The Hawks lost 121-114 to Houston on Saturday and slid from first to fourth in the East. They go back to Houston on Monday, then host the Heat and Cavaliers before a trip to New Orleans.
What Saturday actually showed
Houston led by 20, and Atlanta's best lead all night was 7. The Hawks still made it a one-possession scare, closing on a 9-0 burst that cut 117-103 to 117-112. CJ McCollum scored 10 of his 17 in the fourth, but Dyson Daniels fouled out with 18 seconds left and Tari Eason's dunk ended it.
The number worth carrying
Onyeka Okongwu finished minus-13 in 26 minutes, shooting 2-of-8 with an 0-for-5 night from three. Brad Rowland of Locked On Hawks noted he is 2-for-13 from deep to start the season. Jalen Johnson's 26 points, 9 rebounds and 16 assists were not the problem. The spacing around the big man is the thing to watch.
Rematch and the road ahead
Monday in Houston is the quick chance to answer. Then come the Heat on Wednesday, the Cavaliers on Thursday and the Pelicans on Saturday. The open question is the glass. Rowland reported that Quin Snyder said the Hawks have their work cut out for them against Houston's offensive rebounding. Atlanta can live with losing that fight only if the threes fall, and Saturday they did not.
When do the Hawks play the Rockets again?
Monday, Oct. 26, in Houston. It is the second meeting in three days, after Houston won 121-114 in Atlanta.
Where are the Hawks in the East standings?
They are fourth at 2-1 after the loss. They had been first a day earlier.
