Hawks’ Second-Half Rally Falls Short in 132-123 Preseason Loss to Grizzlies

The Atlanta Hawks opened their preseason schedule Monday night with a 132-123 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Atlanta showed promise early and made a strong push in the second half, but a difficult second quarter created a deficit the Hawks could not overcome.

CJ McCollum and Lu Dort did not play for Atlanta. The Hawks opened with a starting five of Kingston Flemings, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu. Alexander-Walker opened the scoring for Atlanta with a 3-pointer. Flemings also connected from beyond the arc for the first points of his NBA career. The Hawks played well defensively early, building an 11-point advantage before Memphis began to find its offense. Aaron Wiggins and Jock Landale were among the first players off Atlanta's bench, while Asa Newell contributed inside and converted an early three-point play. Atlanta finished the opening quarter with a 35-32 lead. The game shifted dramatically in the second quarter. Wiggins knocked down a 3-pointer, while Alexander-Walker continued to provide offense, but Memphis took control as the period progressed. The Grizzlies scored 49 points in the quarter and carried an 81-61 lead into halftime. Atlanta changed its lineup significantly to begin the second half. Flemings remained on the floor alongside Corey Kispert, Keshon Gilbert, Landale and Newell.

That group helped the Hawks respond. Kispert scored 10 points in the third quarter without missing a shot, while Newell added a transition dunk. Dorian Finney-Smith also received his first minutes of the night and contributed on both ends of the floor. Rookie Zuby Ejiofor entered during the third quarter and finished a dunk after being set up by a teammate. Atlanta improved defensively after halftime, holding Memphis to 29 points in the third quarter. The Hawks entered the fourth trailing 110-98. The comeback effort continued in the final period. Jalen Wilson connected on two 3-pointers to help Atlanta reduce the deficit to single digits. Newell remained active around the basket, creating second-chance opportunities and attacking the rim. Despite Atlanta's late push, Memphis continued to answer offensively and prevented the Hawks from completing the comeback. Kispert led Atlanta with 19 points, while Alexander-Walker finished with 14. Newell recorded 12 points and 12 rebounds.

The Hawks will continue their preseason schedule on Oct. 8 against the San Antonio Spurs.