ATLANTA — Garrison Mathews delivered a standout performance by sinking a career-high seven three-pointers, contributing a season-best 25 points off the bench, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a decisive 117-104 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night.
Trae Young played a vital role for the Hawks as well, scoring 29 points and providing seven assists, while De’Andre Hunter chipped in with 19 points. This win ended a disappointing three-game losing streak for Atlanta. Despite being listed as questionable due to a bruised heel, Young showed no signs of injury during the game.
Naz Reid emerged as a key contributor for the Timberwolves, scoring 23 points off the bench. Anthony Edwards, playing in his hometown, managed 16 points and collected six rebounds, although he faced challenges, shooting just 7 for 20 from the field and committing five turnovers. He was met with tough defense from NBA’s defensive player of the month, Dyson Daniels, who registered an impressive eight steals during the game.
Mathews shone in the first half, going 5 for 5 from beyond the arc and scoring 15 of his 25 points before the break. His shooting prowess helped the Hawks establish a strong 30-11 lead initially, but the Timberwolves quickly found their rhythm. With contributions from Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who also scored 11 points off the bench, Minnesota managed to pull ahead with a 55-52 lead at halftime.
In terms of performance notes, the Timberwolves suffered from a sluggish start, particularly after Edwards received a $75,000 fine earlier in the day for his comments on officiating. Despite a strong showing in the first half, Minnesota struggled in the fourth quarter, adding to the challenges of their current season. As it stands, the Timberwolves hold a 14-14 record, a stark contrast to their impressive 22-6 standing at Christmas 2022.
For the Hawks, following a heavy defeat against the Grizzlies where Young was absent, this victory brought them back to a .500 record as they headed into the Christmas season with renewed confidence.
A key moment in the game occurred early in the third quarter when the Hawks surged with an 8-0 run, flipping the score from an 89-87 deficit to a 95-89 advantage, during which Mathews scored seven points. That momentum allowed Atlanta to extend their lead significantly.
Statistically, the Hawks excelled from long range, finishing the game with a shooting performance of 18 for 36 from three-point territory.
Looking ahead, the Timberwolves are set to play on Christmas for only the third time in franchise history, as they head to Dallas to face the Mavericks on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Hawks will host the Chicago Bulls on Thursday as they aim to continue their winning momentum.
