Johnson's clutch triple-double fueled a late Hawks surge, snatching victory from the Cavaliers and eliminating them from tournament contention.
Jalen Johnson recorded a triple-double and delivered in the closing minutes as the Atlanta Hawks pulled away late for a 130-123 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in an NBA Cup game Friday night.
Johnson finished with 29 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists, marking his second triple-double of the season. Atlanta used a 7-0 run in the final 70 seconds to eliminate Cleveland from in-season tournament contention and secure one of its most complete wins of the year.
The game swung repeatedly before the Hawks closed strong. Cleveland led 123-119 with 2:25 remaining, but Atlanta held the Cavaliers scoreless the rest of the way. After the Hawks won a jump ball following a successful Cavaliers challenge, Johnson drove the possession that broke the tie. He pulled the defense toward him and found Zaccharie Risacher in the left corner for a 3-pointer that pushed Atlanta ahead 126-123 with 1:09 left.
On Cleveland’s next trip, Donovan Mitchell — who scored 42 points and continued his streak of six 30-point efforts in eight games — missed a potential tying 3. Johnson secured the rebound, pushed in transition and located Nickeil Alexander-Walker for a pull-up 3 that stretched the lead to six with 47.7 seconds remaining.
Risacher said the moment was rare for him, but one he felt ready to handle.
“Honestly, I didn’t have that much of those moments during my career,” Risacher said. “It was a great feeling. And I feel like I’m making sure I’m working every day to be ready in those moments.”
He said Johnson’s trust set up the shot.
“JJ passed me the ball, and he faked the defense, so that was the right play to shoot it,” he said. “I took my shot and it happens to go in.”
Alexander-Walker scored 28 points and hit two critical 3-pointers in the closing minute. Atlanta also relied on Onyeka Okongwu, who won the jump ball that preceded the go-ahead possession.
“I won it fair and square, no matter what other people might say,” Okongwu said. “It was a hell of a play, and it led to a Zacch 3.”
Mitchell carried Cleveland through long stretches as the teams traded extended runs. The Hawks opened with a 21-4 burst in the first quarter and led by as many as 13. The Cavaliers answered with a 14-0 run in the second to erase the deficit, setting up a tight finish that featured four fourth-quarter lead changes.
Johnson said he continues to adjust to defensive attention and different coverages as he assumes a larger offensive role.
“The game is continuously slowing down,” Johnson said. “I’m seeing different coverages in every game. It’s just been a growing process, and film has been my best friend.”
The teams split their season series to date, with two more meetings scheduled for April.
The Hawks visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.