The Atlanta Hawks aim to build on their NBA Cup performance as they travel to San Antonio to face the Spurs on Thursday in an interconference matchup.
Atlanta Hawks:
- Recent Performance: Reached the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas, where they lost 110-102 to the eventual champions, the Milwaukee Bucks. Trae Young led the team with a 35-point, 10-assist double-double, nearly achieving a triple-double.
- Team Form: This loss was their second in the past three games, following a six-game winning streak that helped them secure a spot in the semifinals. The Hawks started the season 2-4 but have improved as they’ve gotten healthier.
- Key Players: Trae Young is the team’s top scorer and playmaker, also excelling on defense, earning praise from coach Snyder and his teammates.
- Schedule Note: The four-day break between Saturday’s game and their matchup with the Spurs is the longest of the season for Atlanta, excluding the All-Star break.
San Antonio Spurs:
- Current Record: 13-13, returning to play after a three-day break and a 106-92 home loss to Minnesota on Sunday.
- Key Players: Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 20 points and 12 rebounds despite playing with a sore back in the loss, which snapped a two-game winning streak.
- Coaching Update: Coach Gregg Popovich, who has been away from the team since Nov. 2 due to a minor stroke, released a statement on Monday indicating progress in his rehabilitation, raising hopes he could return this season. The Spurs are 11-10 under acting coach Mitch Johnson.
- Upcoming Schedule: After Thursday’s game with Atlanta and a home clash against Portland on Saturday, the Spurs will play nine of their next 11 games on the road.
Season Matchup:
- This is the first meeting of the season between the Hawks and Spurs, and the only one in San Antonio. The teams will face each other again on Feb. 5 in Atlanta.
