Doncic’s Hot Streak Meets Hawks’ Grit in Atlanta Showdown
The Los Angeles Lakers hit the road again this weekend, taking their high-flying start to the season into Atlanta for a Saturday night clash with the Hawks at State Farm Arena. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. ET, and the energy is expected to be electric.
Coming into this matchup, the Lakers sit near the top of the Western Conference at 7–2, while the Hawks hover around the middle of the East with a 4–5 record. But numbers don’t always tell the full story—Atlanta has shown flashes of brilliance despite being shorthanded and playing their second game in as many nights. They’re coming off a tough loss to Toronto in the Emirates NBA Cup, a game that tested their depth and stamina. Meanwhile, the Lakers are well-rested and riding momentum after a narrow but impressive win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
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A major storyline for this game centers around Luka Dončić, who’s been nothing short of spectacular since joining the Lakers. He’s averaging a jaw-dropping 40 points per game, shooting 50% from the field, while nearly averaging a triple-double with 11 rebounds and 9 assists. With LeBron James still sidelined due to back issues and Austin Reaves missing time with a groin injury, Dončić has had to carry the load—and he’s doing it with flair. His leadership and shot-making have been the engine behind L.A.’s early success, especially on the road where the Lakers are a perfect 4–0.
But the Hawks aren’t going to make things easy. Dyson Daniels, last season’s Most Improved Player, is expected to take on the defensive challenge of containing Dončić. Daniels has built a reputation as one of the league’s elite perimeter defenders, ranking among the top three percent in steal rate this season. His ability to slow down Luka’s penetration and disrupt the Lakers’ offensive rhythm could be key if Atlanta wants to pull off the upset.
Offensively, Atlanta will need to rediscover the rhythm that fueled their big wins earlier in the week. Zaccharie Risacher, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Jalen Johnson have all stepped up in recent games, and Kristaps Porziņģis continues to be a consistent inside-out threat. But with Trae Young still out due to injury, scoring balance will be crucial.
The Hawks have been playing fast and loose, averaging over 100 points in every game so far, but the back-to-back fatigue could be a real factor here. The Lakers, with two days of rest and a deep rotation, are expected to come out firing. Dončić’s recent late-game heroics—like his go-ahead three-pointer to seal the win against San Antonio—show that no lead feels safe when he’s on the floor.
So, as the Lakers begin a grueling five-game road trip, this meeting with Atlanta feels like the perfect early-season test. It’s Dončić’s red-hot form against the Hawks’ resilience and defensive grit—a clash of pace, power, and pride in the heart of Georgia.
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