” Crusoe-Ingram told The Atlanta Voice. “Having this connection with two of our key partners, State Farm and the Atlanta Hawks, it all works when you can do that together.” 

Asked if there is going to be another Bingo, Beats & Brunch in the future, Babul said he didn’t see why not. “This is going to be a huge success. We can’t fail. It’s the holidays.”

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Trae Young scored a season-high 43 points, including 14 in overtime, and the Atlanta Hawks outlasted the Brooklyn Nets 147-145 on Wednesday in their second shootout in two nights.

A night after falling 157-152 to the Indiana Pacers, the Hawks showed no fatigue. Atlanta led 45-33 after one quarter and Young had 19 points and six 3-pointers, the most he has made in any period in his career.

“I want to impose my will on the game as much as I can when I go out and play,” Young said.

De’Andre Hunter had 25 points and 11 rebounds, and scored nine straight points for the Hawks in the fourth quarter. Clint Capela finished with 14 points and 15 rebounds as Atlanta snapped a three-game losing streak and got back to .500.

Mikal Bridges tied a career high with 45 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Nets. He had 11 points in overtime.

Young’s 15-footer with 17 seconds left gave the Hawks the lead for good at 144-143. Onyeka Okongwu had a key blocked shot of Bridges’ layup with 7 seconds left that kept Atlanta in front, and Lonnie Walker IV shot an airball on a 17-footer at the buzzer for the Nets.

“We gave up a lot of points, but when it mattered, we got some big stops,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said.

The Nets, without injured starters Ben Simmons and Cam Thomas, and key reserve Dennis Smith Jr., have lost three straight.

Young forced overtime when he hit one of two free throws with a second to play after he was fouled on a drive by Spencer Dinwiddie. That tied the game at 131. Bridges missed a fallaway at the buzzer to end regulation.

“When I have a chance to put my team ahead and win the game, you don’t want to let your teammates down,” Young said. “You try to make up for it. I just wanted to be aggressive (in overtime) and not be the reason why we lost.”

Cam Johnson had 21 points for the Nets, making five 3-pointers. His tip-in with 3.3 seconds left in regulation gave the Nets a 131-130 lead before Young’s free throw.

Nic Claxton had 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Nets before fouling out in overtime. Dinwiddie had 26 points and 12 assists.

UP NEXT

Nets: Host the Heat on Saturday in the first of a five-game homestand.

Hawks: At the Wizards on Saturday in the first of a five-game road trip.

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Saturday, the Atlanta Hawks hosted entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas and win $10,000 at State Farm Arena.

The ‘Pull Up & Pitch’ program was presented by The Black Girl Ventures Foundation (BGV) and the NBA Foundation and is open to all US-based registered Black & Brown Founders, small business owners and entrepreneurs. The mission of Black Girl Ventures Foundation is to provide Black/Brown woman-identifying founders with access to community, capital, and capacity building in order to meet business milestones that lead to economic advancement through entrepreneurship.

More than 100 entrepreneurs were given the chance to pitch their business in a fast-paced, question-and-answer competition. Each participant had 60 seconds to deliver an elevator pitch to access grants that will help grow their businesses on the spot.

Those that advanced to the final round had three minutes to pitch their business plans.

Check out the photo gallery and the winners below!

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Thursday, the Atlanta Hawks announced that four-time RIAA-Certified platinum recording artist Young Dro will perform at halftime when the team goes up against Philadelphia on Friday, Nov. 17th. The game, presented by Georgia Natural Gas, marks the team’s first home game that counts towards the NBA In-Season Tournament. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. with the first 5,000 fans in attendance receiving a special commemorative ticket. Limited tickets remain for the game are available at Hawks.com/tickets.

Young Dro is a renowned rapper hailing from the westside of Atlanta whose career spans more than two decades. He has solidified his position as one of the most influential figures in the hip-hop industry due to his unique style, clever wordplay and undeniable charisma, all of which have captivated audiences worldwide.

“It means so much to me to be given the opportunity to represent my hometown of Atlanta by performing at halftime of the Hawks’ first In-Season Tournament home game ever,” said Young Dro. “I hope my performance inspires resilience, compassion and confidence in our city’s youth, and inspires them to be part of shaping a future where every child thrives, regardless of the challenges they face.”

From an early age, Djuan ‘Young Dro’ Hart displayed a natural talent for music. His passion for storytelling and lyrical prowess led him to pursue a career in rap. In 2006, he burst onto the scene with his debut album, ‘Best Thang Smokin’,’ which quickly gained critical acclaim and commercial success. Throughout his career, Young Dro has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry and his distinctive voice and infectious energy have made him a sought-after artist for both collaborations and solo projects. Beyond his musical achievements, Young Dro is known for his entrepreneurial spirit. He has successfully launched his own record label, and non-profit organization ‘It STILL Takes A Village’ dedicated toward bridging the gap in community, youth and parents.

Last season, the Hawks had performances from award-winning artists such as Domani and T.I., Goodie Mob, Gucci Mane, Keri Hilson, Jeezy, Marvin Sapp and NE-YO.

To secure tickets for the game on Friday, Nov. 17 against the New York Knicks, visit Hawks.com/tickets.

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