If you woke up this morning and immediately searched for who won the Atlanta game, you’re probably looking for one of two things: the outcome of the Hawks' late-night struggle in Portland or the recent buzz surrounding Atlanta’s other major sports moves.
Spoiler alert: It wasn't the greatest night for the city's basketball fans.
The Atlanta Hawks took a tough loss on the road, falling to the Portland Trail Blazers 117-101 on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
It’s one of those games that looked close on the stat sheet for a while but felt like a mountain to climb by the fourth quarter. If you’re a Hawks fan, the frustration is real. This loss puts the team at 1-3 on their current four-game road trip, and honestly, the defensive gaps were hard to ignore.
What Actually Happened in the Hawks vs. Blazers Game?
Portland came into this game short-handed. They were missing Deni Avdija, who’s been on a tear lately averaging over 26 points a game. You’d think that would give Atlanta a massive opening. Instead, Shaedon Sharpe decided to take over.
Sharpe dropped 24 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, looking like the best player on the floor for long stretches. Atlanta’s Onyeka Okongwu was a bright spot, putting up a career-high-tying 26 points, but he couldn't do it alone.
🔗 Read more: Texas vs Oklahoma Football Game: Why the Red River Rivalry is Getting Even Weirder
The game was a see-saw battle until the end of the third. Portland took a tiny 88-87 lead into the final frame, but then the wheels just kinda fell off for Atlanta. The Blazers went on a tear, and the Hawks' offense went cold at the exact wrong time.
- Final Score: Portland Trail Blazers 117, Atlanta Hawks 101
- Key Performer (ATL): Onyeka Okongwu (26 pts, 9 reb)
- Key Performer (POR): Shaedon Sharpe (24 pts, 9 reb, 5 ast)
- The Turning Point: Portland’s 29-14 run in the fourth quarter.
It’s Not Just Basketball in Atlanta Right Now
While the Hawks were struggling out West, the city is still buzzing from a chaotic start to the year for the Falcons.
Just a few days ago, on January 4, the Falcons actually beat the New Orleans Saints 19-17. It was a classic rivalry win, secured by a late interception from Dee Alford. You’d think a win over the Saints and a season sweep would mean celebration, right?
Nope.
In a move that shocked a lot of folks but felt inevitable to others, the Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot just hours after the game ended. The team finished 8-9, missing out on the NFC South title to the Carolina Panthers via tiebreakers. It’s a weird vibe in Atlanta sports right now—winning the game but losing the leadership.
💡 You might also like: How to watch vikings game online free without the usual headache
The Braves are Making Moves Too
If you aren't a football or basketball person, you might be asking who won the Atlanta game in terms of the international signing "race" that just kicked off.
On Thursday, January 15, the Atlanta Braves officially won the sweepstakes for Jose Mañon, a 17-year-old shortstop prospect from the Dominican Republic. They signed him for $1.5 million. It’s a long-term play, but scouts are already calling him one of the most polished contact hitters in this international class.
The Braves also landed outfielder Starling De La Cruz for $1.2 million. After a rough 2025 season where they missed the playoffs for the first time in seven years, Alex Anthopoulos is clearly trying to reload the farm system fast.
Why the Hawks Loss Matters
Back to the hardwood. This 117-101 loss to Portland highlights a recurring issue for this Hawks roster: consistency.
They have the talent to hang with anyone for 36 minutes. Jalen Johnson is developing into a legitimate star, and Onyeka Okongwu is showing he can be more than just a defensive specialist. But when the pressure mounts in the fourth quarter, the execution disappears.
📖 Related: Liechtenstein National Football Team: Why Their Struggles are Different Than You Think
The Blazers attacked the rim aggressively all night. Without a true rim protector playing at 100%, Atlanta looks vulnerable. They're heading home soon, and they desperately need to find some defensive identity before the playoff race gets out of reach.
What to Watch for Next
If you're following Atlanta sports today, here is what you need to keep on your radar:
- Hawks Recovery: Watch the injury report for Kristaps Porzingis. His absence in the middle is leaving huge lanes open for opposing guards.
- Falcons Coaching Search: With Morris gone, the rumors are flying. Keep an eye on the defensive coordinator market; Atlanta needs a culture shift.
- Braves Health: The 2026 season looks bright if—and only if—the rotation stays healthy. The international signings are great, but the big-league club needs Ronald Acuña Jr. and the pitching staff to stay off the IL.
While the Hawks didn't get the "W" in Portland, the sports landscape in Georgia is moving fast. Whether it's the 19-17 win over the Saints or the $1.5 million investment in a future shortstop, there’s always a score to settle in the A.
To stay ahead of the next tip-off or kickoff, keep an eye on the official team schedules and local broadcasts on Bally Sports South or FOX 5 Atlanta. Knowing the score is one thing, but understanding the momentum shift in the front office is where the real story lives this week.