The Atlanta Hawks have made headlines this week by scoring two significant victories over the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have been dominating the NBA with impressive early-season numbers. After their initial win against the Cavs just before Thanksgiving, the Hawks returned home to prove their capabilities yet again, triumphing 117-101.
With the Cleveland Cavaliers boasting one of the top records at 17-1 prior to this encounter, the Hawks' success against them could have far-reaching effects on the standings. Trae Young, the heart of the Hawks, spoke post-game, emphasizing the challenging road they traveled to achieve these wins. “This is obviously two big wins for us,” Young commented. “The [Cavs] have been playing really well and at the top of the league. I think we’ve shown our potential as we push for playoff positioning.”
Many pundits and fans alike have declared these wins as 'statement games' for the Hawks, solidifying their place as contenders. Young, ever modest, played down the significance of these matches, stating, “A statement win for us was when we went to Boston without me and won. That was huge.” Still, recognizing the high-caliber nature of the wins against Cleveland, he conceded their importance, saying there’s much to learn from both victory and defeat.
Defense played a pivotal role for Atlanta, especially during the second match where they secured the victory by limiting the Cavaliers to just 101 points, which marked Cleveland's lowest scoring game this season. Notably, De’Andre Hunter shone brightly, scoring 26 points during the first game and adding 23 during the second. Coach Quin Snyder praised Hunter for his defensive awareness and consistent performance, reinforcing the value he brings to the team.
Hunter’s performances have been especially impressive this year. Snyder expressed his satisfaction with Hunter’s contributions, noting, “He always puts himself where he needs to be defensively. I'm lucky to have him on my team.” The Hawks now look to clinch their advance within the NBA Cup as they await the outcome of other group games, particularly between the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls.
After this series of wins, the Hawks find themselves well-positioned to finish strong, potentially landing within the top six of the Eastern Conference if they can maintain this form. They have already demonstrated their ability to compete with several elite teams throughout the season, showcasing their offensive strength and tactical depth.
Problematically for the Cavaliers, these two defeats have raised concerning questions about their defense and consistency. Despite their respectable offensive stats, particularly demonstrated during the head-to-head matchups, the Cavs have struggled to maintain their defensive integrity which has led to wide-open looks for their opponents. Notably, they allowed 16 out of 19 shots to be made within the restricted zone, something Coach Kenny Atkinson will need to address immediately.
During the postgame press conference, Darius Garland of the Cavaliers criticized their lack of defensive effort, insisting the rematch was of utmost importance. “From our standpoint, we lacked discipline,” Garland said. “We can’t let teams score so easily.” Following the two losses, the Cavaliers are now fighting to restore their position and must regroup quickly before facing formidable opponents like the Boston Celtics.
The general sentiment around the league, reflected by players, analysts, and fans, highlights the Hawks' transformation. No longer are they merely seen as underdogs; they are contenders capable of upsetting established powerhouses. Trae Young's contributions alongside kindred spirits like Hunter are invaluable—it bolsters team morale and credibility when they go toe-to-toe with teams traditionally considered superior.
The Hawks concluded their group stage play with considerable momentum, finishing 3-1 and creating the potential for advancement as they await the fate of the Celtics. While the immediate focus is on improving their own game, fans and players alike are keeping watch on other key matchups across the league. The victory over the Cavs has solidified their perception and made them ones to watch as the NBA Cup progresses.
With the playoffs around the corner, matchups like these not only serve to rank teams but also build up confidence levels and cohesiveness within the squad. Young's leadership and Hunter's performances could mark the Hawks' resilience and adaptability as genuine assets to make deep runs within the playoffs.
