JUST IN: After returning to the lineup, Dejounte Murray scores 34 points to help Atlanta defeat Houston 122-113.

The Hawks faced the Rockets at home after defeating Philadelphia on the road the previous night. Despite having less players than usual, Atlanta managed to prevail and secure a victory. With six victories in their previous eight games, the Hawks are gaining ground as the All-Star break approaches.

Even though the Hawks were lacking players in most areas, they were fortunate to bring Dejounte Murray back, and his addition to the starting lineup was crucial. Murray finished with 34 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in one of his greatest performances of the year. He was the only player on either squad to reach the free-throw line twice, with a total of 15 attempts.

The Hawks were aware before to the game that De’Andre Hunter, Bruno Fernando, Wesley Matthews, and Patty Mills would not be available. Out of the nine players that Atlanta had available, only AJ Griffin did not play any minutes.

Houston was without a few important players tonight, just like the Hawks, but their absences had a greater effect. Cam Whitmore, Alperen Sengun, and Fred VanVleet were a few of the players that Houston’s lineup lost. Houston still has Jalen Green, the former No. 2 overall pick, and he can have a great scoring night even without those players. Even though he achieved a triple-double, it was insufficient for the Rockets to make up for his absences.

The Hawks’ starting lineup included Murray, Onyeka Okongwu, Saddiq Bey, Jalen Johnson, and Trae Young. Amen Thompson, Jeff Green, Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., and Jalen Green were the starting lineup for Houston. However, the Rockets got the perfect start to the game. Even without those superstars, they had one of the top defenses in the NBA, and players like Dillon Brooks made it difficult for Atlanta’s ball handlers.

Kobe Bufkin’s performance tonight was a major breakthrough. Although he didn’t accomplish anything to change the outcome of the game in his roughly 16 minutes on the field, Hawks head coach Quin Snyder was all praise for him after this one. After the Hawks led 15–12, the Rockets embarked on a 9–0 run, and they rode that to a 31–19 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Atlanta made 17% of its three-pointers and 30% of its field goals. They had one of their poorest games of the season in the first quarter.

It was completely different in the second quarter. Atlanta’s offense took over and controlled the game from there on out. In the second quarter, the Hawks outscored the Rockets 38–18, while Houston shot 27% from the field and 22% from three.

Atlanta barely defeated the Rockets 65-64 in a close second half, although Houston never truly had a chance to win. The Rockets turned the ball over 17 times, while the Hawks had the upper hand in free throw attempts. Although the teams shot differently, those were the main distinctions. Tonight, Houston had a significant advantage in rebounds (58–41).

The Hawks’ game against the Bulls on Monday is crucial for them since they are playing well. The Hawks could definitely utilize this game to get ahead of Chicago in the Eastern Conference Standings, as the Hawks are currently one game behind. In Atlanta, that game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 on Monday.