The Atlanta Hawks returned to action Wednesday night at home, where they defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 117-100.
Normally, matchups between cross-conference opponents don't hold high stakes. These two ball clubs, however, have quite a history.
It all started in the 2024 offseason, when Atlanta sent Dejounte Murray to New Orleans in exchange for Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr. and two first-round picks. Nearly two years later, and it's clear the Hawks won that deal. In his first season as a Hawk, Daniels took a monumental leap on both ends of the floor.