Hawks vs Hornets final play gives Atlanta controversial win, Dyson Daniels clutch defense seals 113-110 thriller

The Atlanta Hawks survived a thrilling final quarter against the Charlotte Hornets, escaping with a 113-110 victory on December 18, 2025. The Hawks’ defense stepped up when it mattered most down the stretch. Dyson Daniels delivered crucial clutch plays to secure the road win.

Jalen Johnson’s Stellar All-Around Performance Carries Hawks to Victory

Jalen Johnson was the driving force behind the Hawks’ tight win. The versatile forward put on a dominant display, finishing with 28 points while dishing out 11 assists and pulling down 8 rebounds. His triple-double threat kept Charlotte’s defense honest all night long.

Johnson’s ball movement and scoring ability proved too much for the Hornets to handle. He navigated Atlanta’s offense with precision. His combination of scoring punch and playmaking made him nearly impossible to defend once he found rhythm in the second half.

Dyson Daniels Makes Clutch Defensive Plays Down the Stretch

Dyson Daniels emerged as the crucial difference-maker in the final moments. The Hawks’ young defender contributed 22 points and 9 rebounds while making several big defensive stops in the fourth quarter. His intensity on both ends of the floor helped secure the three-point victory.

Daniels’ ability to switch defensively on multiple positions allowed the Hawks to adjust to Charlotte’s offensive schemes. His two-way impact highlighted why Atlanta values his development for the future of the franchise.

Supporting Cast Provides Balanced Scoring Attack

Player	Points	Role
Jalen Johnson	28	Forward
Dyson Daniels	22	Guard/Forward
Nickeil Alexander-Walker	23	Guard
Hawks Total	113	Final Score

Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in with 23 points to round out Atlanta’s balanced scoring. The Hawks’ depth allowed them to weather any cold stretches from their primary scorers. Multiple contributors stepping up created problems for Charlotte’s defense throughout the contest.

Hawks Defense Clamps Down in Critical Final Quarter

The Hawks’ defensive intensity shifted noticeably in the fourth quarter. Atlanta held the Hornets to just 22 points in the final period after Charlotte had kept pace for three quarters. The combination of Dyson Daniels’ isolation defense and help-side rotations suffocated the Hornets’ offense.

Coach of the Hawks emphasized getting defensive stops in the final moments. The team’s ability to execute on defense without fouling proved decisive. Charlotte struggled to create open looks as Atlanta tightened their perimeter defense and contested every three-point attempt down the stretch.

“It’s a huge growth moment for us. The Hawks let a double-digit lead slip in the final quarter but pulled out the defensive stops to secure victory.”

— Hawks Coaching Staff, Post-Game Analysis

What’s Next for Both Teams After This Tight Matchup?

The Hawks improved to 15-12 with this victory, winning their seventh game in their last nine contests. This momentum heading into the rest of December could prove crucial for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta’s balanced scoring and improving defense suggest the team is trending in the right direction.

Meanwhile, the Hornets’ loss extended their struggles. Charlotte sits at 8-18, but the tight game shows they can compete with better opponents when executing properly. A young roster like the Hornets will benefit from close games against quality teams like the Hawks as they continue their development throughout the remainder of the season.

Sources

• ESPN – Game recap and box score statistics
• NBA.com – Official game result and player performance data
• Bleacher Report – Game highlights and analysis