Vit Krejci scored a career-high 28 points off the bench, hitting eight 3-pointers, to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 105-102 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday at the Intuit Dome. The Hawks overcame a 17-point deficit to win consecutive games for the second time this season.
Kristaps Porzingis added 20 points and Jalen Johnson posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds as Atlanta improved to 6-5. Krejci’s hot shooting included four 3-pointers during a 20-3 run in the second quarter that erased the Clippers’ early lead.
James Harden recorded a triple-double with 35 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds for Los Angeles, but the Clippers fell to 3-7. Ivica Zubac contributed 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Derrick Jones Jr. and Kris Dunn added 11 points each.
The game remained close in the fourth quarter, with Harden scoring 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including four 3-pointers. Krejci’s late 3-pointer with 36 seconds left gave Atlanta a 105-98 lead that proved decisive.
Atlanta trailed 36-19 early in the second quarter before Krejci’s shooting spurt helped the Hawks take a 42-41 lead with 4:09 remaining in the half. By halftime, the game was tied 52-52, with Krejci making six of Atlanta’s seven first-half 3-pointers.
Trailing 92-95 with 4:25 left, Harden hit a pair of 3-pointers to tie the score at 92, but Krejci’s clutch shot restored the lead. Despite a late four-point play from Harden, the Clippers could not recover, and the Hawks held on for the road victory.
Porzingis returned after missing Sunday’s game due to illness, and Johnson came back following a quad injury. Atlanta still played without Trae Young (knee) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (back), while the Clippers were without Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and Bradley Beal (hip).
The Hawks continue their road trip on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings. Los Angeles hosts the Denver Nuggets on the same day, looking to halt their five-game losing streak.
