The Atlanta Hawks have soared into the NBA Cup quarterfinals, clinching the top spot in East Group C with a commanding 117-101 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. The win, coupled with the Chicago Bulls’ loss to the Boston Celtics, secured the Hawks’ position as group champions and a favorable matchup in the next round of the inaugural tournament.
Balanced Attack Fuels Hawks’ Triumph
Leading the charge for Atlanta was sixth man extraordinaire De’Andre Hunter, who poured in 23 points off the bench. The Hawks’ depth and versatility were on full display, with six players reaching double figures in scoring.
All-Star point guard Trae Young orchestrated the offense to perfection, tallying 21 points and 11 assists. The dynamic floor general has been on a tear recently, averaging a staggering 15.3 assists over his last six games – the highest six-game assist average in Hawks history.
“Trae’s vision and playmaking have been incredible,” praised Hawks head coach Brian Powell. “He’s setting the table for our guys and making everyone around him better. That’s the mark of a true leader.”
Cavaliers Conquered Again
The victory marked the second time in three days that the Hawks have bested the Cavaliers, who still hold the league’s top record at 17-3. Despite stellar performances from Darius Garland (29 points) and Evan Mobley (24 points, 7 dunks), Cleveland couldn’t keep pace with Atlanta’s balanced attack.
In Wednesday’s meeting, the Hawks prevailed 135-124 behind Young’s career-high 22 assists. The two-time All-Star joined Chris Paul as the only players in the last 30 years to average 20 points and 15 assists against a team with the NBA’s best record over a two-game span.
Bench Mob Makes the Difference
Atlanta’s second unit, affectionately known as the “Bench Mob,” outscored their Cleveland counterparts 50-28. The Hawks’ depth has been a key factor in their success this season, allowing them to maintain a high level of play even when their starters are resting.
“Our bench guys have been phenomenal,” Young said after the game. “They come in with energy, they defend, they score – they do it all. It’s a luxury to have such a deep and talented group.”
Third Quarter Surge Seals the Deal
The Hawks broke the game open in the third quarter, outscoring the Cavaliers 39-23. Center Clint Capela sparked the decisive run with three consecutive baskets, stretching Atlanta’s lead to 67-57.
The 39 points matched the Hawks’ highest-scoring quarter this season, equaling their output in the second quarter of a 121-116 win over the New York Knicks on November 6th.
Looking Ahead to the Quarterfinals
With their spot in the NBA Cup quarterfinals secured, the Hawks will now turn their attention to their next opponent. As the top seed in East Group C, they will face the second-place finisher from East Group D in a best-of-three series.
Potential matchups include the Philadelphia 76ers, led by MVP candidate Joel Embiid, or the surging Miami Heat, who have won eight of their last ten games. Regardless of who they face, the Hawks will have home-court advantage and the confidence that comes with being one of the NBA’s hottest teams.
“We’re ready for whoever comes our way,” declared a confident De’Andre Hunter. “We’ve proven that we can compete with the best teams in the league, and we’re excited to showcase our talents on the big stage.”
A New Era for the NBA
The NBA Cup, a new midseason tournament featuring group play and a knockout round, has added an extra layer of excitement to the 2024-25 season. With a $15 million prize pool and the prestige of being crowned champions, teams are highly motivated to make a deep run.
For the Hawks, a strong showing in the NBA Cup could be a springboard to even greater success in the playoffs. With a well-rounded roster, exceptional depth, and a bona fide superstar in Trae Young, Atlanta has all the ingredients necessary to compete for a championship.
As the NBA Cup quarterfinals loom on the horizon, basketball fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see if the Hawks can continue their high-flying ways and soar to even greater heights.
