The Atlanta Hawks secured a 113-110 preseason victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, October 12, 2026, improving their exhibition record. RayJ Dennis sank a decisive three-pointer late to seal the win at State Farm Arena, moving the Hawks to 3-1 in their preseason schedule following earlier results against the Pacers and Spurs.
Facing an OKC team that rested all its rotational players from last season, the Hawks' depth was tested. The Thunder's rookies, led by Bennett Stirtz's 26 points, kept the game tight throughout. Atlanta's response came from across the roster. While the Hawks' individual stat lines from this contest aren't specified in the source, the team's collective execution down the stretch proved decisive. Dennis's clutch shot was the final act in a back-and-forth affair.
This win continues a positive preseason trend for Atlanta. They previously beat the Indiana Pacers 119-117 on October 10 and topped the San Antonio Spurs 123-116 on October 8. Their only preseason loss so far was a 132-123 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies on October 5.
Preseason results don't count in the standings, but they matter for rhythm and evaluation. A 3-1 record, built on narrow wins against teams testing their young players, indicates a competitive baseline. Head coach Quin Taylor likely used this game to assess his bench units and end-of-rotation players. Surviving a high-scoring night from an opponent's rookie like Stirtz, who shot 6-for-9 from three-point range, also tests defensive adjustments on the fly.
The Hawks' ability to close out a close game, even in an exhibition, is a positive sign. It builds confidence in the team's secondary players who will be called upon during the long NBA regular season. These games are laboratories, and finding combinations that can execute under pressure is a primary goal.
The Hawks conclude their preseason slate with a road game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 16, 2026. It will be the final tune-up before the regular season tips off. The matchup in Dallas offers another tough test, likely featuring more of the Mavericks' core players, and a final chance for Atlanta to refine its systems. After that, the focus shifts entirely to games that count, with the team looking to carry its preseason momentum into the official campaign. The work done in these four exhibition games, culminating with the 113-110 win over OKC, sets the stage for the real challenges ahead.
