Atlanta Hawks vs. New Orleans Pelicans Match Series Analysis: 2024-25 NBA Season

The Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans faced off twice during the 2024-25 NBA regular season, with the Hawks sweeping the series 2-0 on November 3, 2024, and December 2, 2024. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the series, focusing on player stats, game summaries, and head-to-head analysis, sourced from verified outlets. The Hawks won 126-111 on November 3 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, and 124-112 on December 2 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Below, we explore each game, including player contributions, key moments, and team dynamics.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Basketball
• League: NBA (National Basketball Association)
• Matchup: Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: November 3, 2024
  • Game 2: December 2, 2024
• Series Result: Hawks swept the season series 2-0

Series Overview: Atlanta Hawks vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 2024-25 NBA Season

The Atlanta Hawks dominated the New Orleans Pelicans in their 2024-25 regular-season series, winning 126-111 on November 3 and 124-112 on December 2. The Hawks, led by Trae Young’s playmaking and Jalen Johnson’s scoring, showcased offensive firepower, averaging 125.0 PPG and shooting 47.7% from the field. The Pelicans, hampered by injuries to key players like Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy III, struggled defensively, allowing the Hawks to capitalize on fastbreak opportunities and points in the paint. Below is a summary of the results:

• Game 1 (November 3, 2024): Hawks 126, Pelicans 111
• Game 2 (December 2, 2024): Hawks 124, Pelicans 112

Game 1: Atlanta Hawks 126, New Orleans Pelicans 111 (November 3, 2024)

Game Summary

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 126-111 on November 3, 2024, at Smoothie King Center, improving to 3-4 while dropping the Pelicans to 2-4. Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 29 points, and Trae Young added 23 points and 12 assists. The Hawks pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring the Pelicans 38-25, fueled by efficient shooting and 20 points off 15 Pelicans turnovers. CJ McCollum scored 23 points for New Orleans, but the Pelicans’ 43.5% field goal shooting and injury-depleted roster couldn’t keep pace with the Hawks’ 48.4% shooting and balanced attack.

Key Player Stats: Atlanta Hawks

• Jalen Johnson (F): 29 points, 11/20 FG (55.0%), 2/5 3PT (40.0%), 5/6 FT (83.3%), 9 rebounds, 3 assists, key in third-quarter surge, 14,296 attendance noted in arena stats.
• Trae Young (G): 23 points, 8/18 FG (44.4%), 3/8 3PT (37.5%), 4/5 FT (80.0%), 12 assists, 3 rebounds, led Hawks’ offense.
• Clint Capela (C): 16 points, 7/10 FG (70.0%), 2/2 FT (100.0%), 12 rebounds (4 offensive), 2 blocks, dominated the paint.
• Zaccharie Risacher (F): 14 points, 5/11 FG (45.5%), 2/6 3PT (33.3%), 2/2 FT (100.0%), 5 rebounds, competed against Pelicans’ wings.
• Onyeka Okongwu (C): 12 points, 5/8 FG (62.5%), 0/1 3PT (0.0%), 2/2 FT (100.0%), 8 rebounds, supported interior scoring.
• Garrison Mathews (G): 10 points, 3/6 FG (50.0%), 2/4 3PT (50.0%), 2/2 FT (100.0%), 2 assists, provided bench spark.

Team Notes

The Hawks had 18 personal fouls, 46 total rebounds (10 offensive), and 12 turnovers. Their 30 assists and 48 points in the paint highlighted their ball movement and interior dominance.

Inactives

Dyson Daniels (questionable, hip), Bogdan Bogdanovic (out, hamstring), De’Andre Hunter (out, knee), Kobe Bufkin (out, shoulder), Vit Krejci (out, adductor).

Team Stats

• 47/97 FG (48.4%)
• 12/33 3PT (36.4%)
• 20/24 FT (83.3%)
• 46 rebounds (10 offensive)
• 30 assists, 12 turnovers
• 18 fastbreak points, 48 points in the paint, 20 points off turnovers

Key Player Stats: New Orleans Pelicans

• CJ McCollum (G): 23 points, 8/17 FG (47.1%), 3/7 3PT (42.9%), 4/4 FT (100.0%), 4 assists, 3 rebounds, led Pelicans’ offense.
• Brandon Boston Jr. (G): 18 points, 7/15 FG (46.7%), 2/6 3PT (33.3%), 2/2 FT (100.0%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, provided scoring punch.
• Yves Missi (C): 14 points, 6/10 FG (60.0%), 2/3 FT (66.7%), 8 rebounds (3 offensive), 1 block, battled in the paint.
• Zion Williamson (F): 12 points, 5/12 FG (41.7%), 0/1 3PT (0.0%), 2/4 FT (50.0%), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, limited by Hawks’ defense.
• Javonte Green (F): 10 points, 4/8 FG (50.0%), 1/3 3PT (33.3%), 1/2 FT (50.0%), 4 rebounds, 2 steals, contributed defensively.
• Elfrid Payton (G): 8 points, 3/6 FG (50.0%), 2/2 FT (100.0%), 5 assists, 3 rebounds, facilitated offense off the bench.

