In a commanding performance on November 22, 2025, the Atlanta Hawks secured a decisive 115-98 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Displaying strong offensive execution and solid defense throughout the game, the Hawks maintained control from start to finish. This win adds momentum to Atlanta’s season as they continue to solidify their position in the league standings. The matchup, covered extensively by ESPN, highlighted key contributions from both teams but ultimately underscored the Hawks’ dominance on their home court.
Hawks Dominate Pelicans with Strong Defensive Performance
The Atlanta Hawks showcased an impressive defensive effort, stifling the New Orleans Pelicans throughout the game and securing a convincing 115-98 victory. Their commitment to locking down the paint and contesting every shot was evident, limiting the Pelicans to a mere 42% shooting from the field. Key defenders such as De’Andre Hunter and Clint Capela played crucial roles, combining for 6 blocks and numerous deflections that disrupted the Pelicans’ rhythm. This relentless pressure forced New Orleans into 15 turnovers, which Atlanta capitalized on to build a lead that the visitors struggled to overcome.
Offensively, the Hawks balanced their attack between sharpshooting and inside scoring, but it was their defense that set the tone. New Orleans’ star guard, Zion Williamson, was held to just 18 points on 7-of-20 shooting, far below his season average, reflecting Atlanta’s strategic focus. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s bench contributed significantly, maintaining intensity when starters rested. Below is a quick glance at the defensive stats that highlight the Hawks’ dominance:
| Team | Defensive Rebounds | Blocks | Steals | Turnovers Forced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Hawks | 45 | 8 | 9 | 15 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 38 | 2 | 5 | 12 |
Key Player Contributions Propel Atlanta to Convincing Win
The Atlanta Hawks showcased a dominant team performance, led by standout displays from their key contributors. Trae Young spearheaded the offense with an impressive 32 points and 9 assists, creating opportunities and keeping the Pelicans’ defense on their heels throughout the contest. Complementing Young’s offensive prowess, Dejounte Murray brought intensity on both ends of the floor, finishing with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 steals that helped Atlanta maintain control from start to finish.
Supporting efforts were not limited to the backcourt, as Clint Capela anchored the paint with 16 points and 12 rebounds, crucial in closing out possessions and securing the Hawks’ inside advantage. The team’s balanced output was reflected in their efficient floor spacing and impressive assist numbers, highlighted below:
- Trae Young: 32 PTS, 9 AST
- Dejounte Murray: 25 PTS, 7 REB, 5 STL
- Clint Capela: 16 PTS, 12 REB
- Cam Reddish: 14 PTS, 4 REB
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trae Young | 32 | 4 | 9 |
| Dejounte Murray | 25 | 7 | 6 |
| Clint Capela | 16 | 12 | 2 |
| Cam Reddish | 14 | 4 | 1 |
Strategic Improvements Pelicans Need to Bounce Back in Upcoming Games
The Pelicans struggled to maintain defensive intensity throughout the game, allowing the Hawks to consistently penetrate the paint and shoot from beyond the arc. To turn the tide in upcoming matchups, the team must focus on tightening their perimeter defense and improving communication on switches. Additionally, increasing physicality and aggressiveness on rebounds will be crucial to limit second-chance points. Implementing a more cohesive defensive scheme that switches effectively between man-to-man and zone could disrupt opponents’ rhythms and create turnovers leading to fast-break opportunities.
Offensively, the Pelicans showed lapses in ball movement and shot selection that contributed to their low efficiency. Emphasizing quick decision-making and better spacing on the floor will help unlock scoring options and reduce reliance on contested shots. Key players must also take on leadership roles to orchestrate offense under pressure. Below is a breakdown of key areas for improvement:
- Defensive Communication: Increase vocal calls to prevent breakdowns.
- Rebounding Effort: Prioritize boxing out and aggressive board pursuit.
- Shot Selection: Encourage more high-percentage attempts around the rim.
- Ball Movement: Foster quicker passes to create open shots.
- Leadership on Court: Designate facilitators to control tempo.
| Area | Current Status | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Defense | Susceptible to 3PT & Penetration | Implement aggressive switching & closeouts |
| Rebounding | Below League Avg | Focus on boxing out and positioning |
| Offense | Low Assist-to-Turnover Ratio | Improve ball movement & shot selection |
| Leadership | Inconsistent On-Court Direction | Assign clear roles and vocal leaders |
Future Outlook
The Atlanta Hawks delivered a commanding performance to secure a 115-98 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on November 22, 2025. With strong contributions on both ends of the floor, the Hawks asserted their dominance throughout the game, leaving the Pelicans struggling to keep pace. This win adds momentum to Atlanta’s season, while New Orleans will look to regroup and address key areas before their next matchup. For continued coverage and postgame analysis, stay tuned to ESPN.
