The Hawks didn’t just win tonight—they survived a fourth-quarter whirlwind to close out a gritty 130–123 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at home in State Farm Arena. And let me tell you… that final stretch was pure madness.
Atlanta’s late-game composure, anchored by Jalen Johnson’s everywhere-at-once performance, kept the Hawks steady as Cleveland threw everything they had at them. Defensive rebounds, steals, fast-break energy—Atlanta matched every punch.
Once the Cavs tied the game 123–123 after a deep Donovan Mitchell stepback, the Hawks locked in. From that point on, Atlanta delivered a 7–0 closing run fueled by hustle, second chances, and cold-blooded shot-making.
Big-Time Performances Across the Board
Jalen Johnson delivered a monster all-around performance with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, leading the charge on both ends and putting together one of the most dominant games of his young career.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker stayed hot, dropping 30 points and drilling five threes, including a huge pull-up and a transition dagger in the closing minute that stretched Atlanta’s lead when the game was hanging in the balance.
Onyeka Okongwu was rock-solid inside, adding 18 points and 7 boards, while Zaccharie Risacher poured in an efficient 16 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including a clutch second-chance three during the decisive closing run.
Mouhamed Gueye gave Atlanta a major spark off the bench with 12 points, finishing plays, running the floor, and injecting energy whenever the Hawks needed it.
Dyson Daniels added 10 points and 10 rebounds, quietly stabilizing things with smart decisions and timely defense.
Closing the Door
The Hawks took Cleveland’s best punch, didn’t fold, and then slammed the door shut.
Jalen was the engine—ripping down rebounds, creating extra possessions, and making two massive assists to Risacher and NAW for back-to-back dagger threes that turned a tie game into a 129–123 cushion.
Cleveland tried answering, but every big Mitchell and Mobley three clanked out. And every time it did, Atlanta met the moment with poise—crashing the glass, converting free throws, and defending without fouling.
A poised, unified win. A statement night for the whole group.
Beyond the final score, one moment from the second quarter caught everyone’s attention. Former Hawk De’Andre Hunter, now with the Cavaliers, delivered a poster dunk over his former teammate Mo Gueye. Emotions flared—Gueye gave Hunter a shove after the play, earning both players a double technical foul. After the game, though, there was no bad blood. Gueye held up Hunter’s jersey proudly, saying, “That’s my guy. He’s competitive during the game, but afterwards, it’s all love.” Jalen Johnson laughed about it too, saying, “It was funny because at the end of the day, it’s all love. I told Mo he let Hunter bait him into that.”
What’s Next
The Hawks head on the road to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers on Sunday, Nov. 30.
Atlanta will then continue the trip with another road matchup on Monday, Dec. 1.
The team returns home on Dec. 3 to take on the Los Angeles Clippers at State Farm Arena.
