The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, December 14, extending their winning streak against the Sixers to six games. Jalen Johnson recorded his fourth consecutive triple-double, leading Atlanta to victory. Philadelphia dealt with injuries, including Tyrese Maxey's absence due to illness.
In a matchup marked by key injuries on both sides, the Atlanta Hawks secured a win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, December 14. The Hawks have now won six straight games against the Sixers, continuing their dominance in the series.
Atlanta's Jalen Johnson was the standout performer, posting 12 points on 5-of-17 field goals and 2-of-2 free throws, along with 10 rebounds and 12 assists for his fourth straight triple-double. This performance ties him with Nikola Jokić for the longest current streak in the NBA and gives Johnson eight triple-doubles in his career, surpassing Mookie Blaylock for the most in Hawks franchise history. Despite concerns about Trae Young's eventual return from a knee injury potentially impacting his role, Johnson's recent averages of 24.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, 9.7 assists, and 1.7 steals highlight his importance to the team.
Dyson Daniels contributed significantly with 27 points on 13-of-19 shooting, 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal, two blocks, and one three-pointer, marking his first back-to-back double-doubles this season and a season-high in points. Onyeka Okongwu added 20 points on 6-of-17 field goals and 3-of-4 free throws, 15 rebounds, four assists, one steal, two blocks, and five three-pointers for his sixth double-double of the season. With Kristaps Porziņģis out for at least two weeks due to illness, Okongwu's role is expected to expand.
For Philadelphia, Paul George led with 35 points on 11-of-21 field goals, 6-of-6 free throws, four rebounds, three assists, one block, and seven three-pointers. VJ Edgecombe scored 26 points on 9-of-21 shooting, with six rebounds, two assists, one block, and four three-pointers. Joel Embiid, who was questionable with a knee issue, finished with 22 points on 8-of-20 field goals, 5-of-6 free throws, 14 rebounds, one assist, one steal, two blocks, and one three-pointer. Tyrese Maxey's doubtful status due to illness left the Sixers without their guard's defensive presence.
The Hawks' frontcourt exploited Philadelphia's vulnerabilities, while Atlanta's three-game week ahead, starting Thursday against Charlotte, provides more opportunities for these players to shine.
