Jalen Johnson scored 30 points in his return from a three-game absence as the Atlanta Hawks rallied from a 17-point deficit to beat the Brooklyn Nets 124-121 on Saturday.
Johnson, who missed three games with a left ankle sprain, shot 11-for-17 from the field and added seven rebounds and six assists. Atlanta improved to 7-4 with its fourth consecutive victory.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Aaron Wiggins each scored 20 points for the Hawks. Alexander-Walker put Atlanta ahead for the first time by making two free throws with 1:26 remaining.
The Nets led 37-27 after the first quarter and opened a 31-14 advantage before Atlanta fought back. Brooklyn still held a 70-66 lead at halftime, but the Hawks outscored the visitors 36-26 in the fourth quarter.
Danny Wolf hit a three-pointer with 1.5 seconds remaining to cut Atlanta’s lead to 123-121. Onyeka Okongwu then made one of two free throws to seal the three-point win.
Okongwu finished with 16 points, five assists and four blocks. His late free throw completed a comeback after the Hawks had trailed by 17 in the opening quarter.
Michael Porter Jr. scored 25 points and Nolan Traore added a season-high 19 for Brooklyn. Julius Randle also had 19 points, while rookie Mikel Brown Jr. scored 18, including three fourth-quarter three-pointers.
Day’Ron Sharpe recorded 12 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds for his first career triple-double. Brooklyn fell to 2-7 and missed another opportunity to secure consecutive victories this season.
Brooklyn visits Dallas on Sunday. Atlanta hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.
