Donovan Mitchell’s heroics weren’t enough, Cavs lose to Hawks 130-123

Forty-two points from Donovan Mitchell weren’t enough. The Cleveland Cavaliers simply couldn’t do enough on either end as the Atlanta Hawks grabbed a 130-123 victory. The loss officially eliminates the Cavs from NBA Cup competition.

The Cavs came out of the gates hot with a 7-0 run to open the game, but they weren’t able to keep the momentum going. The Hawks outscored the Cavs 33-16 for the remainder of the first quarter.

Cleveland got back into the game with a 14-0 run powered by Mitchell in the second quarter. He scored 16 points in the frame as the Cavaliers were able to take a slim 62-60 lead into the break.

Atlanta controlled most of the second half. They went on a 16-4 run at the beginning of the third that allowed them to retake control. The Hawks pushed their lead to 10 by the end of the third.

The Cavaliers clawed their way back. A 10-0 run allowed them to retake the lead midway through the fourth. That lead would be short-lived.

The Hawks quickly regained control. Back-to-back threes from Zaccharie Risacher and Nikeil Alexander-Walker took it from being a tie game to a six-point advantage in the final minute. The Cavs weren’t able to respond.

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Mitchell was once again phenomenal. He’s putting up the most points in his career and doing so on career-high efficiency. Friday night was another example of that. Mitchell was getting his three-point shot off-the-dribble as he went 7-15 from beyond the arc. This was in addition to effortlessly getting into the paint and to the free-throw line.

Mitchell played his best basketball in the fourth quarter as he scored 16 points in the final quarter. His five-straight points at the end of the fourth gave the Cavs a chance to win this game late. But one man can only take you so far.

The Cavs had their full starting lineup available to them for one of the few times this season, with Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen all available. The group still hasn’t quite clicked yet.

Garland once again couldn’t get his shot to go as he went 6-14 from the field for 15 points. He also had an up-and-down game as a playmaker. He had moments of brilliance that led to his 10 assists, but five turnovers are far too many. It’s clear that he’s still trying to find his rhythm this season.

Mobley had a solid game. He put up 20 points on 7-17 shooting, grabbed 14 rebounds, and dished out seven assists. This was a step in the right direction.

Hunter poured in 16 points on 6-9 shooting against his former team. Allen once again struggled to find his place within the offense as he registered just eight points on six shot attempts.

Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 29 points on 9-18 shooting with 12 rebounds and 12 assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 28 points in the victory.

The loss eliminated the Cavs from NBA Cup play. They have not gotten past the group stage in the three years the competition has been held.

The Cavaliers are back in action on Sunday as they head home to take on the Boston Celtics.