Hawks Clinch Playoff Spot and Southeast Division in Blowout Win Over Cavs

The Atlanta Hawks are back in the playoffs — and they did it in style. CJ McCollum poured in 29 points while Dyson Daniels stuffed the stat sheet with a 13-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist triple-double as the Hawks demolished the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-102 to clinch a postseason berth and the Southeast Division title.

Atlanta hasn't won the division since 2021, and this year's run has been built on the kind of balanced, two-way basketball that can cause serious problems in a playoff series. McCollum turned back the clock with six three-pointers, and Daniels' all-around game showed why the Hawks view him as a cornerstone piece.

With the playoff spot locked up, Atlanta can focus on positioning. The Hawks' defensive identity and McCollum's veteran scoring give them a real shot at making noise in the East — especially if they can avoid the Pistons in the first round.