De’Andre Hunter Shines as Hawks Dominate Cavaliers Again in NBA Cup

The Atlanta Hawks showcased their scoring depth once more, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-101 on Friday in the NBA Cup. De’Andre Hunter led the charge off the bench with 23 points, as the Hawks handed the Cavaliers their second loss in three days, solidifying Atlanta’s dominance over the NBA-best team.

Hunter and Young Lead the Way

Hunter’s stellar bench performance was complemented by Trae Young, who posted 21 points and 11 assists. Jalen Johnson also impressed with 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, highlighting the Hawks’ team-first approach.

The Hawks’ scoring depth proved too much for Cleveland to handle, with six players finishing in double figures. Atlanta outscored Cleveland’s reserves 50-28, underscoring their bench’s crucial role in securing back-to-back wins over the Cavaliers.

Cavaliers Struggle Despite Garland’s Heroics

Darius Garland was a bright spot for Cleveland, leading all scorers with 29 points. Evan Mobley added 24 points, including seven electrifying dunks. However, their efforts weren’t enough to overcome Donovan Mitchell’s struggles.

Mitchell struggled against Dyson Daniels’ tough defense, missing his first 10 shots from the field. He eventually finished with 12 points on 5-of-23 shooting, adding 11 rebounds but failing to provide the offensive spark Cleveland needed.

Key Moments in Atlanta’s Victory

After a tight first half, with Atlanta leading 52-50, the Hawks broke the game open in the third quarter. Clint Capela was instrumental in the Hawks’ surge, scoring three consecutive baskets to extend the lead to 67-57. Atlanta’s dominance in the third quarter was undeniable as they outscored the Cavaliers 39-23, tying their season-high for points in a quarter.

Takeaways from the Game

• Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell’s shooting woes and limited contributions from Caris LeVert, who had eight points after missing four games, highlighted Cleveland’s struggles. Despite holding the NBA’s best record (17-3), the Cavaliers’ depth paled in comparison to Atlanta’s.

• Hawks: Atlanta’s bench was the X-factor, led by Hunter’s 23-point performance. The Hawks also benefitted from Trae Young’s elite playmaking, as he continues to lead the league in assists with 12.5 per game.

Looking Ahead

The Cavaliers will look to regroup after two tough losses, hoping to regain their form as the league’s top team. For the Hawks, these consecutive victories against a formidable opponent demonstrate their potential as a playoff contender.

Atlanta’s ability to rely on contributions from both their starters and bench players could make them a formidable force as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Cleveland must find answers to maintain their dominance against teams with depth and balance.

With both teams eyeing strong finishes in the NBA Cup, this rivalry may continue to heat up in the coming weeks.