On Friday night, the Atlanta Hawks showcased their extraordinary depth and synergy in a remarkable 117-101 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the NBA Cup. The star of the night was De’Andre Hunter, who came off the bench to contribute an impressive 23 points. This game marked the second loss for the Cavaliers in just three days against the Hawks, underscoring Atlanta’s capability to hold their ground against the league’s frontrunners.
The Hawks not only clinched the top spot in East Group C of the NBA Cup following the Cavaliers’ defeat but also demonstrated their scoring versatility. While Cleveland currently holds the best record in the league at 17-3, they struggled against a Hawks team that effectively utilized a balanced offensive approach.
Atlanta’s success was driven by key players such as Trae Young, who tallied 21 points alongside 11 assists, and Jalen Johnson, who made considerable contributions with 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. This integrated effort allowed the Hawks to place six players in double figures, emphasizing a formidable scoring depth that often overwhelms opponents.
In contrast, Cleveland’s standout player, Darius Garland, led his team with 29 points, while Evan Mobley added 24 points, showcasing his athleticism with seven dunks. Despite their individual talents, the Cavaliers’ efforts fell short as they struggled to keep pace with a more cohesive Atlanta unit.
Trae Young’s remarkable performance has positioned him as a leading playmaker in the NBA. Currently leading the league in assists at 12.5 per game, Young’s recent stretch of 15.3 assists over the past six games represents the highest average for a six-game span in Hawks history. This statistical feat aligns him with elite players, marking Young as the second player in the last 30 years to average over 20 points and 15 assists in a two-game stretch against the top team in the league, a rare achievement previously matched only by Chris Paul in 2009.
The Hawks’ bench played an instrumental role in their victory, outscoring the Cavaliers’ reserves 50-28. This significant advantage off the bench further serves to highlight the depth of Atlanta’s roster, a critical factor in their overall success this season.
Despite a competitive first half that saw the Hawks leading by just two points, they turned up the intensity in the third quarter. Led by Clint Capela’s three consecutive scores, the Hawks began to carve out a more comfortable lead, transitioning their performance into a scoring frenzy that saw them outpace the Cavaliers 39-23 in that quarter alone.
With this victory under their belt, Atlanta now sets its sights on their upcoming matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. As they continue to build momentum, the Hawks are proving they are a force to be reckoned with in the NBA, blending individual prowess with team chemistry to establish themselves as serious contenders this season.
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