In a performance for the history books, Trae Young dished out a career-high 22 assists and added 20 points, guiding the Atlanta Hawks to a stunning 135-124 road victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
The loss snapped Cleveland’s 10-game home win streak and handed the Cavs only their second defeat of the season, dropping them to 17-2 overall.
Young’s playmaking brilliance set the tone for Atlanta’s offense, which flourished despite his off shooting night (6 of 18). De’Andre Hunter led the scoring charge with 26 points, while Jalen Johnson added 22. Rookie Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, electrified in the third quarter, scoring 13 of his 17 points in a scorching three-minute stretch.
Hawks Rise to the Occasion
The Hawks entered the contest reeling from a three-game skid but showcased resilience against the league’s most dominant home team. Atlanta erased an early 19-point deficit, relying on Young’s court vision and timely contributions from their supporting cast. Their second big road win of the season—following an upset in Boston—serves as a statement game for a team looking to regain momentum.
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Cleveland’s Early Surge Falters
Cleveland seemed poised to cruise early on, racing to a 19-point advantage in the first half. Donovan Mitchell poured in a team-high 30 points, while Evan Mobley recorded a double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds. However, the Cavs grew complacent, leaving defensive gaps and allowing Atlanta’s offense to find its rhythm.
The Cavs were eyeing history, attempting to become the first team to start a season 18-1 or better. However, their uncharacteristic defensive lapses, particularly in transition and pick-and-roll coverage, allowed Atlanta to exploit mismatches and shift the momentum.
Key Moment: Young’s Deep Dagger
With Cleveland threatening late, Trae Young delivered the game’s defining play. After nearly turning the ball over on back-to-back possessions, Young recovered and drained a 39-foot 3-pointer to put Atlanta up 129-122 with just over a minute remaining. The dagger silenced the Cleveland crowd and cemented the Hawks’ upset victory.
Risacher Shines Bright
Zaccharie Risacher continues to show why he was the top overall pick. The rookie’s third-quarter burst energized Atlanta, as he scored 13 points in the first three minutes of the second half, helping the Hawks erase Cleveland’s double-digit lead. His ability to attack off the dribble and knock down perimeter shots added a dynamic layer to Atlanta’s offense.
Takeaways: Hawks Find Balance
- Team Effort: While Young’s assists stole the spotlight, Atlanta’s balanced attack proved decisive. Hunter, Johnson, and Risacher all stepped up, taking advantage of Cleveland’s defensive lapses.
- Road Warriors: The Hawks’ ability to notch marquee road wins underscores their potential as playoff contenders. Their victory in Cleveland marked another signature win against a top-tier opponent.
Takeaways: Cavs Stumble at Home
- Vulnerable at Last: After 10 straight home wins, Cleveland showed cracks in its armor. The Cavs’ inability to protect their early lead highlighted their reliance on Mitchell and Mobley to carry the offense.
- Defensive Adjustments Needed: Atlanta’s 135 points were the most Cleveland has allowed this season. Cleaning up defensive rotations will be crucial as they look to bounce back.
Key Stat: Young’s Record Night
Trae Young’s 22 assists marked the highest single-game total in the NBA this season and matched the second-most by a player in franchise history. His passing display was a reminder of why he’s considered one of the league’s elite playmakers.
Up Next
The Hawks and Cavs face off again in Atlanta on Friday in a pivotal NBA Cup Group C matchup. Both teams remain in contention, with Atlanta tied for first in the group at 2-1 and Cleveland looking to rebound at 1-1.
The rematch promises to be a must-watch, with Cleveland aiming to reclaim dominance and Atlanta seeking to solidify its position atop the group.
