When Anthony Edwards returns to his native Georgia, it never goes unnoticed. Except that, even “at home”, in front of family and friends, the player of Timberwolves (16 points) was unable to prevent his team from another defeat against Hawks who remained, however, on three losses in a row.
Special mention to Trae Young (29 points, 7 assists) and Garrison Mathews (25 points), stronger than Naz Reid (23 points) and company.
Things actually started badly for the Timberwolves, immediately taken by the throat by the Hawks who did not let them get into position in attack (32% skill). Above all, they take water in defense in front of the claw shots of Trae Young and others, who unfold despite waste with ball in hand (35-19).
From -19 to +3, there is only one step and Minnesota proves it by overthrowing Atlanta in the second quarter, driven by its bench (DiVincenzo – Alexander-Walker – Reid) and Julius Randle . Garrison Mathews is the only one to shine opposite, but as the success percentages reverse and second chances multiply for Minny, everything changes on the scoreboard (55-52).
The two teams are level after the break and the gap does not change (85-82). Trae Young, Julius Randle, De'Andre Hunter, Anthony Edwards and other Naz Reid respond in turn, the attacks are on a good dynamic in terms of skill and only the lost balls bring a dose of negative to the together, on both sides.
It was finally in the last quarter that the decision was made, with the Hawks starting to bring down the skill of their opponents, in addition to causing turnovers with the sprawling Dyson Daniels. At the same time, Garrison Mathews still ducks from the parking lot and Trae Young of course follows suit, so as to regain around ten points in advance. This time definitely (117-104).
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Garrison Mathews, the X factor. If Trae Young, inspired from the first minutes, set the example for the Hawks, who were also able to rely on an omnipresent Dyson Daniels on the passing lines (8 interceptions!), it is above all their back who, in the absence of Bogdan Bogdanovic, took over the shooting. Incandescent, he punished the Minnesota defense which too often left him free from any marking and he had a field day from the second quarter onwards. The symbol of this beautiful, award-winning address (18/36) which has constantly propelled Atlanta.
– Anthony Edwards beaten again “at home”. Originally from Atlanta, the All-Star guard was obviously keen to shine in front of his loved ones, but he failed and his team lost for the third time in a row. For him, it is the fourth defeat in five games in Georgia, since his arrival in the league in 2020. Well contained by Dyson Daniels, who forced him to spray from afar and waste several possessions, “Ant” had to badly for three games, frustration is there, and he has to react quickly, while “Christmas Day” in Dallas presents itself to him.
– Rudy Gobert discovers Zaccharie Risacher. First clash in the NBA between the four-time Defender of the Year and the first choice of the 2024 Draft. Not really the match where they each shone the most…
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
