Hawks dominate Mavericks in season opening 113-87 win

The Atlanta Hawks hosted the Dallas Mavericks in what was a season opener for both teams Thursday evening. The Hawks took home the win, handily beating the Mavericks by a score of 113-87.

It was a sloppy first quarter on each side, as the Hawks led 22-20 heading to the second quarter.

Cam Reddish had a nice first half, scoring 12 points for the Hawks.

The Hawks led by seven at the half by a score of 51-44. John Collins had eight points and five rebounds at the break, while Trae Young had seven points and three assists.

De’Andre Hunter looked good in his first game, playing sound defense on Luka Doncic throughout the game.

Atlanta took control of the game in the third quarter when they outscored the Mavericks 35-20, giving them a 22-point lead heading into the fourth. The Mavericks never made a run at the lead in the fourth, with the Hawks cruising to a comfortable win.

Reddish led all scorers with 20 points, while Young added 19 points and 14 assists in the win. Clint Capela finished with 12 points and 13 rebounds in 21 minutes, with Collins adding 16 points and nine rebounds. Jalen Johnson scored the first baskets of his career, making a couple three-pointers in the fourth. Sharife Cooper checked in for his first NBA action but did not score.

Doncic finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in the loss. Tim Hardaway Jr. had 14 points in his return to Atlanta.

The Hawks will travel to Cleveland to play the Cavaliers on Saturday night, looking to move to 2-0 on the young season.

Stay tuned.