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Hawks have strong second half, but lose 132-123 to Grizzlies in first preseason game

The Atlanta Hawks kicked off their preseason campaign with a tough 132-123 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, marking their first official game against another team beyond scrimmages. The Hawks’ starting lineup featured a mix of young talent, including Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who opened the scoring with a three-pointer—his first points in the NBA.

Kingston Flemings also made an early impact with his own first career triple, while Aaron Wiggins and Asa Newell contributed off the bench, with Newell hitting a clutch and-one on his birthday. The Hawks built an 11-point lead early but struggled in the second half, surrendering 49 points to the Grizzlies and falling behind 81-61 at halftime.

Despite defensive efforts from the starters, the Grizzlies’ offense proved too much, and the Hawks’ bench unit couldn’t sustain momentum after the break.

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