The Atlanta Hawks (22-15) defeated the Philadelphia 76ers (4-24) 126-98 on Thursday.
Despite a blowout loss that somewhat negated the modest progress made by Philadelphia over the last six games, the team will be able to point to one silver lining, namely the performance of rookie standout Jahlil Okafor. It had been a rocky road for the 2015 third overall pick since over the last two weeks, with a knee injury costing him two games, and then playing a bench role over the next three contests as he was eased back into action. Okafor then drew the start in a home tilt versus the Timberwolves on Monday but underwhelmed, tallying only 10 points, three rebounds and two assists over 21 minutes. It was refreshing for the Sixers, therefore, to see him break out with 21 points, seven rebounds, a block and a steal over just 27 minutes against the Hawks. Notably, he managed the impressive numbers with Nerlens Noel alongside him in the frontcourt, who also posted a strong outing. With recent scuttlebutt about the two having trouble gelling when on the court together, the theory was disproven, at least for one game.
As evidenced by the final score, the Hawks enjoyed prolific performances from multiple players. Kent Bazemore led the way with 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, a pair of steals and a block. Al Horford and Paul Millsap followed with a pair of 18-point efforts. The former came just one rebound shy of a double-double and also added three apiece in the assists, steals and blocks categories, while the latter contributed six rebounds, four assists and two steals. With the comfortable lead, the reserves also got a bit more run than usual, and were paced by Dennis Schroder's 14 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals over just 19 minutes. Mike Scott also managed double-digit scoring off the bench with 11 points.
The Hawks improved to 22-15 and vaulted into a first-place tie with the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference's Southeast Division. They head back home to take on the Chicago Bulls in a Saturday night showdown.
Ish Smith and Noel were the only other starters to make notable contributions in addition to Okafor. Smith continued his solid play at point guard since being acquired back from the Pelicans, pitching in 12 points, seven assists, a rebound and a steal. He's now posted double-digit points in five of the seven games he's played in his latest Sixers tenure. Noel posted a modest nine points, but complemented it with a solid 13 boards, along with a pair of assists, a pair of steals, and a block. Jerami Grant paced the Philadelphia reserves with 11 points, a pair of rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block.
The Sixers fell to 4-24 and reside in last place in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division. They remain home to face the Toronto Raptors on Saturday.
