**Lakers’ Momentum Stalls in Atlanta with 122-102 Loss to Hawks**
ATLANTA — The Los Angeles Lakers’ momentum hit a standstill in Atlanta on Saturday night, dropping their first road game of the season and snapping a five-game win streak with a 122-102 loss to the Hawks.
The Hawks dominated the Lakers in almost every phase, handing L.A. their first road defeat of the season and dropping the Lakers’ record to 7-3 after 10 games, despite Atlanta missing four of their five starters.
Atlanta’s urgency and aggressive point of attack were the main difference-makers — glaring contrasts to the Lakers, who failed to match that intensity.
Lakers coach JJ Redick noticed the lackadaisical energy only two minutes into the game, seeing nothing from his starting unit to begin the contest.
“Just not a lot to like tonight,” Redick said. “They [Hawks] were at the requisite level of urgency and physicality. L.A.’s lack of urgency led to an eight-point hole after the first quarter and a 14-point deficit going into the half.”
Atlanta made eight three-pointers in the first half and capitalized on 10 Lakers turnovers, scoring 19 points off those mistakes. On the night, the Hawks totaled 13 steals and converted 36 points off the Lakers’ 20 turnovers.
The Hawks’ starting unit set the tone early, outdueling the Lakers’ starters who all finished in double figures but were collectively outscored by the Hawks’ first group 76-59.
“It’s always up to that first group to come out and set the tone,” Redick added. “We came out and got punched in the mouth. They just outplayed us at the end of the day.”
Luka Dončić had his lowest scoring total of the season, putting up 22 points on seven-of-17 shooting. He also logged his lowest minutes (27) of the season, as Redick pulled the starters midway through the third quarter with the Lakers trailing significantly.
The Lakers’ largest deficit of the night came in the fourth quarter, down by 30 points — the biggest margin they have faced all season.
The Lakers will need to move past this ugly loss, arguably their worst of the season, as they continue their five-game road trip on Monday against the Charlotte Hornets.
https://www.thesportingtribune.com/2025/11/08/lakers-punched-in-the-mouth-by-hawks-snap-five-game-win-streak