Atlanta Hawks Defeat Cleveland Cavaliers 136-119
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.
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
