Latest news with #AsaNewell
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Game Recap: Oso Ighodaro keeps shining, but the Summer Suns can't get out of their own way in 98-80 loss
The Phoenix Suns dropped their first game of Summer League on Sunday afternoon, falling to the Atlanta Hawks 98–80 despite another strong showing from Oso Ighodaro. The second-year big man posted 18 points and 9 rebounds, continuing to flash the polish and poise that made him a standout in game one. But he also committed 5 turnovers, part of a broader issue for the Suns that proved costly. For those hoping to catch a glimpse of Ryan Dunn, Khaman Maluach, or Rasheer Fleming, the disappointment hit early. All three were ruled out ahead of tip-off. Advertisement Atlanta's first-round pick Asa Newell impressed, going 7-of-9 from the field for 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Hawks had four starters in double figures, dominating the interior and outmuscling Phoenix on the boards 46–34. The second-chance points told the story: Atlanta had 14 to Phoenix's 4, and outscored the Suns 40–26 in the paint. Koby Brea came out strong again, scoring 15 points, but cooled off in the second half, going just 2-of-9 after starting 4-of-5. Yuri Collins chipped in 12 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds, bringing steady energy, but Phoenix's 17 turnovers and stagnant half-court offense allowed the Hawks to take control. One bright spot? The Suns pushed the pace effectively, winning the fastbreak battle 22–10. But overall, this was a game where missed opportunities and poor rebounding sank any chance at staying undefeated. Oh well, it's the Summer League. Game Flow First Half The Summer Suns came out blazing, hitting five of their first seven shots to open the game, sparked by four quick points each from backcourt duo Yuri Collins and Khalif Battle. Advertisement Defensively, the energy was just as evident. The Suns were disruptive, clogging passing lanes, diving for loose balls, and making life uncomfortable for the Kings early. Coupled with a clear emphasis on pace and transition, it feels like we're beginning to see the early fingerprints of the institutional shift Brian Gregory promised. A new identity, forged in effort and tempo. But the Suns' hot start quickly fizzled. The offense lost its rhythm, finishing the first quarter just 2-of-10 from the field after that early burst. Atlanta took full advantage, closing the quarter on a dominant 13-0 run. After one, the energy had shifted. Hawks 30, Suns 17. The Suns opened the second quarter with a spirited 9–2 run, sparked by renewed energy and sharper execution. Oso Ighodaro chipped in four of those points, helping Phoenix trim the deficit and inject some life back into the game. Advertisement Koby Brea continued to turn heads with an offensive game that's quickly proving to be more than just spot-up shooting. He wasn't merely catching and firing. He was attacking defenders, fading away under pressure, curling off screens, and navigating tight space with polished footwork. In a clunky first half where the Suns coughed up the ball 12 times, Brea stood out as the clear bright spot, scoring 8 points on an efficient 4-of-5 from the field (none from deep) while adding 4 rebounds. But as the half wore on, the Suns fell into a familiar Summer League trap: guards over-dribbling, hunting highlight stats instead of flowing with the offense. Movement stalled. The Hawks made them pay, racking up 4 blocks in the first half alone and halting Phoenix's momentum. Still, Phoenix showed signs of life in the second quarter, outscoring Atlanta 19–18 and closing the gap. At halftime, the Hawks led 48–36. Second Half The Hawks returned the favor to open the third, ripping off a 9–2 run that ballooned the lead back to 19. The Suns' defense wasn't just a step slow; it looked stuck in mud. Late rotations, sluggish switches, and delayed reactions let Atlanta dictate the pace and pick apart the gaps. Advertisement But then came a pulse. Phoenix answered with a 12–0 run of their own, sparked by Oso Ighodaro. Still without a reliable jumper, what he lacks in shooting, he makes up for with feel. His basketball IQ was on full display, anchoring the defense, making smart cuts, and playing with purpose. He started imposing himself more physically, using his athleticism to disrupt Atlanta's rhythm. With Ighodaro and Koby Brea catching a breather late in the quarter, rookie Alex Schumacher stepped up. The Seattle product gave the Suns a jolt off the bench, scoring six quick points, capped by a buzzer-beating bucket to close the frame. Phoenix poured in 30 points in the third while holding the Hawks to 24, trimming the deficit to just six. Advertisement End of three: Atlanta 72, Phoenix 66. Koby Brea and Oso Ighodaro are quietly building something. There's a rhythm between them, a two-man game that's starting to hum with purpose. Oso initiates, putting the ball on the floor, probing the defense, and more often than not, he's looking for Brea. Sometimes it ends with a clean perimeter look for Brea, who's proven he doesn't need much space to let it fly. Other times, it's a quick give-and-go, with Brea zipping it back to Oso for an