Memphis Red Hot for Playoff Push, Hawks Searching for Consistency Amid Struggles
Memphis Grizzlies vs Atlanta Hawks
On Saturday, December 21, 2024, the Memphis Grizzlies (currently on a hot streak) will travel to State Farm Arena in Atlanta to take on the Atlanta Hawks in an exciting NBA showdown. This marks the first meeting between the two teams this season, and both franchises will be eager to make a statement early in the 2024-25 campaign.
Last season, the two teams split their two-game series, each winning on the road, setting the stage for what could be a competitive rematch this year. Both teams are looking to either extend their winning ways (Memphis) or bounce back from recent struggles (Atlanta).
Memphis Grizzlies: Red Hot and Ready for a Playoff Push
The Memphis Grizzlies have been on fire lately, winning 11 of their last 13 games overall. Following a tough 116-110 road loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Grizzlies bounced back in dramatic fashion, dominating the Golden State Warriors 144-93 in a game that will likely be remembered as one of the most impressive performances of the season.
Memphis held Golden State to just 38 points in the first half, and by the end of the third quarter, they had built a jaw-dropping 50-point lead. Their three-point shooting was on point, as they connected on 27-of-48 attempts from beyond the arc. The Grizzlies also excelled in other areas, grabbing 15 offensive rebounds and dishing out a staggering 38 assists.
Leading the way for Memphis in this dominating win was Santi Aldama, who put up a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Desmond Bane contributed 15 points and seven assists, further showcasing the depth and versatility of this Memphis squad. Although Ja Morant played just 17 minutes in the win, scoring nine points and adding three assists, his presence is still felt as the Grizzlies continue to play at a high level.
Atlanta Hawks: Searching for Consistency Amid Recent Struggles
The Atlanta Hawks have had an up-and-down stretch recently, losing three of their last four games. After suffering a heavy 141-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets, the Hawks managed to bounce back with a 108-100 win over the New York Knicks. However, Atlanta suffered two disappointing road losses, first to the Milwaukee Bucks (110-102) and most recently to the San Antonio Spurs (133-126 in overtime).
The loss to San Antonio was particularly frustrating for the Hawks, as they blew a six-point halftime lead, eventually falling in overtime. While they shot 47.4% from the field and made 16 three-pointers on 38 attempts, their 23 turnovers proved to be a decisive factor. Despite Trae Young’s stellar performance of 23 points and 16 assists, and De’Andre Hunter‘s 27 points off the bench, the Hawks couldn’t hold off the Spurs’ offensive barrage.
Conclusion
Given Memphis’s recent dominance, especially their impressive win over the Warriors, they enter this matchup as the clear favorites. Their ability to shoot from the perimeter, combined with their top-ranked defense, makes them a tough matchup for the Hawks, who have struggled to consistently stop high-powered offenses.
Atlanta’s inconsistency, combined with their turnover issues, will likely hinder them against a well-coached Memphis team. While Trae Young will do his best to keep the Hawks competitive, the Grizzlies’ all-around team play and efficiency should give them the edge in this contest.
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