Hawks rout Mavs 135-111 behind dominant first half

Atlanta Takes Command Early

The Atlanta Hawks established control of Friday night’s contest at American Airlines Center almost immediately, pouring in 39 points in the opening quarter to set the tone for a decisive victory. The visitors never trailed significantly after taking an early lead, ultimately defeating the Dallas Mavericks 135-111 on October 16, 2026.

The difference was made in the first half. Atlanta outscored Dallas 72-49 through two quarters, building a cushion that the home team could never breach despite a competitive second quarter and a spirited fourth-quarter rally by the Mavericks. The Hawks’ offense operated with precision from the opening tip, capitalizing on fast-break opportunities and efficient shooting to pull away before halftime.

Key Performers Step Up

Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the offensive charge for Atlanta with 25 points. He was supported by Jalen Johnson, who controlled the glass with 14 rebounds and contributed significantly on both ends of the floor. Kingston Flemings directed the offense effectively, dishing out six assists to keep the Hawks’ attack flowing smoothly.

For Dallas, Cooper Flagg fought hard in a losing effort, recording a double-double with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Kyrie Irving facilitated the Mavericks' offense, contributing five assists as he looked to spark a comeback that never materialized against a disciplined Atlanta defense.

Fourth Quarter Rally Falls Short

Dallas attempted to close the gap in the final period, winning the fourth quarter 33-33 to match Atlanta’s scoring output in the frame. However, the deficit accumulated during the first half proved too large to overcome. The Mavericks scored 111 points total, falling short of the Hawks’ 135-point output.

The game featured several lead changes and close scoring runs, but Atlanta’s early dominance kept them in command throughout. Dallas showed resilience, particularly from Cooper Flagg, who scored consistently for his team, but they lacked the defensive stops necessary to halt Atlanta’s momentum.

Records Update

With this result, the Atlanta Hawks improve their record to 4-1 on the season. The Dallas Mavericks drop to 1-3. The game was played before an attendance of 19,178 at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Sources

ESPN