Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder highlighted his team’s defensive resilience, growing maturity and contributions from Aaron Wiggins and Onyeka Okongwu after Thursday’s 114-111 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Atlanta fell behind by 15 points in the first quarter, scoring just 16 points in the opening period. However, the Hawks responded with a 19-2 run in the second quarter, taking control of the game and eventually snapping a three-game losing streak.
Snyder said the team’s ability to remain committed defensively despite its early offensive struggles was particularly important.
“Adversity on the offensive end can make it harder to defend,” Snyder said. “You have to be mentally tough to dig in defensively, and we hung in there with that.”
The Hawks coach described that response as meaningful progress for the group, particularly after the team struggled to convert opportunities early in the game.
“I think that was a really, really important dynamic in the game,” Snyder said. “That’s growth for us and really important growth.”
Snyder also discussed rookie Kingston Flemings, who finished with two points and five assists in 16 minutes. He praised the young guard’s competitiveness and ability to learn from challenging matchups against established players such as James Harden and Donovan Mitchell.
“He’s an intelligent player,” Snyder said, adding that Flemings has the passing ability to make different reads but needs experience to learn when to slow down and use his speed effectively.
Aaron Wiggins was another major contributor, recording 20 points, seven rebounds and three assists in 24 minutes off the bench. Snyder praised the forward’s composure and the effect it has on the rest of the team.
“He’s letting the game come to him,” Snyder said. “He’s got a real poise about him on the offensive end, and it has a settling effect on his teammates too.”
Onyeka Okongwu led Atlanta with a season-high 29 points and 12 rebounds. Snyder stressed the importance of maintaining confidence in the team’s shooting, including for Okongwu and Jock Landale, while finding other ways to contribute when shots are not falling.
He also singled out Jalen Johnson for continuing to impact the game beyond scoring. Johnson finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
Snyder was particularly pleased with how Johnson handled his offensive struggles early before making important contributions down the stretch.
“He just had thrown himself into the game, and he made big plays for us down the stretch,” Snyder said.
The coach also praised the decision-making of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Wiggins against Cleveland’s defensive coverages, noting that both players adjusted well when the Cavaliers applied pressure on handoffs and screening actions.
Atlanta improved to 3-3 with the win and will visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.
