Hawks down Sixers 112-94, get back into win column

Following a four-game losing streak, the Atlanta Hawks traveled back home to host the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers. Through a combination of better basketball and a lack of available talent on the Sixers’ front, the Hawks ran away with an 112-94 win for its first win since Jan. 1.

The Hawks reverted to starting Cam Reddish following Bogdan Bogdanovic’s injury last game in Charlotte. Trae Young entered the game shooting 1-14 from beyond the arc through the Hawks’ last three games, and hoped to find his groove again.

Philadelphia was forced to put a lot of faith in Joel Embiid early, as he was one of nine players available for the team. Ben Simmons sat out with left knee swelling, as other Sixers were unavailable due to health and safety protocol. That left Philadelphia to play as many as four rookies down the stretch, and Atlanta took advantage of the skewed lineups it faced.

The Hawks had some early troubles guarding Embiid, who had 16 points in the first quarter. Clint Capela struggled to stay in front of Embiid without fouling, and the Sixers’ big man found himself at the line multiple times through the first 12 mins. Philadelphia’s interior success had it leading by four following the first quarter.

But Young hit his first three in three games midway through the first period, and from there he seemingly found his touch. Young went 3-for-7 from deep, and hit a deep three in the second quarter during Atlanta’s 18-8 run to close the half.

Young looked like every bit of a floor general during the quarter, finding Capela multiple times above the rim, and finishing the half with 14 points and six assists.

The Hawks led by 15 at the half, 65-50, and from there it got even uglier. The Hawks outscored the Sixers 69-33 through the second and third quarters. Philadelphia eventually sat Embiid, who finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds in 22 minutes.

Rookie sensation Tyrese Maxey finished with 15 points, six rebounds and four assists. Embiid had 24 points and 11 rebounds. The Hawks were able to play their reserves as they led big late, with Tony Snell seeing his first action in an Atlanta Hawks uniform.

The Hawks went up as big as 35, as each of their starters ended the game in double figures. Young ended with 26 points and eight assists, with Capela posting 12 points and 10 boards. Atlanta will hit the road Wednesday for a matchup with the Phoenix Suns.