ATLANTA—Coming in with an unsightly record of 2-12, the Atlanta Hawks clinched their first home game win and the largest margin in franchise history against the Sacramento Kings Wednesday night, 126-80.
As if the Kings’ were not already having a tough time on the road (1-9), tonight’s performance from Sacramento earned a spot for top six disgraceful in their franchise. Even though both teams are undergoing a rebuilding season, the Kings desperately used this excuse as a crutch.
“Right now we have the worst record in the, NBA, so any win is a good win and we’ll take it,” said Atlanta’s small forward, Taurean Prince, who scored 14 points.
Competing with young players against high caliber teams has not been easy to come across wins, so this was a huge confidence booster to experience a win on Atlanta’s own hardwood. Especially, humiliating a team by 46 points.
“Forty-six points in the NBA, …It’s almost like you’re laying down,” said Sacramento point guard George Hill.
The Hawks relentlessly danced around the “Kings” with their crowns the entire night, as Atlanta took off on a 9-0 run. Setting the tone early by finishing the first quarter 24-16, the Hawks did not ease up leading the entire way.
Dennis Schroder lead Atlanta in scoring by contributing 21 points and 8 rebounds. While keeping his team poised in the blowout, he was unstoppable from all areas of the court pushing Atlanta to 64-35 at the half.
One-point shy from Schroder, Dewayne Dedmond had his best game out of all four years of his NBA career. Dedmond put up a career high of 20-points and grabbed down 14 rebounds. In the first half alone, Dedmond had 18-points quickly recording a double-double.
“Every win is hard in the NBA,” said Atlanta’s assistant coach Patrick St. Andrews. “Even in blowouts like this. Sacramento is a better team than they showed tonight. They were probably just fatigued.”
Atlanta was unstoppable behind the arc shooting 63.3 percent. Overall, the Hawks put in a great team effort with eight of their players scoring and double figures. Sacramento
Sadly, Sacramento only had two of their players match these numbers attempting to chip away the score to remain competitive. Zach Randolph scored 16 points and George Hill followed contributing 12 points.
The Kings had a pathetic offensive night, only shooting 35.2 percent.
“Losing’s one thing, but we’ve got to do a better job of competing,” said Sacramento Kings’ head coach Dave Joerger.
As the game slowly came to a wrap, Atlanta bench on each opposing team saw action on the court. The 46-point lead clearly established that a win or even a battle was out of the question.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Dedmond. “We have to take this momentum, feed off it and get ready for the next game.”
The Atlanta Hawks will look to begin a winning streak at home as they face the Boston Celtics on Saturday, Nov. 18th.