The Hawks matched up with the Oklahoma City Thunder in a weekday game. For Trae Young, it was a return to the state he called home for the first 19 years of his life. The Thunder welcomed back star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander whereas Atlanta tapped Jalen Johnson as the last starter in their usual Young-Murray-Hunter-Capela starting lineup.
The Hawks came out of the gates cold, scuffling to a 1-for-10 start from the floor. At the first timeout, the Thunder raced out to a 17-10 lead behind their good ball movement and lax Hawks rotations.
The Hawks struck back, however, behind the strength of their bench unit.