Atlanta Hawks’ Four Biggest Takeaways From a Thrilling Cleveland Cavaliers Comeback Win

Okongwu answers his critics

After a difficult outing against Miami, Onyeka Okongwu responded with his strongest performance of the season. He scored 29 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and led everyone in scoring.

Okongwu shot 4-for-6 from three. With Cleveland closing within 110-109 late, he made a layup to restore a three-point Hawks lead.

Wiggins delivers off the bench

Aaron Wiggins also bounced back from a subpar game against the Heat. He scored 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting, including 4-for-7 from three, and added seven rebounds and three assists. The account argues Wiggins could have closed the game instead of CJ McCollum, who played in the closing stretch.

A second-quarter turnaround

Cleveland opened with a 31-16 first-quarter lead as Atlanta shot 23% from the field and went 3-for-10 from three. The Hawks appeared headed for another difficult offensive night.

Atlanta then put together a 30-8 run, taking a seven-point lead in the second quarter. The Hawks did not trail again after that surge.

Late pressure tests Atlanta

Atlanta led 106-96 with about four minutes remaining, but its offense stalled as Cleveland mounted a late challenge. The account criticizes coach Quin Snyder’s decision to finish with McCollum rather than Wiggins.

Cleveland cut the margin to one point before Okongwu’s layup helped Atlanta regain breathing room. The Hawks managed to hold on, though the closing minutes were unsettled.