The Atlanta Hawks made headlines on February 26 with a one-night celebration honoring Magic City, a well-known local strip club, but not everyone welcomed the idea – including San Antonio Spurs forward Luke Kornet.
The 30-year-old openly criticized the promotion, stating it contributed to “the potential objectification and mistreatment of women in our society,” and urged the Hawks to reconsider the event.
Kornet elaborated in a newsletter Monday, calling on the franchise to cancel the celebration. He stressed that the NBA should “desire to protect and esteem women,” emphasizing a responsibility that extends beyond basketball and into broader social values.
He highlighted the dangers faced by women in adult entertainment, writing that they experience “abuse, harassment, and violence to which they should never be subjected,” and linked the event to what he described as harmful messaging toward families.
Kornet explained the promotion was disrespectful to “the daughters, wives, sisters, mothers, and partners that we know and love,” questioning why a professional team would spotlight a strip club within the community.
Concluding his message, Kornet encouraged others to join him in asking the Hawks to cancel the Magic City event, expressing hope that public feedback would influence the organization’s decision.
Hawks principal owner Jami Gertz defended the initiative, stating the goal was to recognize Magic City‘s “incredible impact on our city and its unique culture,” acknowledging the club’s longstanding presence in Atlanta.
Former Hawks player Lou Williams also supported the promotion, conceding there would be criticism but referencing his own positive experiences. He notably visited Magic City during the NBA bubble in 2020 while on an excused absence, an incident that drew widespread media attention at the time.
Hawks demolish Trail Blazers to move to .500
Meanwhile, on Sunday, March 1, the Hawks rolled past the Portland Trail Blazers 135-101, led by Onyeka Okongwu‘s 25 points and CJ McCollum‘s 19. The victory improved Atlanta to 31-31, marking the first time the team reached .500 since December 23.
Jonathan Kuminga added 20 points and seven rebounds off the bench in just his third game since being traded from the Golden State Warriors. He energized the crowd with a windmill dunk late in the fourth quarter.
Atlanta shot 55% from the field, outrebounded Portland 54-38, and dished out 36 assists compared to the Blazers‘ 23. The tone was set early when the Hawks poured in 44 points in the opening quarter.
Portland struggled without leading scorer and first-time All-Star Deni Avdija, who missed his fourth straight game due to a lower back injury. Jrue Holiday paced the Blazers with 23 points, while Donovan Clingan recorded 15 points, 15 rebounds and five assists.
The Hawks will next face the Milwaukee Bucks on March 4, aiming to extend their four-game win streak, with tip-off set for 21:30 ET/18:30 PT.
Over their last 10 games, Atlanta has averaged 117.2 points and 48.8 rebounds while limiting opponents to 112.7 points. Key contributors include Jalen Johnson, who averages 22.7 points, 10.6 rebounds and 7.9 assists, and CJ McCollum, who has posted 18.6 points on 42.2% shooting over that span. The team has also excelled in transition, generating 18.4 fast-break points per game.
With momentum building and team play clicking on both ends of the floor, the Hawks will look to sustain their surge against a Bucks defense that has allowed 115.6 points per contest – slightly above Atlanta‘s season scoring average.
