Onyeka Okongwu delivered a game-high 29 points to power the Atlanta Hawks to a dramatic 114-111 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the State Farm Arena.
Coming off three consecutive defeats, the Hawks were desperate for a win to build momentum ahead of a three-game road trip. However, the hosts made a sluggish start, falling 10 points behind in the opening quarter, which ended 28-16 in favour of the Cavaliers.
The Hawks responded emphatically in the second quarter, outscoring the visitors 30-16 to overturn the deficit and take a two-point lead into the halftime break at 46-44.
The third quarter was a high-scoring and closely contested affair, with the Hawks edging the Cavaliers 43-38 to extend their advantage. Although Cleveland won the final quarter 29-25, it was not enough to turn the game around, as Donovan Mitchell’s last-gasp three-point attempt to force overtime rattled off the rim.
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Okongwu was the standout performer for Atlanta, dominating at both ends of the court to record an impressive double-double of 29 points and 12 rebounds. He shot 11-of-17 from the field, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, while adding two assists, one steal and a block.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker followed with 25 points, while Aaron Wiggins contributed 20 points. Jalen Johnson added 17 points, and Jock Landale chipped in with 10 rebounds.
For the Cavaliers, James Harden led the scoring with 24 points, while Mitchell finished with 22. Sam Merrill contributed 16 points, Jarrett Allen recorded 14 points and eight rebounds, Evan Mobley added 11 points, and Mario Hezonja finished with 10.
The Hawks will now hit the road for a three-game stretch against the New Orleans Pelicans, Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards.
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