Onyeka Okongwu

It’s only inevitable that for some players, a few games are required before the hard work from the offseason showcases itself in-game. Fortunately for the Atlanta Hawks on October 23, 2024, Onyeka Okongwu had the “early bird special” of sorts. Piecing together what would eventually become a career-high scoring performance on 2024-25’s Opening Night, Okongwu showcases one of the many scoring methods within his arsenal, redirecting his teammate’s misfired 3-pointer through the rim for a powerful putback jam. Ultimately the game’s No. 1 scorer heading into the halftime break, Okongwu’s aforementioned jam arrived in the second quarter, with Atlanta hoping to keep pace on the scoreboards against the Brooklyn Nets. Both team and individual success would quickly follow, as Okongwu — among the evening’s bonafide stars — produced 28 points (on a nearly-pristine 11-of-12 shooting), eight rebounds, and three blocks, creating one of the great games of his five-year career.