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Hawks rout Mavericks 135-111 in Dallas thriller

Atlanta's offense exploded for 135 points, led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker's 25 and Cooper Flagg’s 26-point effort falling short for Dallas.

Marlene Keller· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

October 17, 20262 min read

NBAFinal
Atlanta Hawks135
Dallas Mavericks111

October 16, 2026

Hawks Surge Past Mavs

The Atlanta Hawks delivered a dominant offensive performance Friday night at the American Airlines Center, defeating the host Dallas Mavericks 135-111. The visiting team controlled much of the contest, utilizing a balanced attack that overwhelmed the home squad’s defense.

First Half Dominance

Atlanta came out firing, establishing an early rhythm in the opening quarter. CJ McCollum opened the scoring with a three-point jumper assisted by Jalen Johnson, setting the tone for a high-scoring affair. The Hawks built a significant lead through the first period, finishing ahead 39-34 despite strong shooting from Dallas’s Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving.

The disparity widened in the second quarter as Atlanta’s offense continued to click. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jock Landale contributed significantly with three-pointers and free throws, extending the lead well into double digits. By halftime, the Hawks had established a commanding 73-54 advantage, fueled by efficient shooting and timely plays from their starters.

Second Half Control

Dallas attempted to mount a comeback in the third quarter, with Cooper Flagg keeping his team within striking distance through consistent scoring and free throws. However, Atlanta’s defense held firm, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker continued to stretch the floor with long-range shooting. The Hawks maintained their lead throughout the period, entering the fourth quarter up 92-75.

In the final period, Atlanta pulled away decisively. Kingston Flemings and Aaron Wiggins added crucial buckets, while the Mavericks struggled to find consistent offense against the Hawks’ defensive scheme. Cooper Flagg led Dallas with 26 points and 12 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. Kyrie Irving contributed five assists for the Mavs.

For Atlanta, Nickeil Alexander-Walker paced the team with 25 points, while Jalen Johnson controlled the glass with 14 rebounds. Kingston Flemings orchestrated the offense effectively, dishing out six assists. The Hawks’ bench also provided significant support, keeping the momentum firmly in their favor.

Final Results

The game concluded with Atlanta securing a 24-point victory. The loss drops the Dallas Mavericks to a 1-3 record on the season. The Atlanta Hawks improve to 4-1 after the win. The final score stands at Atlanta Hawks 135, Dallas Mavericks 111.

Sources

ESPN

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Marlene Keller· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

Marlene Keller covers Melissa high school and area college sports.

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