Atlanta Hawks Eliminate Cleveland Cavaliers from NBA Cup

On November 28, 2025, the Atlanta Hawks secured a 130-123 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in an NBA Cup game at State Farm Arena, eliminating the Cavaliers from the in-season tournament. Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with a triple-double, scoring 29 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 12 assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed significantly with 28 points, including crucial late-game three-pointers. Donovan Mitchell was the standout for Cleveland, scoring 42 points, marking his sixth game in the last eight with at least 30 points.

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The game featured several pivotal moments, particularly in the closing minutes. With the score tied at 123, Zaccharie Risacher hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 1:09 remaining. Alexander-Walker followed with another three-pointer, extending the lead as the Hawks held the Cavaliers scoreless for the final 2:03 of the game. The Hawks capitalized on their fast-break opportunities, outscoring the Cavaliers 36-17 in fast-break points, a strategy that has become a blueprint for opponents facing Cleveland.

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Cleveland's defense has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding their transition defense. Head coach Kenny Atkinson noted the team's failure to get back on defense, allowing the Hawks to exploit this weakness. "We showed them a couple of clips at halftime where they just run, literally running by us," Atkinson stated. This vulnerability was evident as the Cavaliers struggled to contain the Hawks' fast-paced offense, a tactic that has been effectively utilized by multiple teams this season.

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Despite Donovan Mitchell's impressive performance, the Cavaliers' overall execution has been criticized. Players like Darius Garland acknowledged the need for better communication and transition defense. "We shoot a lot of threes, so it’s a lot of long shots... Just gotta get back, talk in transition," Garland remarked. Mitchell expressed frustration over the team's inability to adjust, emphasizing that the loss stemmed from defensive lapses.

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In the aftermath of the game, players and coaches reflected on the need for improvement. "We just couldn’t do that. And it’s a mental thing. We got to find a way," Mitchell said, highlighting the mental aspect of their struggles. Meanwhile, Johnson's performance was celebrated as a bounce-back after a disappointing game against the Washington Wizards, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Hawks.

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Following this game, the Cavaliers will host the Boston Celtics, while the Hawks are set to face the Philadelphia 76ers. Both teams will look to build on their respective performances as the regular season progresses, with the Cavaliers needing to address their defensive issues to remain competitive.

Cavs at Hawks: How to watch, odds, and injury report

• “We showed them a couple of clips at halftime where they just run, literally running by us,” — Kenny Atkinson, Head Coach, Cleveland Cavaliers

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• “It’s not one singular person, right?” — Donovan Mitchell, Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers

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• “It’s not like a halfcourt where it’s set, and you can talk about switching. It’s in transition, so you gotta talk and communicate who got who and figure that out on the fly, basically. So that’s probably the hardest part. And we just gotta get better, do a better job with that.” — Evan Mobley, Forward, Cleveland Cavaliers

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This game not only marked a significant moment in the NBA Cup but also highlighted ongoing challenges for the Cavaliers as they seek to refine their defensive strategies moving forward.

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