De’Andre Hunter Shines as Hawks Dominate Cavaliers, Clinch NBA Cup Quarterfinal Spot
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Hawks are flying high, and Friday night was just another example of their growing dominance. With De’Andre Hunter coming off the bench to drop 23 points, the Hawks soared past the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-101 in the NBA Cup. This marks the second time in three days that Atlanta has handed Cleveland a loss, and the Hawks weren’t done making headlines. Later that evening, Atlanta officially clinched East Group C in the NBA Cup when the Chicago Bulls fell to the Boston Celtics.
For the Cavaliers, who still hold the NBA’s best record at 17-3, this was a tough pill to swallow. Despite their impressive start to the season, Cleveland once again struggled to keep up with Atlanta’s scoring depth. Trae Young continued his stellar play, finishing with 21 points and 11 assists, while Jalen Johnson contributed a near triple-double with 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. In total, the Hawks had six players score in double figures, showcasing their balanced attack.
On the other side, Cleveland’s Darius Garland did everything he could to keep his team in the game, leading all scorers with 29 points. Evan Mobley added 24 points, including an eye-popping seven dunks, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Atlanta’s relentless offense.
Trae Young: The Assist King
Trae Young has been on an absolute tear lately, and Friday night was no exception. Just two days earlier, Young set a career high with 22 assists in Atlanta’s 135-124 win over Cleveland. He currently leads the NBA in assists, averaging 12.5 per game, and has been dishing out an incredible 15.3 assists per game over his last six outings. That’s the most over a six-game span in Hawks history.
Young’s recent performances have put him in elite company. He’s now the second player in the last 30 seasons to average 20 points and 15 assists in a two-game span against the team with the NBA’s best record. The only other player to accomplish this feat? None other than Chris Paul, who did it back in 2009 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Talk about being in legendary company!
Bench Power: Hunter Leads the Charge
One of the biggest differences in Friday’s game was the performance of Atlanta’s bench, led by De’Andre Hunter. The Hawks’ reserves outscored Cleveland’s bench 50-28, providing a huge boost that the Cavaliers simply couldn’t match. Hunter’s 23 points were a game-changer, and his energy off the bench set the tone for Atlanta’s second unit.
Clint Capela also played a pivotal role in the Hawks’ victory. After a tight first half that saw Atlanta leading 52-50, Capela helped the team pull away in the third quarter. He scored three consecutive baskets during a key stretch that extended the Hawks’ lead to 67-57. From there, Atlanta never looked back.
Third-Quarter Explosion
The third quarter was where the Hawks truly took control of the game. Atlanta outscored Cleveland 39-23 in the period, matching their season-high for points in a single quarter. The last time they hit that mark was on November 6, when they dropped 39 points in the second quarter of a 121-116 win over the New York Knicks. When the Hawks get rolling like that, they’re nearly impossible to stop.
What’s Next for the Hawks?
With their spot in the NBA Cup quarterfinals secured, the Hawks are riding a wave of momentum. They’ll look to keep it going on Saturday when they visit the Charlotte Hornets. If Atlanta continues to play with this level of intensity and balance, they could be a serious threat in the NBA Cup and beyond.
Key Takeaways from the Game
- De’Andre Hunter: 23 points off the bench, leading Atlanta’s second unit to a dominant performance.
- Trae Young: 21 points, 11 assists, and another night of making history with his playmaking.
- Bench Battle: Atlanta’s reserves outscored Cleveland’s 50-28, a critical factor in the win.
- Third-Quarter Surge: The Hawks outscored the Cavaliers 39-23 in the third, breaking the game wide open.
As the NBA Cup heats up, the Hawks are proving they’re a team to watch. With their depth, star power, and ability to rise to the occasion, Atlanta is making a strong case as a legitimate contender. Stay tuned, because this team is just getting started.
Originally Written by: The Associated Press
