The Hawks clinched a playoff spot AND the Southeast Division title — their first since 2021.

The Atlanta Hawks are back in the playoffs — and they didn't just sneak in. They demolished the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-102 on Friday to clinch a top-six seed and the Southeast Division title, their first since the 2020-21 season when they made the Eastern Conference Finals.

CJ McCollum turned back the clock, pouring in 25 of his 29 points in the first half. The Cavs had no answer. But the real story was Dyson Daniels, who put together an absolute masterclass with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists — his second career triple-double. He controlled the game from start to finish.

After four straight years in the play-in tournament, the Hawks have broken through. This isn't a fluke either — they've been one of the hottest teams in the East down the stretch. The question now is matchups: who wants to see this team in the first round?