Alexander-Walker’s Late Heroics Lead Hawks to Narrow Victory Over Hornets

Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 23 points and delivered a decisive defensive stop down the stretch, securing a 113-110 victory for the Atlanta Hawks over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. With 1:42 remaining, Alexander-Walker’s layup put the Hawks ahead 111-110. Moments later, he stripped rookie Kon Knueppel with just six seconds left, preventing the Hornets from tying the game as Miles Bridges missed a last-second three-pointer.

Atlanta maintained a 10-point advantage with just under eight minutes to go, but Charlotte rallied to claim a 110-107 lead at the 3:15 mark, fueled by Knueppel’s four-point play.

Alexander-Walker was one of four starters scoring 20 or more points for the Hawks. Jalen Johnson led the team with 28 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, marking his eighth consecutive game with at least 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists — the third-longest active streak in the NBA and a new franchise record surpassing the late Lenny Wilkens' mark from 1965. Dyson Daniels added 22 points and nine rebounds, while Onyeka Okongwu chipped in 20 points and seven boards.

Knueppel led the Hornets with 28 points, including seven three-pointers. Collin Sexton contributed 22 points, and Bridges added 21.

This game was the first of four scheduled matchups between these teams this season. Atlanta extended its winning streak to five consecutive games against Charlotte.

The Hawks held a narrow 28-25 lead after the first quarter, but the Hornets responded to lead 55-53 at halftime, with Sexton scoring 12 of his team-high points in the first half. The contest remained tight through the third quarter until Atlanta closed the period with a 7-0 run, taking a 92-88 lead into the final frame.

Charlotte faced several injury setbacks, missing six players: LaMelo Ball (right ankle management), Pat Connaughton (right calf), Ryan Kalkbrenner (left ankle), Josh Green (left shoulder), Brandon Miller (left shoulder), and Grant Williams (right knee). Guard Tre Mann returned after a brief absence due to left ankle soreness.

The Hawks were also without Kristaps Porzingis, who was sidelined for load management, and Luke Kennard due to left hip inflammation. Porzingis, who has played only five games this season, recently posted a season-high 30 points in a road win against New Orleans.

The close-fought victory highlights the Hawks’ resilience as they continue to build momentum early in the season.