Hawks dismantle Mavericks 135-111 as Alexander-Walker leads scoring

A Decisive Second Quarter

The Atlanta Hawks secured a 135-111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the American Airlines Center. The game’s defining moment arrived in the second period, where Atlanta outscored Dallas 34-20 to extend their lead.

This surge allowed the visitors to control the pace for the remainder of the contest, building a cushion that Dallas could not overcome despite a spirited effort in the final frame.

The Hawks entered the break with a 73-54 lead. They had already established dominance in the first quarter, finishing 39-34. In the second quarter, Atlanta’s offense remained efficient, while Dallas struggled to find consistent rhythm. The Mavericks managed only 20 points in that stretch, allowing the Hawks to pull away significantly before halftime.

Standout Performances

Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 25 points. His scoring was complemented by strong contributions across the board. Kingston Flemings orchestrated the offense with six assists, while Jalen Johnson provided a physical presence on the glass, grabbing 14 rebounds. These three players formed the core of Atlanta’s successful night, combining scoring, playmaking, and rebounding to keep the Mavericks at bay.

For Dallas, Cooper Flagg was the standout performer, tallying 26 points and 12 rebounds. His dual threat kept the Mavericks competitive in stretches, particularly when he hit from beyond the arc and finished at the rim. Kyrie Irving also contributed significantly to the playmaking department, recording five assists. However, the Mavericks’ offensive output was not enough to offset the Hawks’ balanced attack.

Game Flow and Result

The Hawks maintained their lead throughout the third quarter, scoring 29 points compared to Dallas’s 24. By the end of the third period, Atlanta held a 102-78 lead. The fourth quarter saw the Mavericks attempt to close the gap, scoring 33 points to match Atlanta’s 33. However, the deficit was already too large to overcome.

The final score was 135-111 in favor of the Hawks. This result improves Atlanta’s record to 4-1, while the Mavericks fall to 1-3. The game was played in front of an attendance of 19,178.

The Hawks’ performance showcased their depth and efficiency, as they outscored Dallas in three of the four quarters and controlled the tempo of the game from start to finish. The Mavericks will look to bounce back in their next matchup, but for this night, the Hawks were the superior team.

Sources

ESPN