The Atlanta Hawks just took their roughest loss of the year — a 132-113 setback to the Washington Wizards, who entered the night at 1-15. Now they get a quick chance to respond with a Black Friday matchup at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the second meeting between the teams after Cleveland won the first one earlier this month.
Atlanta is still without Trae Young, and his absence continues to shape everything. The Hawks have shown flashes of high-level defense without him, but they’ve also had nights like Tuesday where they give up nearly 140 points. Kristaps Porzingis scored well but struggled again defending in space, and Onyeka Okongwu may be pushing for more minutes with the way he’s played. Dyson Daniels is trying to regain his offensive rhythm after following his best game of the season with an uneven one in Washington.
Despite all that, the Hawks weren’t panicking. Players said they’re focused on turning the page.
“We’ve got to learn from this… but scrap it quick and move on to the next one,” Daniels said.
Mouhamed Gueye added, “We pride ourselves on defense — just show them we’re here.”
Cleveland rolls in led by Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, even as they manage injuries across the roster. The Cavaliers have still won four of their last six and will test Atlanta’s ability to reset quickly.
So here’s the question: What are you watching for in this Hawks–Cavaliers game? Are you locked in on the defensive response? Porzingis vs. Okongwu? Daniels’ bounce-back? Jalen Johnson’s leadership? Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s scoring run?
Tell us what you’re zeroing in on.