A career game for the franchise guy.
The Atlanta Hawks sprung their second-biggest upset of the season (lest we not forget the Celtics Cup win) as they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers by a score of 135-124.
The Hawks started the game sluggish as they trailed by as many as 19 points in the early going. The Hawks were able to battle there way back into the game with their 3 point- shooting.
The Hawks had a stellar performance from beyond the arc, putting on a shooting clinic as they knocked down 20 three-pointers on 47% shooting, showcasing incredible accuracy and ball movement. The Hawks drained eight three-pointers in the first quarter as they went on a 18-4 run to erase a 19-point deficit.
De’Andre Hunter led the charge, hitting five threes, while Bogdan Bogdanovic and Zaccharie Risacher added to the barrage with clutch shots from deep. Hunter finished with a Hawks game-high of 26 points while Bogdanovic and Risacher each had 17 apiece.
The Hawks’ spacing and rhythm kept the Cavs defense scrambling, allowing them to build a commanding lead of 11 points at one point.
Trae Young put on a playmaking masterclass against the Cavs, delivering a series of jaw-dropping alley-oop assists to Jalen Johnson. Their chemistry was on full display as Young consistently found Johnson cutting to the rim with precision lobs, quieting the crowd at Rocket Mortage FieldHouse.
One standout moment came in the third quarter when Young orchestrated a fast break and floated a perfect pass that Johnson hammered home with authority. The dynamic duo’s connection was pivotal in maintaining the team’s momentum during the game.
Johnson nearly had another triple-double as he finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Young showcased his offensive mastery, recording an incredible double-double of 20 points and a career-high 22 assists in the Hawks victory.
Young was locked in, finding open teammates with pinpoint passes and creating easy scoring opportunities with his exceptional decision-making. Whether it was threading the needle through defenders or orchestrating fast breaks, Young controlled the game’s tempo, turning it into a passing clinic.
Trae Young’s 22 assists accounted for more than half of the team’s total field goals, emphasizing his role as the driving force behind the offense.
The highlight of the night came in the fourth quarter, when Young knocked down a 39-foot three pointer with 1:23 left in the game to give the Hawks a 129-122 lead.
It was a much-needed win for the Hawks as they ended a three game losing streak.
It was the first of two consecutive games between the Hawks and Cavaliers as they will play again on Friday at State Farm Arena. It will be an important game Friday as the Hawks are tied for first in the Emirates NBA Cup Group C standings. It was the Cavs’ second lost of the season and first loss at home.