By Adrian Stewart Co
Atlanta Hawks leaned on the exploits of Trae Young in the second half as they cruise to a 112-94 victory over short-handed Philadelphia 76ers in the 2020-2021 NBA Season on Monday night (Tuesday in the Philippines) at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
Young top-scored with 26 points while De’Andre Hunter and Brandon Goodwin had 15 points each for the Hawks, which halted its four-game losing run to improve to 5-5 win-loss slate.
Young, who was held to a combined 22 points in his last two games, regained his scoring touch against the 76ers as he opened the second half with a jumper before adding back-to-back layups.
The Hawks stretched a 65-50 halftime advantage to an 80-52 lead with the scoring run. The Hawks were on top 95-65 late in the third before Young and other starters sat out the final period.
Joel Embiid tallied double-double 24 points and 11 rebounds, Isaiah Joe had 18 points, while rookie Tyrese Maxey, who scored 39 points in his first start against Denver, had 15 as the 76ers dropped to 7-4.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Hornets rolled to its fourth consecutive triumph following a 109-88 domination over New York Knicks at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Gordon Hayward top-scored with 34 points, including two triples, Devonte Graham added 19 markers, seven assists and three steals as the Hornets moved up to 6-5 win-loss slate.
“It’s been a lot of fun playing with my new teammates and under this coaching staff,” Hayward said. “I’m having a great time. As long as we keep doing our jobs and playing hard every night I think the wins and losses will take care of themselves.”
Hayward was on fire since the opening half where he drained 28 of his points total for a 57-50 Hornets lead. The lead grew further in the second half as it reached the 20-point margin in the fourth period.
Kevin Knox finished the match with 19 points while Mitchell Robinson had double-double 12 points and 11 rebounds as the Knicks suffered its third straight defeat for a 5-6 record./ASC, WDJ