The Hawks had watched their 12-point halftime lead melt into a late scare, but Nickeil Alexander-Walker calmly stepped to the line with 9.5 seconds left and sealed Atlanta’s 139-132 win over Washington on Friday. The Hawks entered at 5-4, trying to build on two straight wins and prove their new, defense-first style could keep rolling. The Wizards, 4-4 before tipoff, brought Trae Young back to Atlanta looking to lead a talented young group to a statement road win.

Atlanta jumped ahead quickly because Dyson Daniels made the right pass again and again. He set up Alexander-Walker for an early three-pointer, then fed him for a close shot before finding Onyeka Okongwu for an alley-oop dunk. When Daniels helped create a three-pointer for Luguentz Dort and another for rookie Kingston Flemings, the Hawks led 18-8.

Washington did not blink. Kyshawn George attacked the rim, while Deandre Ayton kept grabbing missed shots. Tre Johnson hit two first-quarter threes, and Young found Ayton for an alley-oop dunk that tied the score at 28. Young then set up Johnson and Bilal Coulibaly as the Wizards closed the first quarter on a 12-2 burst for a 32-28 lead.

Atlanta’s reserves answered in the second quarter. Flemings buried two pull-up jumpers, and reserve forward Zuby Ejiofor powered in two dunks as the Hawks surged ahead 40-36. Aaron Wiggins supplied quick scoring, including a three-pointer that made it 47-40. Washington stayed close through George, but Atlanta’s defense delivered the key plays before halftime. Okongwu stole a Young pass, drilled a three-pointer, and Daniels scored twice on tip shots after offensive rebounds. Alexander-Walker’s step-back three sent the Hawks into halftime leading 66-59.

The third quarter became Atlanta’s loudest stretch. Young scored five quick points, but Dort answered with a three and a fast-break layup after Daniels stole a pass. Another Dort three pushed the lead to 79-69. The Hawks kept moving the ball, finishing with 38 assists, and their outside shooting kept Washington chasing. Okongwu hit another three, while Alexander-Walker, Wiggins and Dort helped build a 105-94 lead after three quarters.

Washington made one last charge. Young hit a deep three, George nailed several late jumpers, and his three with 13.6 seconds left cut the gap to 135-132. But Atlanta had an answer every time. Dort scored 25 points and hit five threes, while Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 28 points, including all 10 of his free throws. Daniels filled the game with 13 points, nine rebounds and 12 assists, and Okongwu added 22 points, 10 rebounds and four steals.

George’s 33 points and seven assists showed Washington’s growing firepower, while Young had 23 points and 10 assists despite eight turnovers. Yet Atlanta’s 11 steals and steady passing won the key possessions. The Hawks improved to 6-4 before facing Brooklyn, while the Wizards fell to 4-5 and turn next to Oklahoma City. In this rematch, Atlanta showed that sharing the ball and staying active on defense can survive even the fiercest late rally.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Atlanta’s Passing Storm Hold Off Washington