Hawks Fall to Pelicans in Blowout Loss
Atlanta was outscored badly in the first half and dropped a road game to New Orleans on Halloween.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Basketball
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The Atlanta Hawks lost to the New Orleans Pelicans on the road after being blown out before halftime. The Hawks scored under 100 points for the first time this season.
Why it matters
The loss exposed Atlanta's defensive lapses, including turnovers, interior scoring and second-chance points, in a game that was effectively decided early. Atlanta's status for its next game also depends on the health of Jalen Johnson.
Atlanta shot 41% from the field and 20% from three-point range while finishing with 12 assists, well below its season average of 20. New Orleans shot 57% from the field and 41% from three for the game.
The players
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are a professional basketball franchise in the National Basketball Association based in Atlanta, Georgia.
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans are a professional basketball franchise in the National Basketball Association based in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Jalen Johnson
Jalen Johnson is a forward for the Atlanta Hawks who was reported to have an ankle injury following the loss.
The details
Atlanta allowed 23 points off turnovers, 32 points in the paint and 15 second-chance points in the first half, and was outrebounded and outhustled by the Pelicans on offense. Saddiq Bey scored 25 points off the bench for New Orleans, and Kingston Flemings was ejected after throwing an elbow at Bryce McGowens.
Timeline
Oct. 31: Atlanta loses to New Orleans on the road.
Monday: Atlanta plays the Indiana Pacers, with Jalen Johnson's availability in question.
Season Trajectory
The Hawks' 12-assist output fell well below their season average of 20, suggesting their offense stalled in a game where they scored under 100 points for the first time this season. The result leaves Atlanta facing a Monday matchup against the Indiana Pacers with its rotation health and offensive rhythm in question.
Fantasy managers relying on Jalen Johnson should monitor his status before Monday's game against the Pacers. Atlanta's 12-assist output and 20% three-point shooting in this loss are relevant to anyone tracking the team's offensive production.
The takeaway
Monitoring Jalen Johnson's status and the Hawks' assist and three-point numbers will show whether this loss was a one-off or a continuing problem for the team.
What happens next
Atlanta plays the Indiana Pacers on Monday, when the availability of Jalen Johnson will determine part of the team's lineup.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, see Basketball coverage of Atlanta.
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