The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 135-124 in a thrilling game where Trae Young delivered an exceptional performance with a career-high 22 assists and 20 points. This marked the highest assist tally in the NBA this season and propelled the Hawks to break a three-game losing streak. Cleveland, which held a 19-point lead early in the game, suffered its second loss of the season and its first at home, falling to 17-2 overall. Young’s critical playmaking and scoring, including a deep 39-foot 3-pointer in the final minutes, helped secure the victory.
Young’s 22 assists were just one shy of the Hawks’ single-game record of 23, set by Mookie Blaylock in 1993. His performance surpassed Elfrid Payton’s 21 assists earlier in the week and made Young the only player in Hawks history to achieve more than 20 assists in a game multiple times. Hawks coach Quin Snyder praised Young’s leadership and unselfishness, emphasizing his ability to create opportunities for teammates. Young picked up eight assists in the final quarter, crucially contributing to the Hawks’ strong finish against Cleveland’s late-game pressure.
Throughout the fourth quarter, Young’s playmaking shone as he orchestrated key plays, assisting De’Andre Hunter and Dyson Daniels, and making clutch free throws. Despite a late turnover, Young regained possession and sank a remarkable 3-pointer just inside the half-court logo, effectively sealing the game. His poise under pressure silenced Cleveland’s home crowd, and he celebrated by motioning for quiet, underscoring his reputation for clutch performances. Hunter, who scored 26 points, praised Young’s court vision and timely passes that allowed teammates to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell had a strong outing with 30 points, while Evan Mobley contributed a double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Mitchell’s scoring tied him for the second-most 30-point games in Cavaliers history behind LeBron James. Despite their strong start, Cleveland could not hold off Atlanta’s season-high 20 3-pointers and dynamic playmaking. The Hawks achieved their third double-digit comeback win of the season, showcasing their resilience and offensive firepower.
The victory marked a milestone for Young, who recorded his second career 20-20 game and emerged as a consistent leader in pivotal moments. Following the game, Young humbly acknowledged his achievement and looked forward to their next matchup against Cleveland in the NBA Cup. With the Hawks tied for first in Group C, the stakes remain high, and Atlanta will aim to build on this momentum in their quest for further success.