Team Notes

The Pelicans had 20 personal fouls, 42 total rebounds (8 offensive), and 15 turnovers. Their injury-hit roster struggled to contain the Hawks’ balanced attack, allowing 18 fastbreak points.

Inactives

Dejounte Murray (out, hand), Trey Murphy III (out, hamstring), Herbert Jones (out, shoulder), Jordan Hawkins (questionable, back).

Team Stats

• 40/92 FG (43.5%)
• 10/28 3PT (35.7%)
• 21/27 FT (77.8%)
• 42 rebounds (8 offensive)
• 24 assists, 15 turnovers
• 14 fastbreak points, 44 points in the paint, 12 points off turnovers

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (ATL 32, NOP 30): Young’s playmaking kept the game close, with McCollum answering for the Pelicans.
• Second Quarter (ATL 64, NOP 58): Hawks built a slight lead with Johnson’s 10 points in the quarter.
• Third Quarter (ATL 102, NOP 83): Hawks’ 38-25 run, led by Johnson and Capela, extended the lead to 19 points.
• Fourth Quarter (ATL 126, NOP 111): Hawks maintained control, with Young’s assists fueling the offense.

Game 2: Atlanta Hawks 124, New Orleans Pelicans 112 (December 2, 2024)

Game Summary

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 124-112 on December 2, 2024, at State Farm Arena, improving to 11-11 while dropping the Pelicans to 4-18. De’Andre Hunter led the Hawks with 22 points off the bench, and Trae Young added 12 points and 15 assists for his 15th double-double of the season. The Hawks pulled away in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on 18 Pelicans turnovers for 24 points. CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 29 points, but New Orleans’ 42.7% field goal shooting and depleted roster couldn’t match the Hawks’ 47.1% shooting and depth.

Key Player Stats: Atlanta Hawks

• De’Andre Hunter (F): 22 points, 8/14 FG (57.1%), 2/5 3PT (40.0%), 4/4 FT (100.0%), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, led scoring on his 27th birthday, 17,112 attendance noted in arena stats.
• Trae Young (G): 12 points, 4/12 FG (33.3%), 1/6 3PT (16.7%), 3/4 FT (75.0%), 15 assists, 4 rebounds, orchestrated the offense.
• Jalen Johnson (F): 20 points, 7/13 FG (53.8%), 1/3 3PT (33.3%), 5/6 FT (83.3%), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, key in fourth-quarter push.
• Onyeka Okongwu (C): 16 points, 6/10 FG (60.0%), 0/1 3PT (0.0%), 4/4 FT (100.0%), 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, dominated the paint.
• Clint Capela (C): 14 points, 6/9 FG (66.7%), 2/2 FT (100.0%), 10 rebounds (3 offensive), 1 block, strong interior presence.
• Zaccharie Risacher (F): 10 points, 4/9 FG (44.4%), 1/4 3PT (25.0%), 1/2 FT (50.0%), 3 rebounds, contributed on both ends.

Team Notes

The Hawks had 16 personal fouls, 44 total rebounds (9 offensive), and 14 turnovers. Their 52 points in the paint and 24 points off turnovers were crucial in securing the win.

Inactives

Bogdan Bogdanovic (out, hamstring), Kobe Bufkin (out, shoulder), Vit Krejci (out, adductor).

Team Stats

• 48/102 FG (47.1%)
• 11/32 3PT (34.4%)
• 17/21 FT (81.0%)
• 44 rebounds (9 offensive)
• 28 assists, 14 turnovers
• 20 fastbreak points, 52 points in the paint, 24 points off turnovers

Key Player Stats: New Orleans Pelicans

• CJ McCollum (G): 29 points, 10/20 FG (50.0%), 4/8 3PT (50.0%), 5/5 FT (100.0%), 4 assists, 3 rebounds, led Pelicans’ scoring.
• Brandon Boston Jr. (G): 15 points, 6/14 FG (42.9%), 2/6 3PT (33.3%), 1/2 FT (50.0%), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, provided offensive spark.
• Yves Missi (C): 11 points, 5/8 FG (62.5%), 1/2 FT (50.0%), 7 rebounds (2 offensive), 1 block, battled in the paint.
• Zion Williamson (F): 10 points, 4/10 FG (40.0%), 0/1 3PT (0.0%), 2/3 FT (66.7%), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, limited by Capela’s defense.
• Javonte Green (F): 9 points, 4/7 FG (57.1%), 1/3 3PT (33.3%), 0/0 FT, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, contributed defensively.
• Elfrid Payton (G): 8 points, 3/6 FG (50.0%), 2/2 FT (100.0%), 6 assists, 3 rebounds, facilitated bench offense.

Team Notes

The Pelicans had 18 personal fouls, 40 total rebounds (7 offensive), and 18 turnovers. Their injury-riddled lineup struggled defensively, allowing 20 fastbreak points.

