Fri Oct 24 22:20:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
Hawks Suffer Embarrassing Season-Opening Loss to Raptors
ATLANTA – Hopes were high for the Atlanta Hawks heading into the season, but their opener against the Toronto Raptors ended in a disappointing 138-118 defeat. The Raptors dominated in the paint, fastbreak points, and rebounding, leaving Hawks star Trae Young visibly frustrated.
“I don’t think there’s too many positives you can take from tonight,” Young said. “It’s embarrassing the way we started it.”
Young led the team with 22 points, but the Hawks struggled with continuity and defensive lapses. Jalen Johnson’s 22 points offered a bright spot, and Kristaps Porzingis added 20 in his debut, but other new additions like Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker failed to significantly contribute.
The Raptors set a franchise record for points on opening night, led by RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes, who combined for 47 points.
Coach Quin Snyder acknowledged the need for significant improvements, especially on defense. The Hawks face a challenging early schedule with nine of their first 14 games on the road, beginning with a match against Orlando on Friday, followed by a home game against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.
Young expressed confidence in the team’s ability to improve with time: “I got to figure out how we need to jell together. So, we need time to jell. But obviously we want results right away…our team’s going to be right, trust me.”
First Piper 