Hawks Clinch Playoff Spot and Southeast Division Behind CJ McCollum's 29

CJ McCollum turned back the clock on Friday night. The veteran guard poured in 29 points in just 24 minutes — on 68% shooting from the field and 75% from deep — as the Atlanta Hawks demolished the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-102 to clinch a playoff berth and the Southeast Division title.

McCollum scored 25 of his points in the first half alone, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Dyson Daniels added a triple-double with 13 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds — just his second career triple-double. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Johnson each chipped in 18.

This is Atlanta's first division title since 2021, when they made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. After four straight trips to the Play-In tournament, the Hawks have finally broken through. With the postseason locked up, it's a matter of seeding now — and this team looks like it could be a problem for anyone in the East.