James Harden and Kawhi Leonard each scored 25 points and the Los Angeles Clippers blew away the Atlanta Hawks 121-98 Friday night at State Farm Arena. Notably, Atlanta shot 17% from the field in the third quarter and were 0-of-8 from downtown. Meanwhile, the Clippers converted 54% of their shot attempts. As a result, the Hawks were outscored 35-8 in the third stanza. The Clippers went on a 19-0 run during that stretch.
“Everybody on our team had stretches where we struggled collectively,” said Hawks head coach Quin Snyder. Their game plan is always going to be about Trae. So whether they’re set in a certain direction or being physical with him, he’s going to see all those things. And he’s seen them all. But we need to play better as a team.”
Bogdan Bogdanovic made his return to Atlanta for the first time since being traded to the Clippers. He scored 12 points and received a standing ovation during the first timeout of the game. He told the press he missed Atlanta.
“We’ve got a lot of memories together, so it’s definitely tough,” said Hawks point guard Trae Young. “Obviously, he’s a great player. He’s gonna go off and do great things. So glad he’s not in the east.”
The Hawks next game is Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center. Atlanta’s next home game is Saturday, March 22 against Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors.
“Whatever mindset you have, whether you hold on to it or forget about it. You gotta beat the Nets,” Young said. “I don’t really care how anybody handles it, as long as they’re ready to play against Brooklyn. I know I will.”
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