Hawks lose to Raptors 123-121 despite Jalen Johnson double-double

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Hawks lost their third game in a row as they lost to the Toronto Raptors 123-121 Friday night.

Immanuel Quickley led the way for the Raptors with 24 points. Scottie Barnes scored 20, Gradey Dick scored 18 and five other Raptors had double-digit points.

Dejounte Murray led the Hawks in scoring with 24 points and Jalen Johnson had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

It was a back-and-forth affair all night after the Hawks recovered from a bad first quarter, but a Kelly Olynyk dunk in the third quarter put the Raptors 79-78 and Toronto never looked back. The Hawks kept it close, often down by five points of fewer, but were never able to seal the deal.

Hawks All-Star Trae Young, who averaged 34.3 points in the three previous games against the Raptors this season, was held to 11 points on 4-for-13 shooting. He had seven assists.

Hawks coach Quin Snyder was ejected with 4:25 remaining in the second quarter for storming on the court after Young appeared to injure his right thigh fighting through a screen set by Poeltl. Young hopped on one leg and went to the ground for a minute, but was able to stay in the game. In addition to Snyder’s double-technical, Young and Hunter also received first-half technical fouls.

The Hawks got off to a frigid start in their first game since the All-Star break, missing 13 straight shots after taking a 2-0 lead. The Raptors led 15-2 before Murray ended the drought with a layup. The Hawks shot 30% from the floor in the first period — going 1 for 9 from 3-point range and also missing five free throws.

The loss leaves the Hawks in a precarious position just a few games ahead of the Brooklyn Nets for the final play-in position.

The Raptors next visit the Indiana Pacers Tuesday.

The Hawks next host the Orlando Magic Sunday night. You can next watch the Hawks on PeachtreeTV March 8 against the Memphis Grizzlies.