Playing in their seventh game in 10 days, the Atlanta Hawks (7-1) were able to win their seventh straight, handily defeating the Washington Wizards (3-3) by a score of 114-99.
Starter Kent Bazemore continued his impressive start to the season, leading the Hawks with 25 points while delivering an impressive performance on the defensive end. Bazemore, who many coming into the season considered a downgrade from last year’s starter Demmare Carrol, has made a name for himself in the first eight games, helping to contribute to the Hawk’s league-best seven wins thus far. As always, the Hawks were helped by their dynamic duo of big men, as both Paul Millsap (21 points, seven rebounds, six assists) and Al Horford (14 points, nine rebounds) had impressive nights.
Breakout star Bradley Beal’s hot start came to a screaching halt against the stingy Hawks’ defense, as Beal scored just 11 points and turned the ball over a whopping eight times. Atlanta has been the only team to effectively keep Beal in check, as prior to Saturday the fourth-year guard had not scored fewer than 24 points in any game this season. Overall, Washington struggled to effectively control the ball, posting 25 turnovers as a team including seven more from All-Star point guard John Wall. Up-and-coming forward Otto Porter Jr. did provide a bright spot for Washington in the loss, as he posted 23 points on efficient 8-for-12 shooting.
The Hawks have dominated through their first eight games, and currently sit atop the Eastern Conference. Atlanta wil hope to continue its seven-game win streak at home on Monday against Minnesota. Meanwhile, the Wizards prepare to take on the Thunder on Tuesday in Washington.
