Hawks Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans vs Atlanta Hawks NBA Game Recap and Analysis

Pelicans Fall to Hawks in Back-and-Forth Battle

Atlanta Hawks 124, New Orleans Pelicans 121

NEW ORLEANS, La. - The New Orleans Pelicans (39-25) dropped a heartbreaker to the Atlanta Hawks (29-35) on Friday night at State Farm Arena, despite a valiant effort from Brandon Ingram. The game was a back-and-forth affair throughout, with neither team able to gain a significant lead. The Hawks led by just five points at the half, and the Pelicans came out strong in the third quarter to take a brief lead. However, the Hawks regained the lead in the fourth quarter and held on for the win. Trae Young led the Hawks with 32 points, while Dejounte Murray added 25 points and John Collins scored 20 points. Ingram led the Pelicans with 29 points, while CJ McCollum added 25 points and Jonas Valanciunas scored 20 points. The Pelicans will look to bounce back on Sunday when they host the Golden State Warriors. The Hawks will return home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. Here are some key takeaways from the game: * The Hawks' offense was unstoppable in the second half. They shot 55.6% from the field and 45.5% from three-point range in the final two quarters. * The Pelicans' defense was unable to contain Trae Young. He scored 32 points and dished out 10 assists, making big plays down the stretch to help the Hawks secure the win. * The Pelicans' bench was outplayed by the Hawks' bench. The Hawks' bench scored 41 points, while the Pelicans' bench scored just 23 points. * The Pelicans need to find a way to win close games. They are now 1-5 in games decided by five points or less this season. Overall, it was a disappointing loss for the Pelicans, but they still remain in a good position in the Western Conference standings. They will need to regroup and refocus for their next game against the Warriors.