Last Updated:November 30, 2024, 13:25 IST

Atlanta Hawks beat Cleveland Cavaliers 117-101 as Boston Celtics defeated Chicago Bulls 138-129 in the NBA Cup.

NBA Cup: Atlanta Hawks beat Cleveland Cavaliers (AP)

In a decisive matchup on Friday, the Atlanta Hawks triumphed over the Cleveland Cavaliers with a score of 117-101. This victory allowed the Hawks to secure a spot in the NBA Cup knockout rounds. Notably, De’Andre Hunter emerged as a standout player, contributing 23 points off the bench.

The Hawks had previously handed the Cavaliers their first home defeat of the season just two days prior, and they maintained their momentum by converting a narrow 52-50 lead at halftime into an impressive win. This performance was crucial for them, as they finished first in their group.

Trae Young also made a significant impact, scoring 21 points and providing 11 assists, while Jalen Johnson aided the effort with 20 points. Six players from Atlanta were able to reach double digits in scoring during the match, showcasing the team’s depth and versatility.

For Cleveland, Darius Garland led the scoring with 29 points, and Evan Mobley added 24 points to their total. Despite maintaining the league’s best record at 17-3, the Cavaliers struggled against the Hawks’ defense, notably limited their star player Donovan Mitchell to just 12 points.

The pivotal third quarter saw the Hawks outscore the Cavaliers 39-23, effectively sealing the game. After the match, Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson admitted, ‘They outplayed us. Sometimes you just have to call it like you see it.’

Elsewhere in the league, the Boston Celtics maintained their hopes in the NBA Cup by defeating the Chicago Bulls in a close encounter, with a final score of 138-129. Jayson Tatum spearheaded Boston’s effort with 35 points and 14 rebounds, while Payton Pritchard shone in the fourth quarter, scoring 19 of his 29 points in the final moments of the game.

The Celtics’ win was crucial for their playoff aspirations, particularly after the Hawks’ victory over the Cavaliers, which necessitated a focus on point differentials as they aim for wild card spots. The Celtics had previously needed to win by a significant margin to advance, highlighting the competitive nature of this season’s NBA Cup.

On a side note, the Los Angeles Lakers faced elimination from the tournament after losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive fourth-quarter performance helped the Thunder secure a 101-93 triumph, leaving the Lakers in a challenging position.

As the NBA Cup progresses, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with teams jockeying for position in the playoff race.

What will be the impact of the NBA Cup on the rest of the season?