The Atlanta Hawks edged the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-110 on Tuesday night in 2026-27 preseason action in Atlanta. In a back-and-forth finish that came down to the final possessions, the Hawks made enough stops and free throws to protect a three-point margin at home.
The decisive moment
The closing minutes told the story of this one, with neither side able to create separation for long. Oklahoma City stayed within a single possession and forced Atlanta to execute in the half court late. The Hawks answered with poised offense and timely defensive stands to keep the lead.
That late-game composure proved decisive in a three-point contest where every trip mattered. Atlanta protected the ball, controlled the defensive glass, and forced the Thunder into contested looks. Oklahoma City had chances to tie or reclaim the lead but could not string together the final basket and stop it needed.
By the numbers
- Final score: Atlanta Hawks 113, Oklahoma City Thunder 110
- Margin: 3 points in a close finish
- Game setting: Oklahoma City at Atlanta in the 2026-27 preseason
- Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, ahead of the October 20 regular-season start
- Injury context: Atlanta without Henri Veesaar, with Mouhamed Gueye and Keshon Gilbert day-to-day
The narrow margin reflects how competitive the rotations were deep into the night. Both coaching staffs extended minutes down the roster, testing combinations and late-game execution. Atlanta finished slightly cleaner in the moments that decided a three-point game.
What it means
For Atlanta, the result offers an encouraging early sign about closing games at home despite a thinned frontcourt. The Hawks played without Henri Veesaar, who was announced Monday as expected to miss the 2026-27 season with a torn right ACL, while Mouhamed Gueye and Keshon Gilbert remain day-to-day. Winning a tight game under those circumstances highlights the value of guard play, discipline, and next-man readiness.
For Oklahoma City, the one-possession road loss provides useful film more than concern at this stage of the calendar. The Thunder matched Atlanta possession for possession and created opportunities to steal the game late. Coaches will focus on shot selection, transition defense, and foul discipline in crunch time as the rotation sharpens.
Preseason results do not shift the standings, but close games help establish habits that carry into the regular season. Both teams emphasized effort, communication, and execution over outcome. That approach showed in a competitive fourth quarter with regular-season intensity.
What to watch next
Atlanta will monitor its frontcourt health closely as opening night approaches, particularly the status of Gueye after foot surgery and Gilbert with a knee issue. Continued reps for reserve bigs and late-game lineups will be central in the remaining preseason slate.
Oklahoma City returns to camp looking to tighten its finish after letting a winnable road game slip away. Expect attention on late-clock offense and defensive rebounding in the next outing as the Thunder build toward October 20.