ATLANTA — WITH Lakers They were down 20 points in the third quarter in Atlanta, and the only sound coming from the bench was Nick Smith Jr.'s muffled cheers. The rest of the Lakers sat silently or milled around in a semicircle, waiting for their coaches to join.
Little could be said.
Lakers' five-game winning streak ends as Hawks dominate 122-102 on Saturday at State Farm Arena.
Play a third game in a row without Austin Reeves, Luka Doncic tried to hold off the Lakers (7-3) with 22 points, 11 assists and five rebounds, but all of his points came in the first half and he came on just 27 minutes later as the Hawks built a 25-point lead midway through the third quarter. Forward Jake LaRavia had 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, and Jared Vanderbilt grabbed 18 rebounds, one shy of his career high.
The Hawks (5-5) played their second straight home game after losing to the Toronto Raptors on Friday. They were out four of their five starters, including Trae Young (knee), Kristaps Porzingis (rest) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (back).
They still held an early 13-point lead in the first quarter as the Lakers, who had won their first four road games, looked sluggish to open a five-game road trip.
The Lakers should be aware of the dangers of being a desperate, short-handed team. Just five days ago, they snapped Portland's three-game winning streak without Reaves, Doncic and LeBron James. Coach JJ Redick said he would repeat that lesson before Saturday's game to avoid disappointment.
Atlanta Hawks guard Vit Krejci (center) shoots between Lakers center Deandre Ayton (left) and forward Rui Hachimura during the first half Saturday.
(Mike Stewart/Associated Press)
The lead grew to 14 by halftime and to 26 three quarters later when Redick pulled Doncic, LaRavia and center Deandre Ayton.
The Lakers looked sluggish from the start, missing the easy passes they had consistently made throughout their winning streak. They fell asleep on defense, allowing the Hawks to drive straight to the basket.
Atlanta's Mohamed Gueye scored 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field and hit four 3-pointers. The Lakers, who believed their connection and chemistry had helped them survive long stretches without stars, suddenly fell silent when faced with a large deficit in front of a raucous crowd.
Towards the end, as most Atlanta fans headed for the exits, the Hawks' most dedicated group of fans, Team 404, echoed through the nearly empty arena with a final chant of “Where's LeBron?”
The superstar hasn't played a single minute this season due to sciatica.
