Toronto Raptors Defeat Atlanta Hawks 125-114

Recap

Not only did the Raptors heat up an almost entirely empty Scotiabank Arena, but probably most of frigid Toronto. For the second time in five days, the Hawks got torched by a hot-shooting Raptors - this time 125-114.

Pascal Siakam set the tone early with 21 points in the first quarter. Luckily, the Hawks were able to contain 'Spicy P' the rest of the game. But for every run made by the Hawks, there was a clutch three-pointer by either Fred VanVleet or Gary Trent, Jr. The Raptors shot 17-27 (63%) from deep. Read that last sentence again.

⭐️ @FredVanVleet ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/v5SIWPp74W
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) February 5, 2022

Last night none of the Hawks players could miss. Unfortunately, some of the player's offensive games never made it through customs. Clint Capela and Kevin Huerter were held to 8 and 7 points, respectively. The Hawks collectively shot 46.2% from the field and 31% from behind the arc.

Most of the Hawks offense came from John Collins, De'Andre Hunter, and Trae Young, who scored 23, 23, and 22 points, respectively. However, shooting woes were only a small part of the problem tonight. The Hawks defense was dreadful, again.

Maintain the momentum pic.twitter.com/JR44yBzciU
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 5, 2022

While it's true that both teams played with heavy legs, only one of them had to spend last night traveling internationally. Luckily, tonight the Hawks will get to spend the night in Canada before embarking on a trip to the Lone Star State tomorrow morning.

Post-Game Interviews

After a lengthy wait, John Collins was the first Hawks player to emerge from the locker room. "Turnovers there at the end. Really beat us up on the offensive boards to give themselves some second-chance opportunities. And they were knocking down shots tonight from behind the arc. So can't give a team extra opportunities, and that's what they had in the closing minutes. That will definitely help a team win."

Seconds after Collins wrapped up his post-game media availability, De'Andre Hunter took to the podium. "I think turnovers definitely hurt us. They made some tough shots at the end as well, some open looks as well. But overall, we played pretty hard tonight. Just a little fatigued, that's all."

The Hawks next game is Sunday afternoon in Dallas against the Mavericks. Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's AllHawks.com for breaking news, highlights, and analysis.

Photos

Feb 4, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks forward Kevin Knox II (20) dunks the ball against Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher (25) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena.

Feb 4, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) sets up to shoot a basket as Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) closes in during the first half at Scotiabank Arena

Feb 4, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (12) drives to the net against Toronto Raptors center Khem Birch (24) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena.

Feb 4, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) and forward Pascal Siakam (43) defend against Atlanta Hawks forward Kevin Knox II (20) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena.

Feb 4, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher (25) and guard Dalano Banton (45) defend against Atlanta Hawks guard Delon Wright (0) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena.

Stats

Hawks Leaders

John Collins - 23 PTS, 6 REB

De'Andre Hunter - 23 PTS, 4 REB

Trae Young - 22 PTS, 13 AST

Raptors Leaders

Pascal Siakam - 33 PTS, 9 REB

Fred VanVleet - 26 PTS, 11 AST

Gary Trent Jr. - 19 PTS, 1 STL

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