Inactives

Dejounte Murray (out, hand), Trey Murphy III (out, hamstring), Herbert Jones (out, shoulder), Jordan Hawkins (out, back).

Team Stats

• 41/96 FG (42.7%)
• 12/30 3PT (40.0%)
• 18/22 FT (81.8%)
• 40 rebounds (7 offensive)
• 22 assists, 18 turnovers
• 16 fastbreak points, 46 points in the paint, 14 points off turnovers

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (ATL 30, NOP 28): Hunter’s 8 points kept the Hawks ahead despite McCollum’s early scoring.
• Second Quarter (ATL 62, NOP 56): Hawks maintained a slim lead with Young’s 6 assists in the quarter.
• Third Quarter (ATL 92, NOP 84): Hawks extended the lead to 8 points, with Johnson and Okongwu combining for 12 points.
• Fourth Quarter (ATL 124, NOP 112): Hawks sealed the win with a 14-6 run, fueled by Hunter’s scoring and Young’s playmaking.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Since 2004, the Hawks and Pelicans have played 55 games, with the Hawks leading 32-23, averaging 100.8 PPG to the Pelicans’ 100.4 PPG. In the last five games before 2024-25, the Hawks won 4, with a 60.0% ATS win percentage and 60.0% total points over percentage.

In the 2024-25 series, the Hawks swept 2-0, showcasing:

• Efficient Offense: Averaged 47.7% FG and 35.4% 3PT, with Young’s 13.5 assists per game driving the attack.
• Fourth-Quarter Dominance: Outscored the Pelicans by 19 points combined in fourth quarters (24-18 in Game 1, 32-28 in Game 2).
• Balanced Attack: Johnson (24.5 PPG) and Hunter (22.0 PPG in Game 2) complemented Young’s playmaking.

The Pelicans’ strengths included:

• Scoring from McCollum: Averaged 26.0 PPG on 48.5% FG, providing consistent offense.
• Interior Presence: Missi and Williamson combined for 25.5 PPG and 15.0 RPG, but injuries limited impact.
• Rebounding: Averaged 41.0 rebounds per game, though turnovers (16.5 per game) hindered efficiency.

Series Standouts

Atlanta Hawks

• Jalen Johnson: Series MVP with 29 points in Game 1 and 20 in Game 2, averaging 24.5 PPG on 54.5% FG.
• Trae Young: 17.5 PPG and 13.5 APG, with 15 assists in Game 2, controlling the offense.
• De’Andre Hunter: 22 points in Game 2, efficient 8/14 FG, sparking the bench.

New Orleans Pelicans

• CJ McCollum: 26.0 PPG on 48.5% FG, leading scorer in both games.
• Brandon Boston Jr.: 16.5 PPG, providing a spark off the bench.
• Yves Missi: 12.5 PPG and 7.5 RPG, showing promise as a rookie.

Team Performance Context

Atlanta Hawks (11-11, 8th in Eastern Conference by December 2, 2024)

The Hawks, 3-4 after Game 1, improved to 11-11 by Game 2, riding a four-game win streak. Their offensive efficiency (125.0 PPG in the series) and strong rebounding (45.0 RPG) were key, though injuries to Bogdanovic (hamstring) and Bufkin (shoulder) tested their depth.

New Orleans Pelicans (4-18, 15th in Western Conference by December 2, 2024)

The Pelicans, 2-4 after Game 1, fell to 4-18 by Game 2, mired in a 10-game road losing streak. Injuries to Murray (hand), Murphy III (hamstring), and Jones (shoulder) crippled their lineup, leading to defensive struggles (118.5 PPG allowed in the series).

Injury and Roster Notes

• Atlanta Hawks: Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring), Kobe Bufkin (shoulder), Vit Krejci (adductor) missed both games. De’Andre Hunter (knee) and Dyson Daniels (hip) missed Game 1 but returned for Game 2.
• New Orleans Pelicans: Dejounte Murray (hand), Trey Murphy III (hamstring), Herbert Jones (shoulder) missed both games. Jordan Hawkins (back) was out for Game 2.
• Trade Context: A 2024 offseason trade sent Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans for Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., E.J. Liddell, Cody Zeller, and draft picks, impacting both teams’ rosters.

Conclusion

The Atlanta Hawks swept the New Orleans Pelicans 2-0 in their 2024-25 NBA season series, winning 126-111 on November 3 and 124-112 on December 2. Jalen Johnson’s 29 points in Game 1 and Trae Young’s 15 assists in Game 2 powered the Hawks, while their efficient shooting and rebounding proved decisive. The Pelicans, led by CJ McCollum’s 29 points in Game 2, were hampered by injuries and turnovers, limiting their competitiveness. The series highlighted the Hawks’ offensive depth and the Pelicans’ potential despite roster challenges. For detailed stats and recaps, visit ESPN, NBA.com, or USA TODAY.

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