The Atlanta Hawks secured a 122-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in a preseason matchup at FedEx Forum on Saturday night. Atlanta improved to 1-1 with the win, while Memphis dropped to 0-3.
Atlanta took control early in the first quarter, building a 34-26 lead. Zaccharie Risacher drained two threes off Trae Young assists, and Jalen Johnson added eight points including a dunk, as the Hawks forced four Grizzlies turnovers.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope responded for Memphis with two threes, but free throws from Young and Okongwu pushed the margin to 25-19 midway through. Keaton Wallace’s steals fueled transition plays, helping Atlanta close the period strong.
The second quarter saw Atlanta extend to a 63-54 halftime advantage after outscoring Memphis 29-28. Okongwu hit a three and a floating jumper, while Porzingis blocked a shot and scored eight points.
Jaylen Wells and Ty Jerome combined for 15 points to keep the Grizzlies close, but Johnson’s finger-roll layup capped a 51-39 run. Memphis committed eight turnovers in the half, leading to 10 Atlanta fast-break points.
Atlanta’s lead grew to 89-75 entering the fourth after a 26-21 third-quarter edge. Young dished seven assists, including an alley-oop to Johnson for an 18-point outing, as the Hawks dominated inside with 68 paint points.
Santi Aldama notched 10 points with four assists for Memphis, but turnovers hampered their rhythm. Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant, Zach Edey, and Vince Williams Jr. sat out due to coach’s decision, limiting the Grizzlies’ star power.
The final frame turned tense, with Memphis mounting a 41-33 rally to close within four at 116-112. Cedric Coward erupted for 15 points off the bench, including a three and a dunk, while Prosper added nine.
Atlanta held firm as Jacob Toppin blocked a shot and Houstan sank two threes for seven points. The Hawks forced 17 Grizzlies turnovers total, converting them into 18 points.
Johnson led Atlanta with 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting and seven rebounds in 24 minutes. Risacher added 16 points with two threes, Young tallied 11 points and eight assists, and Okongwu contributed 12 points off the bench.
For Memphis, Wells finished with 15 points on 3-of-9 shooting, Caldwell-Pope scored 13 with three threes, and Coward led reserves with 15. Jerome had 10 points and four assists before fouling out.
Atlanta’s bench produced 53 points against Memphis’s 59, but the Hawks’ 51.8% field goal efficiency proved decisive. Both teams prepare for more preseason action ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
