Atlanta Hawks Defeat Cleveland Cavaliers 136-119

Recap of the Atlanta Hawks blowout victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Summary

The first game of the Joe Prunty era was a success. The Atlanta Hawks easily defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 136-119. The circumstances were not ideal for either team, as Cleveland was on the second night of a back-to-back, and Atlanta had an interim head coach, but Hawks fans will not argue the results.

After falling behind early in the first quarter, Atlanta caught fire on offense and never looked back. Trae Young led the way with 34 points and nine assists. Saddiq Bey filled in for an injured John Collins (concussion) and provided 19 points. 

And now you 'bout to see this Southern player serve pic.twitter.com/NBFKo0Mpww

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 25, 2023

Atlanta shot an uncharacteristic 58.8% from the field and 53.6% from deep, which helped their lead balloon up to 32 points in the second half. Darius Garland led Cleveland with 33 points and helped chisel Atlanta's lead down in the second half, but the game was never in doubt. 

Atlanta improves to 30-30, while Cleveland falls 38-25 on the season. Atlanta hosts the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday afternoon, while Cleveland hosts the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening.

Stats

Hawks Leaders

Trae Young - 34 PTS, 9 AST

Dejounte Murray - 25 PTS, 9 REB

Saddiq Bey - 19 PTS, 4 REB

Cavaliers Leaders

Darius Garland - 33 PTS, 2 AST

Donovan Mitchell - 19 PTS, 3 AST

Jarrett Allen - 14 PTS, 9 REB