Dyson Daniels shines with a triple-double as the Hawks dominate the Nuggets, igniting their road trip with a commanding victory.
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Denver Nuggets 110-87 to kick off a four-game road trip and to improve to 19-21 on the season. Friday night marked the first full game in Trae Young's departure, who is officially on the Washington Wizards.
Dyson Daniels recorded the first triple-double of his career, finishing with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists to headline a balanced Hawks effort. Jalen Johnson followed with a dominant all-around night of his own, posting 29 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Atlanta forced 19 Denver turnovers and consistently turned those mistakes into points, especially when the game began to tilt in the Hawks’ favor late.
The contest remained competitive through three quarters, but Atlanta completely overwhelmed Denver in the fourth. The Hawks outscored the Nuggets 36-12 in the final frame, applying constant pressure on both ends and never allowing Denver to regain momentum. It was Atlanta’s most decisive quarter of the season and a reminder of how disruptive the team can be defensively when locked in.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 22 points and eight rebounds, while Onyeka Okongwu returned to the lineup and made an immediate impact with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Okongwu also delivered one of the game’s most important moments late in the third quarter, knocking down a deep buzzer-beating jumper from near the center-court logo to pull Atlanta within one after Denver appeared ready to create separation.
Denver entered the game shorthanded, with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray both sidelined, though Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun and Bruce Brown were available. Still, Atlanta’s defensive activity stood out regardless of who was on the floor. The Hawks forced five turnovers in the first five minutes, collected 11 steals by halftime and held Denver to just seven made field goals in the third quarter before nearly limiting the Nuggets to single digits in the fourth.
Daniels acknowledged that Atlanta briefly lost its rhythm before reasserting control.
“The second half, like the third quarter, we just played a little slow,” Daniels said. “Played into their hands, didn’t get feet into the paint, didn’t play fast. They made some shots and went on a run.”
Daniels’ triple-double was sealed with 8:47 remaining when he secured his 10th defensive rebound off a missed Aaron Gordon three. Daniels said he knew he was close, even without access to the scoreboard.
“I knew I was close. I just didn’t know how close,” Daniels said. “I was going for every rebound, and I stole one from JJ. I didn’t know exactly how close, though.”
Atlanta’s physicality also showed in the third quarter during a brief confrontation sparked by Gordon after a foul involving Mo Gueye. Daniels stepped in to defend his teammate, Gueye responded, and a heated exchange followed before officials assessed offsetting technical fouls to Gordon and Gueye, along with a technical to Keaton Wallace.
Johnson praised Daniels’ work on the glass and emphasized its importance for the Hawks moving forward.
“It’s huge,” Johnson said. “He’s probably been our best offensive rebounder. Him and Zacch (Risacher) have done a great job of attacking the glass on both ends.”
Rookie Asa Newell added nine points off the bench and reflected on Daniels’ milestone afterward.
“It’s amazing,” Newell said. “I’m glad he got the triple-double tonight, and we just got to celebrate those wins.”
The victory was Atlanta’s first at Ball Arena since Nov. 12, 2019, and served as a strong opening chapter for a team adjusting to life without its longtime star. With CJ McCollum expected to join the rotation either later on the trip or once the Hawks return to Atlanta, the group appears positioned to build on this momentum.
Atlanta remains within reach of the middle of the Eastern Conference standings. While the Hawks still trail the Orlando Magic for eighth place, they sit just two games out of the sixth seed, keeping postseason positioning very much in play.
The road trip continues Sunday against the Golden State Warriors, followed by matchups with the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers as Atlanta looks to carry forward the defensive intensity and balance it showed in Denver.