Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images
With a come-from-behind win on Wednesday, the Atlanta Hawks officially clinched a playoff berth for the first time since the 2016-17 season. As such, there was a hint of celebration following the victory over the Washington Wizards, but all parties involved also pointed to more work to come. On Thursday, the Hawks return to action against the Orlando Magic on the second night of a back-to-back, and Atlanta has plenty at stake.
The Hawks can clinch the Southeast Division title on Thursday with a win over Orlando and a loss by the Miami Heat against the Philadelphia 76ers. While the second part of that is out of Atlanta’s control, the Hawks can ensure a top-five seed by topping both the Magic and the Houston Rockets on Sunday, and avoiding a matchup against one of the top three teams in the Eastern Conference is appetizing.
Preview: Hawks host Wizards, look to nail down playoff position
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The Atlanta Hawks (38-31) will look to clinch a top-6 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs when they face of Washington Wizards (32-37) on Wednesday evening. The two teams will meet for the second time in three days after the Hawks took home a win on Monday evening despite the game having some historical significance for the Wizards.
Russell Westbrook made NBA history in a losing effort Monday, breaking Oscar Robertson’s career triple-doubles record but coming short in the final moments. The Hawks held on for the 125-124 win in yet another solid team performance. They had a chance to take care of the Wizards, as they led by nine with under five minutes to play, but ultimately held off the late Washington push and inched closer to locking up a top-6 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs.
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Preview: Hawks visit Pacers, aim to stop road losing skid
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The Atlanta Hawks picked up one of their most impressive wins of the season on Wednesday evening, throttling the Phoenix Suns at State Farm Arena. That was the third straight win overall for the Hawks and, in recent days, Atlanta has been dominant in their home venue, winning seven consecutive tilts. On the road, however, things have been a little bit more challenging, with the Hawks losing their last three contests, and Atlanta will aim to stop that skid with a matchup against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday.
Key Stat of the Night
The Grizzlies earned a 33-29 advantage after going 10-for-10 from the free throw line as Minnesota dealt with foul trouble.
Key Run of the Night
The Timberwolves launched a 21-9 run in the third quarter to grab the lead, but Morant matched that offensive push with 14 points of his own as the Grizzlies reclaimed the 107-103 lead into the final quarter.
Game Recap
Ja Morant and
Desmond Bane lifted the Memphis Grizzlies over the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 139-135 nail-bitter on Wednesday night.
Morant exploded offensively with 37 points, 10 assists and four rebounds.
Kyle Anderson had an efficient night with 20 points and four rebounds. Bane tied his career-high with 22 points and four rebounds off the bench and