easy finish inside. It's early, but it's the kind of chemistry you don't fake. It's instinctual. And it's something the Suns can build on. The three-pointers stopped falling for Phoenix in the fourth quarter. Despite generating clean looks, the shots just wouldn't drop. The Suns went 2-of-9 from deep in the final frame, and the momentum they had clawed back in the third evaporated. Advertisement Atlanta took full advantage, pulling away with a 26–14 fourth quarter and sealing an 18-point win, 98–80. The Suns had their chances, but the shooting went cold, the turnovers piled up, and the Hawks closed the door with authority. Up Next The summer rolls along as the Summer Suns play the Summer Kings tomorrow at 7:00pm. On their roster? Maxime Raynaud, a name Suns fans should remember. He was one of the prospects we studied closely leading up to the NBA Draft, ultimately taken 42nd overall, just one pick after Koby Brea. Joining him is the Kings' first-rounder Nique Clifford, selected 24th overall. Both are expected to get significant run in Summer League as Sacramento evaluates how their youth fits into the broader vision. Advertisement We shall see you then, Bright Siders. Listen to the latest podcast episode of the Suns JAM Session Podcast below. Stay up to date on every episode, subscribe to the pod on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, Castbox. Please subscribe, rate, and review. More from
USA Today
14-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Rockets vs. Hawks, July 14: NBA summer league lineups, rosters, broadcast info
The Rockets and Hawks will each hit the midpoint of their 2025 NBA summer-league schedules with Monday afternoon's game in Las Vegas. Tipoff is at 3:30 p.m. Central on NBA TV. The Houston Rockets (0-2) will resume their schedule at the NBA's 2025 summer league when they face off against the Atlanta Hawks (2-0) on Monday afternoon. Both teams will be playing their third game at the Thomas & Mack Center and Pavilion in Las Vegas, and it's part two of a back-to-back for each squad. The Rockets are coming off a loss to the Pistons (2-0) on Sunday, during which second-year guard Reed Sheppard struggled with Detroit's physical, pressing defense. The 21-year-old Kentucky product was far more efficient with 28 points, six 3-pointers) and superior defensive metrics (four steals, three blocks) in Friday's close loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Hawks forward Asa Newell — a rookie who was recently drafted in the 2025 first round — had 18 points and 11 rebounds on 7-of-9 shooting (77.8%) and 4-of-5 from 3-point range (80.0%) during Sunday's victory over Phoenix. For Monday, here's our look at broadcast details and potential lineups. When and How to Watch Projected Starting Lineups Both units are based on each team's most recent game at summer league. Houston Rockets (0-2) Atlanta Hawks (2-0) Injury/Status Reports The NBA does not require official injury reports to be issued before summer league games. While teams will often disclose before tipoff if certain players are unavailable, neither the Rockets nor Hawks had done so for Monday's game at the time of publication. Because it's the second day of a back-to-back for both teams, it's certainly plausible that there could be maintenance absences or minutes limitations. Rockets, Hawks Complete Rosters 2025 NBA summer league rosters for all teams Summer League Coaches Rockets' 2025 Summer League Schedule A fifth game will be added between July 18 and July 20, with the opponent and game time to be finalized after the fourth game. More: Pistons 98, Rockets 83: Reed Sheppard slumps in second showing at NBA summer league
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Atlanta Hawks select Georgia's Asa Newell in first round of the 2025 NBA draft
Former Georgia Bulldogs basketball forward Asa Newell was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks 23rd in the 2025 NBA draft, making him the first Georgia player drafted in the first round since Anthony Edwards in 2020. It seemed destined from his high school years that Newell would become a first round NBA draft pick. Newell was the 19th ranked prospect in the nation coming out of high school when he committed to the Georgia Bulldogs on Oct. 25, 2023. Advertisement He showed his immense talent through just one season with the Bulldogs. As a freshman, Newell led all Bulldogs in points per game (15.4) and rebounds per game (6.9), and was second in blocks per game (1.0). He was the No. 1 option for a Georgia Bulldogs team that made the NCAA March Madness Tournament for the first time since 2015. Some analysts mocked the Atlanta Hawks selecting Newell with pick No. 22, a pick the Hawks acquired in the Dejounte Murray trade. However, the Hawks traded pick No. 22 to the Nets to acquire Kristaps Porzingis from the Celtics the day before the draft. Then, on draft day, the Hawks dealt pick No. 13 (acquired from Sacramento in a trade for Kevin Huerter) to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for pick No. 23 and an unprotected first from 2026. It will be the more valuable one of the two first rounders the Pelicans own in 2026 (theirs and Milwaukee's). The Hawks selection of Newell is reminiscent of when the Falcons drafted Jalon Walker with the 15th pick to keep him in Georgia. It's easy for Georgia fans to root for a former Bulldog on an Atlanta team, and now, Georgia fans get to watch two former Bulldogs grow into stars in two different sports. This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Hawks pick Georgia F Asa Newell with No. 23 pick in 2025 NBA draft
