Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder highlighted his team’s adjustments following a slow start in Wednesday’s 130-101 victory over the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. “Early in the game we were as much as anything we were found. And I didn’t… the first time out we just… talked about just more and got to do more in every area of the game. And our guys responded, you know, and they did,” Snyder said.
The Hawks’ offensive rhythm improved significantly in the second quarter, when Atlanta scored 47 points to break a 32-32 tie. Snyder credited ball movement for creating efficient shots. “When we got out, we were able to get in the paint and get some good looks and Nickeil obviously got hot, but he was getting good shots. Guys were finding him,” he noted, referencing Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s 32-point performance.
Snyder also praised Jalen Johnson’s contributions on both ends of the floor. “JJ did a really good job after the first time out, really raising his level as well. On the defensive end tonight I think the job that he did on Banchero was really good. And by the same token, when he did attack, when he didn’t get all the way, he was able to make really good reads and make plays for other people,” the coach explained.
Rebounding remained a key focus for Atlanta, with Dyson Daniels finishing with 15 points and 13 rebounds. “We’ve got to get more people going, you know, more frequently. But he certainly sets the example with that,” Snyder said, highlighting Daniels’ ability to secure loose balls and influence play both on and off the ball. “Dyson gets his hands on a lot of balls. He’s just got a nose for it. Whether it’s on the glass or… guarding the ball or off the ball. It’s something… he’s got great instincts.”
Snyder noted that discipline on defense helped limit Orlando’s opportunities. “Once we just were more disciplined on the ball and also off the ball, I think took some of those driving lanes away and tried to keep him out of the paint,” he said. Orlando struggled from deep, shooting 6-of-32 from three-point range, while Atlanta finished with five players in double figures and 27 assists.
The Hawks’ win marked their 17th in 19 games, strengthening their playoff positioning. Snyder emphasized staying consistent as a challenge moving forward. “That’s… the challenge for us is, you know just to stay in character,” he said, pointing to the importance of maintaining intensity and execution on both ends of the floor.
Atlanta now holds a 3½-game lead over Orlando in the Southeast Division, with five games remaining. The team will travel to Brooklyn on Friday, while the Magic head to Dallas.
