MOUHAMED Gueye delivered a breakout performance as the undermanned Atlanta Hawks cruised to a 122–102 victory over Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night (Sunday in the Philippines) at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
Gueye, making just his second start of the season, finished with a career-high of 21 points along with seven rebounds and seven assists in a well-rounded showing that fueled Atlanta’s early dominance as they improved to a 5-5 mark.
Despite missing several key players, led by Trae Young (MCL sprain), Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Nikola Durisic, Jalen Johnson, and Kristaps Porzingis (rest), the Hawks seized control early at 37-20 and never looked back.
Dyson Daniels also starred for Atlanta with 10 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds, along with a steal, extending his franchise record to 62 straight games with at least one steal.
Zachary Risacher also made his presence felt offensively with 19 markers, Asa Newell and Vit Krejci contributed 17 points apiece off the bench, while Keaton Wallace and Onyeka Okongwu had 14 and 12, respectively, for the Hawks.
Lakers star Luka Doncic tallied 17 points along with 11 assists and five rebounds, while Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Deandre Ayton had 13, 12, 11, and 10 points, respectively. They slipped to 7-3 mark.
Meanwhile, De’Aarox Fox made his presence felt on his season debut as San Antonio Spurs (7-2) scored a 126-119 victory over New Orleans Pelicans (2-7) at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Fox, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury to start the season, finished with a game-high of 24 points, including some crucial points in the endgame that sealed the win for the Spurs.
Victor Wembanyama posted a double-double of 18 points and 18 rebounds, Devin Vassell and Harrison Barnes had 16 and 15, respectively, while Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie had 14 apiece for the Spurs.
In other results, Cleveland Cavaliers prevailed over Chicago Bulls, 128-122; Miami Heat turned back Portland Trail Blazers, 136-131; Philadelphia 76ers edged Toronto Raptors, 130-120; and Dallas Mavericks defeated Washington Wizards, 111-105./PN
