Mitchell and Mobley Lift Cavaliers to Victory over Hawks in Pivotal Eastern Conference Showdown

Key Takeaways:

• Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points as the Cavaliers secured a 122-116 win against the Hawks on Wednesday night
• Evan Mobley contributed 22 points and matched his career high with 19 rebounds
• The Cavaliers have clinched at least fourth place in the Eastern Conference and remain just half a game behind New York for the third seed

Game Summary and Playoff Implications

Donovan Mitchell delivered a standout performance, recording 31 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Atlanta Hawks 122-116 on Wednesday evening. Evan Mobley was instrumental on both ends of the court, tallying 22 points and equalling his career-best with 19 rebounds.

James Harden chipped in with 21 points, helping Cleveland, now 51-29, to its fourth consecutive victory and its seventh in the last eight contests. This streak has ensured that the Cavaliers can finish no lower than fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, and they currently sit just 1/2 game shy of the New York Knicks in pursuit of the third seed.

That's FOUR dubs in a row!

📊 HIGHLIGHTS & STATS: https://t.co/NKrmYjPTmD@Redfin | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/8pwMtIdeVE

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 9, 2026

For the Hawks, Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 25 points while Jonathan Kuminga posted an impressive 24 points from the bench. Despite their efforts, Atlanta were unable to secure a playoff berth with this defeat. The Hawks, now with a 45-35 record, have dropped two in a row following a run of four wins. They are just a game clear of Toronto for fifth place, with a slender 1 1/2 game cushion over Orlando in the race to avoid the play-in tournament.

Mitchell’s Milestones and Key Moments

This contest marked Donovan Mitchell’s 200th regular-season game tallying at least 20 points within his four-year tenure as a Cavalier, making him only the fifth player in franchise history to accomplish this feat. Mitchell also notched his 14th outing of the campaign with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Atlanta seized momentum late in the first half, leading 67-56 following a Dyson Daniels dunk with 57 seconds before the interval. Cleveland responded with purpose, surging on a 17-3 run that stretched from the closing minute of the second quarter into the opening three minutes of the third.

Turning Points and Closing Sequence

Cleveland dominated the third quarter, outscoring Atlanta 44-20 to establish a 104-87 lead entering the fourth. Dennis Schroder’s three-point play extended the Cavaliers’ cushion to 110-92. Nevertheless, Atlanta countered with an 18-2 burst highlighted by seven points from Alexander-Walker, narrowing the deficit.

Jonathan Kuminga’s dunk brought the Hawks within two at 118-116. Following a miss from Sam Merrill beyond the arc, the Hawks had an opportunity to equalise, but Nickeil Alexander-Walker turned the ball over in the paint, allowing Jarrett Allen to secure a crucial steal. Mitchell subsequently converted two free throws, restoring a multiple-possession advantage for Cleveland as time wound down.

What’s Next

Cleveland and Atlanta are set to face each other again on Friday in Atlanta for their fourth and final regular-season meeting.