Hawks clinch playoff berth with rout over Cavaliers
PUBLISHED Apr 10, 2026, 11:47 PM ET
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LOS ANGELES — The Atlanta Hawks secured an NBA playoff berth with a 124-102 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, April 11, 2026, as CJ McCollum led Atlanta with 29 points and Dyson Daniels recorded a triple-double of 13 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists in the win. The Hawks led 61-48 at halftime and surged with a 16-0 run late in the third quarter; Cleveland rested Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen after clinching the fourth seed. Meanwhile the Boston Celtics locked the Eastern Conference second seed with a 144-118 win this week, reshaping first-round seeding and postseason matchups.
By Michael Grant | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- 2021: Hawks last won the Southeast Division and reached the Eastern Conference finals.
- Early 2026: Hawks spent much of the season in play-in contention entering April.
- Friday, April 11, 2026: Atlanta defeated Cleveland 124-102; McCollum scored 29 points; Daniels posted a triple-double.
- Same day: Boston Celtics defeated New Orleans 144-118 and secured the East second seed with 29 three-pointers.
- Aftermath: Cavaliers rested starters Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen, prioritizing health for the postseason.
News Intelligence
- The Hawks' playoff berth means more exciting basketball for fans. If you're a Hawks supporter, it's time to celebrate. If you're a Cavaliers fan, it's a reminder to rest up and prepare for the postseason. And for all NBA fans, it's a sign that the playoffs are shaping up to be a thrilling ride.
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The Atlanta Hawks benefited directly by clinching a playoff berth and the Southeast Division, gaining improved positioning and momentum; the Boston Celtics benefited by securing the Eastern Conference second seed and home-court advantage in early playoff rounds.
The Cleveland Cavaliers lost the game 124-102 and saw starters rested, producing disappointment among fans for the defeat while prioritizing player health ahead of the postseason; teams facing the Hawks now must prepare for their playoff matchups.
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Hawks clinch playoff berth with rout over Cavaliers
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