Hawks have strong second half, but lose 132-123 to Grizzlies in first preseason game

The Atlanta Hawks fell 132-123 to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday in their opening preseason matchup. Atlanta opened with an 11-point lead behind a starting lineup that included Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Kingston Flemings, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu, but a 49-point second quarter from Memphis left the Hawks trailing 81-61 at halftime.

Atlanta mounted a strong second-half push behind its reserve units to cut the deficit to single digits in the fourth quarter. Corey Kispert led the Hawks with 19 points, while Alexander-Walker scored 14 and Asa Newell recorded 12 points and rebounds. The Hawks face the San Antonio Spurs next on October 8.