In Atlanta, the Hawks faced the Brooklyn Nets on their home court with an important chance to capitalize during a lengthy homestand. Despite expectations of a straightforward victory, the game remained tightly contested through the first three quarters, as the Nets maintained control. The turning point arrived late in the fourth quarter when the Hawks were trailing by 11 points but managed to launch a decisive comeback.
With under six minutes left, Atlanta intensified its defense and offense, ultimately dominating the final stretch with a 24-2 scoring run, securing a 115-104 win over Brooklyn. This dramatic shift highlighted the resilience and tactical adjustments made by the Hawks in the closing moments.
Defensive Pressure Redefines the Game’s Momentum
Dyson Daniels played a pivotal role in the Hawks’ late surge, energizing the defense that sparked the comeback. Daniels emphasized the need for heightened effort, saying,
“We turned the aggression up in the last six minutes. We had no choice, we were down 11, we had to change something. Everybody turned it up. We were more physical on the ball; we were able to create turnovers, get stops, and get out and run. We have to be better at the start of the game if we want to beat good teams and give ourselves a chance this year.”
Daniels contributed three steals in the fourth quarter, including a remarkable one where he intercepted an inbound pass mid-air. Reflecting on that play, he noted,
“He kind of threw it low. I knew he had the ball for already three or four seconds, so it was coming soon, and I just timed the jump.”
The Hawks’ defensive effort was a collective achievement. Forward Jalen Johnson praised the backcourt’s impact:
“Collectively, we did a good job of stopping them. Nickeil [Alexander-Walker] and Dyson set the tone with that, and the rest of the guys followed the lead. Dyson got a few steals, and that shifted the momentum.”
Jock Landale reinforced the importance of defense, stating,
“Defense wins games. I think we did a good job of that in the fourth quarter. CJ turned it on and made some big shots. [Jalen] did a good job figuring out where he wanted the ball and getting to his spots. That was a mature game to close that out.”
Offensive Leaders Secure the Victory
The offensive response was equally crucial during the comeback. Johnson spearheaded the scoring charge late in the game, contributing 14 points in the fourth quarter with several decisive baskets that helped seal the Hawks’ victory. Meanwhile, CJ McCollum, who was inserted into the starting lineup, provided a timely three-pointer to put Atlanta in front during the critical closing moments.
Following that run, the Hawks maintained control and never relinquished the lead, strengthening their position during this favorable homestand stretch against struggling opponents.
Implications for the Hawks’ Season Momentum
This impressive turnaround, led by Daniels’ defensive tenacity and key offensive efforts from Johnson and McCollum, highlights the Atlanta Hawks’ potential to harness their home advantage and improve their season outlook. Their ability to swiftly adjust and intensify both defense and offense under pressure suggests a growing maturity within the team that could prove vital in upcoming matchups.
The successful comeback against the Nets not only adds a valuable win to their record but also serves as a reminder that the Hawks can overcome adversity through collective effort and timely playmaking, factors essential for competing against better teams going forward.
24-2 run to end the game 🔥🔒 pic.twitter.com/tjeuZ8IeKW
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 22, 2026
