Krejci’s career night lifts Hawks past Clippers, 105–102

Kristaps Porzingis added 20 points and Jalen Johnson posted 16 points and 10 rebounds for Atlanta, which has now won back-to-back games for just the second time this season. Krejci’s hot hand — including a dagger 3-pointer with 36 seconds left — proved to be the difference as the Hawks opened their four-game road trip with an impressive comeback win.

James Harden recorded a triple-double for the Clippers, finishing with 35 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, including 19 points in the fourth quarter. But his last two shots, a missed free throw that would have completed a four-point play and a potential game-tying 3-pointer with 12 seconds remaining, came up short as L.A. dropped its fifth straight game.

Ivica Zubac had 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Clippers, while Derrick Jones Jr. and Kris Dunn each added 11. Los Angeles once again played without Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and Bradley Beal (hip).

Porzingis (illness) and Johnson (quad) returned to the lineup after missing Sunday’s win over the Lakers, but Atlanta was still without Trae Young (knee) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (back).

The Clippers jumped out to a 36–19 lead early in the second quarter before Atlanta stormed back with a 20–3 run, fueled by four Krejci 3-pointers — three of them in succession — to grab a 42–41 advantage. By halftime, the game was tied at 52, with Krejci hitting six of the Hawks’ seven first-half triples.

After leading 79–76 through three quarters, Atlanta held off Harden’s late scoring surge thanks to Krejci’s clutch shooting down the stretch, including his eighth and final 3-pointer that gave the Hawks a 105–98 cushion with under a minute to play.