By Deitra P. Johnson (ADW Sports Editor)
It was a win-win situation — literally.
Not only did the Atlanta Hawks prevail in a close 101-100 cliffhanger over the Los Angeles Clippers at Philips Arena, but during the Feb. 4 game, Atlanta Daily World Publisher M. Alexis Scott was recognized for her civic contributions, accomplishments and leadership during the franchise’s Black History Month celebration.
In on-the-court action, Clippers center Blake Griffin was called for a flagrant foul against Atlanta’s Al Horford with just 0.6 of a second left in the game with the Hawks trailing by one, 99-100. Horford then hit both free throws to help the Hawks edge out L.A. for the win. Horford finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds.
Atlanta’s Jamal Crawford came off the bench to lead all scorers with 34 points while teammate Joe Johnson was just short of a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
And to add icing to the cake — pun intended — Scott celebrated her birthday while sitting courtside and being featured on Philips Arena’s Jumbotron video screen. Scott was the second of four individuals scheduled for special in-game ceremonies this month.
Red Moore, a former Negro League All-Star first baseman was recognized on Feb. 2. Director, producer and actor Kenny Leon was the guest of honor at the Hawks’ Feb. 8 game against Philadelphia, and the Hosea Williams Feed the Hungry and Homeless organization is slated to be honored on Feb. 12 when Atlanta plays the Charlotte Bobcats.
Scott is the granddaughter of W.A. Scott II, founder of the Atlanta Daily World, which was the nation’s first Black-owned daily newspaper. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School before attending Barnard College, Spelman College and the Columbia University School of Journalism as a summer participant in the 1974 Michelle Clark Fellowship Program.
After a 22-year career with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Cox Enterprises Inc., Scott took over the family business. In addition to her duties at the Daily World, she is a featured commentator on FOX-5’s “The Georgia Gang” a week-in-review program on politics.
Scott is also active in nonprofit organizations such as The Dogwood City Chapter of The Links Inc., Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company, and is a board member of Atlanta Workforce Development Agency, the High Museum, Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau and Central Atlanta Progress.
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