The Atlanta Hawks continued their hot streak in the NBA Cup, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-101 on Friday night.
With De’Andre Hunter pouring in 23 points off the bench and Trae Young dishing out another double-double, Atlanta handed Cleveland its second loss in just three days.
Despite the setback, Cleveland (17-3) still holds the NBA’s best record. However, the Cavaliers once again struggled to keep pace with the Hawks’ well-rounded offense. Six Atlanta players scored in double figures, underscoring the team’s depth and versatility.
De’Andre Hunter was the spark Atlanta needed, leading a bench unit that outscored Cleveland’s reserves 50-28. Meanwhile, Trae Young orchestrated the offense with precision, tallying 21 points and 11 assists. Jalen Johnson also delivered a near triple-double with 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, showcasing his growth as a key contributor for the Hawks.
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On the other side, Darius Garland carried Cleveland’s offense with 29 points, while Evan Mobley added 24 points, including an impressive seven dunks. Despite their efforts, the Cavaliers couldn’t overcome Donovan Mitchell’s shooting struggles. Mitchell missed his first 10 field goal attempts before finishing the night 5-of-23 from the floor with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
A crucial turning point came in the third quarter, where Atlanta shifted gears. Clint Capela provided an immediate boost, scoring three consecutive baskets to ignite a Hawks run. Atlanta outscored Cleveland 39-23 in the quarter, matching their season-high for points in a single period. This surge pushed their lead to double digits and left the Cavaliers scrambling to recover.
The win marked the Hawks’ second consecutive victory over Cleveland, following Wednesday night’s 135-124 triumph, where Trae Young set a career-high with 22 assists. Young remains the NBA’s assist leader, averaging 12.5 per game, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite playmakers.
Beyond securing the victory, Atlanta clinched East Group C in the NBA Cup later that evening, courtesy of a Chicago loss to Boston. This milestone highlights the Hawks’ strong form in the league’s inaugural in-season tournament.
For Cleveland, Caris LeVert’s return from a four-game absence due to left knee management was a minor bright spot. LeVert contributed eight points, but his limited impact mirrored the overall struggles of the Cavaliers’ supporting cast.
The Hawks’ bench depth, led by Hunter, played a pivotal role in their dominance. With their reserves outscoring Cleveland’s 50-28, Atlanta demonstrated their ability to maintain intensity and scoring efficiency, even when their starters rested.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will seek to bounce back when they host Boston on Sunday, aiming to recalibrate after two frustrating losses. Meanwhile, the Hawks head to Charlotte on Saturday, riding the momentum of back-to-back statement wins.
This Atlanta squad continues to showcase their offensive firepower and depth, making them a formidable contender in the NBA Cup and a team to watch as the season progresses.