Atlanta Hawks guard Garrison Mathews on Monday sent in his unofficial bid to become the Atlanta Falcons’ next backup quarterback.
The Hawks hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves in an inter-conference matchup at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga. A dunk from T-Wolves center Naz Reid cut the Hawks’ lead to 85-82 with 1.2 seconds left in the third quarter.
Mathews seemed to channel his inner Michael Penix Jr. with his inbound pass. He cocked the ball back like a QB and threw a perfect touchdown pass to Jalen Johnson right underneath the rim on the other end of the court. Johnson completed the highlight by finishing the alley-oop with some flair.

WHAT pic.twitter.com/lMKZKyWP90
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 24, 2024
Here’s a better angle to appreciate Mathews’ insane fullcourt throw.
Garrison got that QB1 in him 🎯 pic.twitter.com/5EOS7yHW4K
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 24, 2024
Mathews could do no wrong on Monday against the Timberwolves. He scored 25 points off the bench on 7/8 shooting from three-point range in the 117-104 Hawks win.
Aside from flashing his cannon for an arm, Mathews also showed off his defensive abilities with a big-time swat on four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.
What a block by Garrison ☝️ pic.twitter.com/axG4rhLJTS
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 24, 2024
The Penix era has started off on a good note for the Falcons. But if things don’t work out, Mathews may deserve at least a tryout.