The Atlanta Hawks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 102-99, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.

Matters didn't start off promising in the least for the Hawks (3-1) in their matchup against the struggling Pelicans (1-4), as New Orleans parlayed strong play on either end of the floor to forge a 33-19 lead through the first 12 minutes. Atlanta was able to muster much better offensive play in the second quarter, which led to a more manageable five-point deficit at intermission. The visitors had even more momentum coming out of halftime, posting a 31-18 advantage during the third period to take a solid eight-point lead into the final period. However, the Hawks' victory wasn't sealed until the final minute, when a missed free throw from New Orleans' Herbert Jones and a subsequent missed layup from Devonte Graham conspired to keep the hosts from overcoming a thin one-point deficit.

Trae Young led the Hawks with 31 points, complementing them with seven assists and five rebounds. John Collins generated a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included four assists. De'Andre Hunter furnished 13 points, two rebounds and one steal. Bogdan Bogdanovic delivered 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Clint Capela mustered just five points but pulled down 12 rebounds and recorded three blocks.

Graham paced the Pelicans with 21 points, adding six assists, five rebounds and one steal. Brandon Ingram registered 20 points, eight boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas contributed a 16-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included three assists, one steal and one block. Jones, Jaxson Hayes and Trey Murphy III all posted eight points.

The Hawks remain on the road and visit the Washington Wizards on Thursday night, while the Pelicans host the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.