Cavaliers Beat the Hawks 116-95: Game Recap 1/20/24

Post-Game Recap

3 Key Factors Around the Victory

1 – 10-0 

The Cavs set the tone early in this game by scoring the first ten points.  Two players finished with a team-high 18 points, Donovan Mitchell and Sam Merrill. 

2 – Cavs Starters

All five Cleveland starters scored in double-digits, and it was an especially good game for Isaac Okoro, who finished with twelve points with a plus/minus of +19. 

3 – Defense

Cleveland has moved into third overall on defense in the NBA, and it showed again tonight, holding the Hawks to under 40% shooting at 39.8%.

Game Summary

Donovan Mitchell spearheaded a well-rounded effort, contributing 18 points and eight assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers extended their NBA-leading seven-game winning streak with a commanding 116-95 triumph over the Atlanta Hawks. Jarrett Allen recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while a total of seven Cavaliers reached double figures, including standout performances from Sam Merrill (18 points, five 3-pointers), Dean Wade (17 points), and Georges Niang (14 points). The Cavaliers dominated from the start, scoring the first 10 points and maintaining control throughout, holding the Hawks to a season-low in points. Cleveland’s third-quarter surge solidified their lead, and despite a spirited effort from Trae Young (15 points) before his exit due to injury, the Hawks couldn’t overcome the deficit. The victory halted the Hawks’ three-game winning streak, with Dejounte Murray (24 points, nine rebounds, five assists) leading their efforts. The Cavaliers’ resilience, now 12-3 since injuries to starters Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, showcased their depth, even in the absence of Caris LaVert. In a poignant moment, Pete Nance, following in his father Larry Nance Sr.’s footsteps, made his NBA debut for the Cavaliers in the final two minutes, marking a special milestone for the Nance family.

Up Next

At Orlando on Monday.