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Atlanta Hawks 2025 NBA Draft grade for No. 23 pick
The post Atlanta Hawks 2025 NBA Draft grade for No. 23 pick appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Atlanta Hawks have been lauded for their strategic efficiency in the 2025 NBA Draft which saw them move back from their No. 13 pick. Atlanta had their sights set on frontcourt depth as they initially traded their pick to the New Orleans Pelicans. Advertisement In return, they got an unprotected 2026 first-round pick via New Orleans or Milwaukee Bucks, along with the 23rd pick of the 2025 NBA Draft. That pick was then used to draft University of Georgia's Asa Newell, a 6-foot-10 power forward who averaged 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game in his freshman season. Atlanta not only maintained long-term flexibility but also addressed their immediate need for frontcourt depth, all in one move. It follows their high-profile trade of Kristaps Porzingis as the Atlanta Hawks continue to look for ways to improve their roster for next season. Atlanta Hawks get draft capital, Asa Newell from 2025 NBA Draft Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports Newell is considered a high-upside frontcourt player who comes along with a potential future lottery pick for the Hawks. He has previously represented both the USA U17 and U19 national teams and is a consensus five-star recruit with a high basketball IQ. Advertisement He is a potential two-way star who is a constant threat inside the rim and has the defensive motor to further develop into a paint monster. His athleticism and playmaking skills make him an intriguing prospect, although questions have been raised about his shooting efficiency. Newell shot just 29.2% from the three-point zone last season and will need to improve his jumpshot in order to evolve into a legitimate offensive threat in the NBA. However, considering he has been drafted to provide depth behind the likes of Porzingis and Jalen Johnson, Newell has time on his hands. His defensive motor and drive were even praised by Hawks General Manager Onsi Saleh, who called him 'a ridiculous athlete' and 'an unbelievable competitor,' per Yahoo Sports. Hence, not only did the Hawks manage to land a player with immediate value, they also did so while getting a 2026 first-round pick. The pick trade came as a result of the Hawks knowing that the Pelicans were looking to draft AJ Johnson, and with the Pelicans potentially a lottery team next season, the Hawks know the trade may have a huge upside. Advertisement As the Hawks continue to build around Trae Young, this draft capital should come in handy. In a draft dominated by teams looking to add immediate value, the Hawks identified a big opportunity to gain future assets while picking a player they liked. They are one of the big winners from the 2025 NBA Draft. Grade: A+ Related: NBA rumors: Hawks poised to beat out Pistons for coveted Timberwolves free agent Related: NBA rumors: Pistons, Hawks the leaders to steal away Timberwolves free agent
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hawks finalize 2025 Las Vegas Summer League team
With the draft and free agency in the rearview mirror, the Hawks can now focus their attention on claiming the next available piece of hardware: the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League trophy. Who will be on that roster you might ask? Well, today we have our answer. Advertisement The Atlanta Hawks have announced their roster for the summer competition in a release today: 2025 LVSL Hawks Headlining the team will be third-year guard Kobe Bufkin, who has suffered two injury-riddled seasons since being drafted 15th overall in 2023. He can show he's finally ready for a productive season with a strong summer campaign after only seeing action in 27 regular season games over the past two seasons. Joining him is Nikola Đurišić (Djurisic), the second-year guard/wing who spent the majority of last season with the College Park Skyhawks after suffering a left foot fracture in last year's summer league. Asa Newell, this year's first-round pick, and brother of Jalen Johnson, Kobe Johnson, also make the roster. Advertisement The head coach for the summer Hawks will be Bryan Bailey. The four-game schedule was already announced, which you can find linked here. A fifth game will be played upon the conclusion of the four games should the Hawks not make the four-team bracket to determine a champion. How does one watch the games? Well, per the release: All of Atlanta's Summer League contests will be available on the FanDuel Sports Network app. The games will also air on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, with the exception of July 13, which will air on FanDuel Sports Network Alternate on DirecTV/Fubo. More from
