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Onyeka Okongwu explains how his mum inspired his career-high performance as Atlanta Hawks beat Indiana Pacers
The Atlanta Hawks recorded a 113-111 victory away against the Indiana Pacers in an NBA fixture played in the early hours of Saturday, January 14, 2023.
American professional basketball player of Nigerian descent Onyeka Okongwu put in a monster performance as the Atlanta Hawks recorded a much-needed victory.
In a game with several lead changes, Okongwu who started at the Center position for the Hawks flourished in the pick-and-roll with Point Guard Trae Young.
Okongwu featured for 40 minutes and contributed a career-high 20 rebounds, 18 points, four assists, two steals, and four steals to lead the Hawks to victory.
Okongwu dominates for the Hawks
It was an impressive performance for Okongwu as joined the greats of the game Hakeem Olajuwon and Tim Duncan in putting up these numbers in a single game.
Okongwu made nine of his 12 shots with a 75% field goal percentage on efficient shooting.
It was a special occasion for Okongwu also as he notched up his 1000th career NBA point in the victory.
Now in his third season in the NBA, Okongwu has established himself as the starter in the center position ahead of Clint Capela.
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After the game, Okongwu speaking to Bally Sports South explained how the team showed perseverance through the late runs made by the Pacers in the game.
He said, "Peservenace, We needed this one bad, we knew this was a must-win for us."
He also explained that interaction with his Nigerian mother helped him put his a monster rebound performance against the Pacers.
He added, "Overall, the last game I wasn't being aggressive people calling me out on it, family friends, and coaches.
"My mum said, what's wrong with you out there baby?."
Okongwu returns to action when the Atlanta Hawks take on the Toronto Raptors in their next fixture scheduled took take place in Canada on Sunday, January 15, 2023.
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