In a thrilling contest on Wednesday night, the Atlanta Hawks outperformed expectations by defeating the New York Knicks 108-100 in the semifinals of the NBA Cup in Las Vegas. This triumph marks a significant milestone for the Hawks, who have been largely overlooked in the tournament. With standout performances from Trae Young, De’Andre Hunter, and Jalen Johnson, they are proving why they are contenders despite being considered underdogs throughout the season.
Trae Young, the star guard, demonstrated his versatility and scoring ability by racking up 22 points and 11 assists, guiding his team with finesse. Complementing him, De’Andre Hunter contributed a solid 24 points, while Jalen Johnson had a double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds, along with seven assists. Together, these players dominated the game, particularly in critical moments, showcasing the depth and talent of the Hawks’ roster.
The Knicks entered this match-up as one of the strong favorites, riding a perfect 4-0 record in group play. They initially surged ahead, establishing a 12-point lead in the first half. Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns led the charge for New York, scoring 21 and 19 points, respectively. However, as they have experienced in the past, the second half turned disastrous for the Knicks. The team appeared to falter under pressure, once again allowing Trae Young to orchestrate a comeback just like he did in the 2021 playoffs.
A pivotal moment came when the Knicks were ahead 66-62. Young seized the opportunity to shift momentum by scoring eight consecutive points, which included a dagger three-pointer from long range that electrified the crowd. His performance ignited an 11-0 run that shifted the game in Atlanta’s favor—leading the Hawks to a 73-66 advantage that they wouldn’t relinquish.
In the second half, the Hawks showcased remarkable resilience and poise, outscoring the Knicks 61-46. This second-half explosion demonstrated not only their offensive capabilities but also their commitment to teamwork and defense. With momentum on their side, the Hawks look forward to facing the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in what promises to be an exhilarating semifinal matchup.
For the Knicks, this loss is not just a disappointing end to their tournament aspirations; it also raises questions about their ability to perform in high-stakes situations. After a promising start, they now leave Las Vegas licking their wounds and heading to Orlando, seeking to regroup and find answers moving forward.
The Hawks’ stunning victory over the Knicks is a testament to their growth as a team and their determination to compete. As they advance to the finals, they carry with them the experience gained from overcoming initial doubts and showcase the grit that could potentially lead them to capture the NBA Cup. The road ahead, however, won’t be easy; they face formidable opponents in the Milwaukee Bucks. Both teams have a lot to prove, and basketball fans are eagerly anticipating a clash that could define the tournament.