In Atlanta, Onyeka Okongwu showcased his growing threat from beyond the arc, sinking seven three-pointers to help the Hawks overpower the Portland Trail Blazers 135-101. This strong offensive display demonstrates the Hawks’ confidence in Okongwu’s three-point shooting ability, emphasizing his evolving role in their game plan.
Improved Accuracy from Deep compared to Earlier Matchup
Earlier in the season, Okongwu attempted 15 three-pointers against Portland but converted only five shots. In this recent game, he streamlined his attempts to 12, connecting on seven. Early in the first quarter, after successfully sinking several threes, Okongwu even gestured toward the Trail Blazers’ bench, signaling how many he had made so far.
Okongwu Challenges Trail Blazers’ Defensive Strategy
Okongwu acknowledged spotting one of the opposing coaches during the game and reacting to their defensive approach.
“I know one of the coaches over there,”
Okongwu said.
“I was looking at him like, ‘You let me shoot all night?’ Then, after my fourth one, I told him to change coverage.”
Despite the warning, the Trail Blazers maintained their coverage, allowing Okongwu to continue exploiting open perimeter shots.
Stretching Defense and Creating Opportunities
Okongwu stayed predominantly outside the paint, which forced Donovan Clingan to leave his usual position near the basket and defend on the perimeter. This shift gave the Hawks increased offensive flexibility, as Okongwu’s presence on the perimeter created spacing and took pressure off his teammates inside.
Teammates Acknowledge Okongwu’s Shooting Impact
Okongwu confidently noted the pressure his success put on defenders, stating,
“When I make one, two, or three, they got to do something about it.”
Meanwhile, teammate Dyson Daniels praised Okongwu’s shot-taking mindset, saying,
“He tells everyone in the locker room that he’s the best shooter in the locker room. So if they leave him open like that, he’s got to go out and prove it. When he’s hot and knocking them down like he did, you find him, even when he’s not knocking them down. We trust [Okongwu] to take those shots; we want him to take those shots. It helps our team.”
Okongwu Sparks a Team Offensive Surge
The momentum generated by Okongwu’s shooting contributed to the Hawks’ sustained offensive pressure. They combined sharp perimeter shooting, rapid transition play, and several powerful dunks to overwhelm Portland. Okongwu’s performance set the tone early, encouraging his teammates to capitalize across the court.
Confidence and Support from Coaching Staff Fuel Performance
Okongwu mentioned that before the game, teammates joked about shooting 20 threes, encouraging him to keep firing:
“Before the game, they were jokingly saying to shoot 20 threes tonight. Everyone was telling me to shoot if they’re going to play me like that. And tonight, made them pay for it.”
Head coach Quin Snyder emphasized the trust placed in Okongwu and the strategic approach to balance offensive options.
“You get more confident when your teammates are confident in you,”
Snyder said.
“Guys were looking for him. We talked about not trying to attack the rim if the rim is protected. Those were shots that we’ve seen him take and make. The last few games, he hasn’t shot it as well as he liked to, but he got in and did extra work, and it showed tonight.”
Coach Snyder’s Role in Developing Okongwu’s Range
Since Quin Snyder took over as head coach, Okongwu’s attempts from beyond the three-point line have steadily increased each season. Snyder has played a key role in designing plays that give Okongwu open looks on the perimeter, integrating his shooting into the Hawks’ offensive rhythm. This growth has pressured defenses to stretch out and guard Okongwu further from the basket than before.
Okongwu’s Statistical Impact and Team Momentum
Portland’s defense resisted making significant adjustments during the game, allowing Okongwu to keep shooting freely. He finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, contributing to Atlanta’s fourth consecutive victory as they concluded their homestand. Okongwu’s ability to confidently take and make three-pointers has established him as a versatile offensive asset, forcing teams to reconsider their defensive strategies moving forward.
Onyeka Okongwu 25 PTS, 10 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 9/15 FG, 7/12 3FG, 83.3% TS vs Blazers https://t.co/YWHpylXLKN pic.twitter.com/bdCJBQ0TI6
— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) March 2, 2026
