Nickeil Alexander Walker Lifts Hawks Past Jazz 121 119 in Atlanta After Late Game Thriller

Nickeil Alexander Walker delivered the decisive basket with 1.3 seconds remaining as the Atlanta Hawks secured a 121 119 win over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, a breaking update that capped a tightly contested finish at State Farm Arena.

Alexander Walker finished with 23 points and broke a 119 119 tie with a short jumper in the closing moments, sealing a victory that highlighted Atlanta’s recent roster flexibility and late game execution. The result added momentum for a Hawks team navigating rotation changes while maintaining position in the Eastern Conference race.

Newly acquired Jock Landale provided a significant impact in his first extended opportunity with Atlanta, scoring a season high 29 points. Landale connected on a go ahead three pointer with 45 seconds remaining and set career and season benchmarks across multiple categories, including five three pointers, four blocks, and five assists. He started in place of Onyeka Okongwu, who missed his fourth straight game due to a dental fracture, a latest timeline development that continues to affect Atlanta’s frontcourt depth.

Jalen Johnson recorded his third consecutive triple double and tenth of the season, finishing with 22 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists. His total ranks second in the NBA this season behind Nikola Jokic, placing Johnson among the league’s most productive all around forwards and reinforcing his growing role within the Hawks’ offense.

Landale joined Atlanta on Wednesday after being rerouted from Memphis to Utah as part of an eight player transaction before being moved again for cash considerations. His immediate contribution reflects the impact short term acquisitions can have when injuries compress the rotation.

Utah forced the late drama when rookie Ace Bailey tied the game at 119 with a three pointer with nine seconds remaining, setting the stage for Alexander Walker’s winner. The Jazz continued to rely heavily on their limited rotation, playing just eight players as they await the arrival of recently acquired personnel.

Isaiah Collier played 48 minutes for the second consecutive game and posted 25 points and 11 assists. Kyle Filipowski added 15 points and 17 rebounds, while Lauri Markkanen scored 18 points. Brice Sensabaugh also contributed 18 points off the bench for Utah, which has now lost 17 of its last 21 games. The Jazz were again without Keyonte George, who missed his third straight game with a left ankle sprain, a factor that continues to shape their offensive outlook.

For Atlanta, Cory Kispert scored 20 points, his highest output since joining the Hawks 12 games ago, providing additional perimeter scoring as the team balances its lineup. What this means moving forward is increased confidence in Atlanta’s depth as the season advances, particularly if Okongwu remains sidelined.

The outlook for Utah remains focused on development and continuity as new players integrate and injuries heal. Next steps come quickly, with the Jazz traveling to Orlando on Saturday night and the Hawks returning home to host Charlotte as both teams continue navigating the latest phase of the season.