Chalien Dantes/Contributor

The Atlanta Hawks wrapped up their NBA Cup group play last Friday (November 28) with a lively 130–123 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, fueled by a monster night from Jalen Johnson. 

The 6-foot-8 forward piled up his second triple-double of the season with 29 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists, and two steals, steering an Atlanta offence that caught fire in the third quarter and stayed in control for much of the second half.

Despite missing Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis, the Hawks leaned on pace, crisp ball movement, and their wings. Nickeil Alexander-Walker pitched in 28 points, including a clutch pull-up three in the final minute, while Zaccharie Risacher drilled a corner three with just over a minute left to break a 123–123 tie. From there, Atlanta slammed the door, holding Cleveland scoreless over the final two minutes and unleashing a rapid 7-0 burst to lock up the win.

The night swung wildly back and forth. Cleveland opened with a 7-0 start, Atlanta answered with a 21-4 run, and the Cavs later strung together a 14-0 surge to take a halftime edge. The Hawks stormed out of the break with a 16-4 push, built a 97-90 lead, then watched Cleveland briefly reclaim momentum with a 10-0 run. But Johnson and his teammates steadied themselves late and delivered the final blows.

Donovan Mitchell lit up the scoreboard with 42 points, which was his second-highest total this season, while Evan Mobley added 20 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists. Darius Garland chipped in 15 points and 10 assists but struggled with five turnovers. De’Andre Hunter, back in Atlanta colours, added 16.

Both teams finished East Group A at 2–2, falling short of advancing, but the Hawks have now taken three of their last four and head into Sunday’s meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers with some rhythm.