Full Breakdown
Atlanta Hawks Defeat Denver Nuggets in Post-Trae Young Era
1/10/2026, 11:03:22 AM
Game Overview: Hawks Surge in Fourth Quarter
The Atlanta Hawks secured a decisive 110-87 victory over the Denver Nuggets on January 9, 2026, marking their first win in Denver since 2019. This game was significant for the Hawks as it was their first contest following the trade of star player Trae Young to the Washington Wizards. Dyson Daniels led the Hawks with a triple-double, contributing 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Jalen Johnson also shone with 29 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 22 points. The Hawks dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Nuggets 36-12.
Key Player Performances
The Hawks capitalized on the Nuggets' struggles, particularly in the fourth quarter. After trailing at one point, Atlanta regained control with a 23-3 run that began late in the third quarter. The Nuggets, missing key players like Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Jonas Valanciunas due to injuries, struggled to maintain their momentum. Peyton Watson was the standout for Denver, scoring 25 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, but his five turnovers in the first half contributed to the team's difficulties.
Impact of Trae Young Trade
Hawks coach Quin Snyder addressed the trade of Trae Young, expressing gratitude for his contributions to the team and the community. Snyder noted, “We appreciate what he gave and did for our group... Wish him and his family all the very best.” The Hawks, despite missing new acquisitions CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, managed to adapt quickly to their new lineup, showcasing their depth and resilience.
Nuggets' Struggles and Fatigue
The Nuggets returned home after a challenging seven-game road trip, which included notable victories against the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics. However, the fatigue from the trip was evident, particularly in the fourth quarter. Coach David Adelman remarked, “I saw a really, really tired group... They gave it everything they had in the third quarter.” The lack of energy and effectiveness in both offense and defense led to a disappointing performance, with Denver scoring their lowest point total of the season.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the Nuggets pointed to the team's inability to perform without their star players, raising concerns about their depth and resilience. The absence of Jokic and Murray highlighted the team's reliance on their stars, leading to questions about their overall identity and strategy moving forward.
What's Next for Both Teams
Following this game, the Hawks will continue their four-game road trip, facing the Golden State Warriors next, where they expect to have McCollum and Kispert available. The Nuggets, on the other hand, will host the Milwaukee Bucks, hoping to bounce back from this defeat and regain their footing in the Western Conference.
Verbatim Quotes
- “we appreciate what he gave and did for our group, for the team, for the community. Wish him his family all the very best, his new journey in Washington.” — Quin Snyder, Hawks Coach
- “They gave it everything they had in the third quarter to get back into it.” — David Adelman, Nuggets Coach
This game serves as a pivotal moment for both teams, with the Hawks looking to build on their momentum in the post-Young era, while the Nuggets face critical questions about their depth and performance without their key players.
