Barnes, Raptors outlast Hawks in Friday night nailbiter
The Toronto Raptors outlasted the Atlanta Hawks, 123-121, at State Farm Arena on Friday night.

It was the visiting team that got off to a quick start Friday as the Raptors (21-36) led 33-22 after the first 12 minutes of play. The second quarter belonged to the Hawks (24-32), however, as the home squad outscored their opponents by 10 points in the frame to go into halftime down by one. Toronto pushed their lead to six points heading into the fourth quarter, but Atlanta wouldn’t go away quietly as they kept within a score down the stretch. The Hawks weren’t able to push through for the victory, however, as the loss dropped their home record to 13-16, while the Raptors improved their road record to 9-20. Despite the Hawks winning the free throw battle, 17-9, the Raptors were able to turn rebounds into buckets as they won the fast break battle, 22-9.

Eight of the nine Toronto players who played Friday scored in double digits. Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists and hit a game-high six three-pointers. Scottie Barnes complimented with 20 points, five rebounds and 10 assists for his 23rd double-double of the season. Grady Dick led the bench with 18 points and two rebounds, while Ochai Agbaji chipped in 14 points and four rebounds in reserve. Gary Trent finished with 13 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Jakob Poetl tallied 12 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two blocks for his 18th double-double of the season.

Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 24 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for his seventh double-double of the year. De’Andre Hunter led Atlanta’s bench with 22 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Bogdan Bogdanovic went 5-for-17 from the field and finished with 14 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Sadiq Bey totaled 18 points and nine rebounds, while Jalen Johnson chipped in 12 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocks for his 15th double-double of the season.

Next up, the Hawks stay at home as they welcome in the Orlando Magic on Feb. 25, while the Raptors visit the Indiana Pacers and old friend Pascal Siakam on Feb. 26.
Posted on: 2/23/2024 7:37 PM
Toronto Raptors
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Atlanta Hawks
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