In a surprising performance that turned heads on January 9, 2026, the Atlanta Hawks put together a commanding effort to defeat the Denver Nuggets 110–87 at Ball Arena. What started as a competitive first quarter quickly turned into a statement outing for Atlanta as they took control and never looked back.

From the opening tip, the Hawks played with confidence and cohesion. Atlanta matched Denver shot for shot early but pulled ahead behind a balanced offensive attack. By halftime, they had built a cushion, and the momentum carried into the second half, where the Nuggets struggled to keep pace.

Star forward Jalen Johnson led the way, delivering a team-high scoring night while also contributing on the boards and facilitating the offense with strong playmaking. Meanwhile, Dyson Daniels turned in a triple-double, showing a blend of scoring, rebounding, and passing that energized the Hawks and frustrated Denver’s defenders.

Defensively, Atlanta applied consistent pressure, forcing turnovers and limiting Denver’s opportunities in transition. The Nuggets, missing key contributors, couldn’t find an answer in the second half as the Hawks stretched their lead and closed the night with a decisive victory.

This win marked a big boost for Atlanta’s confidence and highlighted their depth and potential as the season progresses, while Denver will look to regroup and shore up its defense ahead of upcoming matchups.