When the Denver Nuggets play the Atlanta Hawks, fans always expect fast basketball and big scoring nights. These two teams do not meet very often because they play in different conferences, but every time they do, the games are close and full of great plays. In this article, we will look at their most recent head to head game, break down the player stats, and explain what made the matchup so exciting. We will also share some background on the rivalry and answer common questions fans ask about this matchup.
If you are a basketball fan who wants clear and simple facts about the Nuggets vs Hawks game, this guide is for you.
A Quick Look at the Two Teams
The Denver Nuggets are based in Colorado and play in the Western Conference. The team is known for its star center, Nikola Jokic, who is one of the best passing big men in NBA history. Jokic can score, rebound, and set up his teammates, which makes the Nuggets hard to guard.
The Atlanta Hawks play in the Eastern Conference and are known for their fast pace and young talent. Players like Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker give the team speed and energy on both ends of the floor. The Hawks like to push the ball and score quickly, which often leads to high scoring games.
Because the two teams play different styles, their matchups tend to be entertaining. Denver plays a slower, more controlled game built around ball movement, while Atlanta likes to run and create fast break points.
Game Recap: Nuggets vs Hawks, December 5, 2025
The most recent game between these two teams took place on Friday, December 5, 2025, in Atlanta. It turned out to be one of the most exciting comeback wins of the season. The Denver Nuggets won the game 134-133, but the path to that win was not easy at all.
The Hawks started the game on fire, hitting 13 of their first 15 shots and racking up 13 assists by the end of the first quarter alone, which was a season high for the team in a single quarter. Atlanta led 41-23 after the first quarter, and their lead grew even bigger in the second quarter, reaching 63-40 at one point. It looked like Denver was heading toward a rough night on the road.
Atlanta’s lead was still strong heading into the fourth quarter, with the Hawks up 103-94 after three quarters. But then everything changed. Denver opened the fourth quarter with a huge 23-3 run, and the wild part is that Nikola Jokic was resting on the bench the entire time this run happened. Cam Johnson hit three 3-pointers during this stretch, and the Nuggets made their first seven 3-point shots of the final quarter.
This turnaround flipped the entire game. Denver kept the pressure on and eventually took the lead. The ending was close and full of drama. On Atlanta’s final possession, the Hawks had a chance to tie the game with a three-pointer, but Jamal Murray blocked the shot attempt by Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The loose ball ended up in Alexander-Walker’s hands, and he scored a layup with just two seconds left on the clock. Denver quickly inbounded the ball and ran out the remaining time to secure the win.
With this win, the Nuggets improved to nine straight victories on the road, showing just how strong this team has been while traveling this season. Atlanta, on the other hand, had lost three games in a row.
Player Stats Breakdown
Now let’s look closer at how individual players performed in this game. Both teams had strong performances from their stars, which is part of what made this game so much fun to watch.
Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
Nikola Jokic finished the game with 39 points, leading all scorers. What makes his performance even more impressive is how he started the game. Jokic shot only 2 for 13 from the field in the first half, which is a rough shooting night by his usual standard. But he turned things around in the second half and ended the game shooting 13 for 26 overall. He also added nine rebounds and eight assists to his stat line.
Jokic is known for staying calm even when his shots are not falling, and this game showed exactly why he is considered one of the top players in the league. Even during his cold shooting stretch, he kept passing the ball and creating shots for his teammates.
Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
Jamal Murray had a strong all-around game with 23 points and 12 assists. His block on Alexander-Walker in the final seconds turned out to be the biggest defensive play of the night. Without that block, the Hawks would have had a real chance to tie the game or even win it. Murray’s ability to make winning plays late in games is one of his most valuable skills.
Tim Hardaway Jr. (Denver Nuggets)
Tim Hardaway Jr. added 17 points off the bench for the Nuggets. His shooting from long range helped Denver during the fourth quarter push, and he was a key part of the team’s comeback effort.
Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
Jalen Johnson had one of the best individual performances of the night, even though his team lost. He recorded 21 points, 18 rebounds, and a career-high 16 assists. What made his game truly special is how fast he reached triple-double numbers. Johnson became the first Hawks player in the team’s play-by-play statistical era to record a triple-double by halftime. At the break, he already had 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists.
This is a remarkable stat line, especially since Johnson had missed the previous game with a strained calf. Coming back from an injury and playing at this level shows how talented and important he is to the Hawks roster.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Atlanta Hawks)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker finished with 30 points, which made him one of the top scorers of the game. His late-game layup almost tied the score, but Murray’s block a moment earlier stopped him from getting an even better look at the basket.
Kristaps Porzingis (Atlanta Hawks)
Kristaps Porzingis scored 25 points for the Hawks, giving Atlanta another reliable scoring option. His size and shooting range made him a tough matchup for Denver’s defense throughout the game.
Why This Game Stood Out
This matchup is a great example of why NBA basketball can be so fun to watch. The Hawks played an excellent first half and looked like they were in full control. Yet Denver never gave up, and their fourth quarter run showed the depth and experience this team has built over the years.
It is also worth noting how balanced the stats were. Denver had three players in double figures, and Atlanta had three as well. Jalen Johnson’s near triple-double by halftime is one of the more unusual stats you will see in an NBA box score, and it will likely be remembered as one of the top individual performances of the season, even in a losing effort.
Games like this show why fans enjoy checking player stats closely. Numbers tell a story beyond just the final score. A player can have a great game even if his team loses, and stats help highlight those individual efforts.
Head-to-Head History Between the Two Teams
Over the years, the Nuggets and Hawks have played 103 games against each other in the regular season, with Denver winning 50 of those games and Atlanta winning 53. This shows that the series has been fairly even over time, even though the teams do not face off very often due to being in different conferences.
Because the Hawks and Nuggets only meet a couple of times per season, each game tends to feel more special. Fans do not get to see these two teams play often, so when they do meet, both sides usually bring high energy and their best effort.
What to Watch For in Future Matchups
If you plan to watch the next Nuggets vs Hawks game, here are a few things worth paying attention to:
Nikola Jokic’s passing. Even on nights when his shot is not falling, Jokic usually finds ways to help his team through assists and smart decision making.
Jalen Johnson’s all-around game. He has shown he can fill up the stat sheet with points, rebounds, and assists, making him one of the more exciting young players to watch.
Bench scoring. Both teams have players who can come off the bench and change the game, like Tim Hardaway Jr. for Denver.
Fourth quarter execution. Based on their recent matchup, close games between these two teams often come down to the final minutes, so watching how each team handles pressure is worth it.
Final Thoughts
The Nuggets vs Hawks matchup on December 5, 2025, gave fans everything they could want from an NBA game: a big early lead, a huge comeback, star player performances, and a tight finish. Nikola Jokic’s 39 points, Jamal Murray’s game-saving block, and Jalen Johnson’s near triple-double by halftime all made this one of the more memorable regular season games.
Whether you are a Nuggets fan, a Hawks fan, or just someone who enjoys great basketball, checking out the full player stats from this game helps you understand just how much each player contributed to the result. Keep an eye out for the next time these two teams meet, because based on their history, it is likely to be another close and entertaining game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last Denver Nuggets vs Atlanta Hawks game?
The Denver Nuggets won the game 134-133 on December 5, 2025, after coming back from a 23-point deficit in the second half.
Who scored the most points in the Nuggets vs Hawks game?
Nikola Jokic led all scorers with 39 points for the Nuggets, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 30 points.
Did any player almost get a triple-double in the game?
Yes, Jalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks came very close. He finished with 21 points, 18 rebounds, and a career-high 16 assists, and he actually reached triple-double numbers by halftime, which was a first for a Hawks player in the team’s play-by-play statistical era.
