Hawks Clinch Southeast Division Title with Dominant Win

CJ McCollum's 29-point performance leads Atlanta to playoff-clinching victory over Cleveland Cavaliers.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:57am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, with players' forms dissolving into vibrant brushstrokes.The Hawks' division-clinching victory showcases the team's explosive offensive firepower and relentless determination on the court.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Hawks have clinched the Southeast Division championship after a dominant 14-1 finish to the regular season, including a 16-0 third-quarter run that propelled them to a decisive victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. CJ McCollum led the Hawks with 29 points, while Dyson Daniels recorded a triple-double and Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 18 points in the win.

Why it matters

The Hawks' return to the top of the Southeast Division marks a significant turnaround after four straight seasons in the play-in tournament. Their balanced offensive approach and ability to adapt to different game scenarios have positioned them as a formidable force heading into the playoffs, where they hope to make a deep run and potentially challenge for the NBA championship.

The details

The Hawks' victory over the Cavaliers was highlighted by a dominant third-quarter performance, where they went on a 16-0 run to pull away and secure the division title. CJ McCollum's 29-point outing was complemented by strong contributions from Dyson Daniels, who recorded a triple-double, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who added 18 points.

  • The Hawks clinched the Southeast Division title on April 10, 2026.
  • The Hawks finished the regular season with a 14-1 record in their final 15 home games.

The players

CJ McCollum

A veteran guard who has been a key contributor to the Hawks' success this season, leading the team with 29 points in the division-clinching victory.

Dyson Daniels

A young, versatile player who recorded a triple-double in the Hawks' win, showcasing the team's depth and balanced approach.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

A sharpshooting guard who added 18 points to the Hawks' offensive effort, further demonstrating the team's scoring prowess.

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What they’re saying

“This team has really come together over the past few months. We've been through a lot, but our resilience and commitment to each other have paid off with this division title.”

— CJ McCollum, Hawks Guard

“I'm so proud of the way our guys have battled and fought to get to this point. We've got a lot more work to do, but this is a great step in the right direction.”

— Nate McMillan, Hawks Head Coach

What’s next

The Hawks will now turn their attention to the upcoming playoffs, where they will look to continue their strong play and make a deep run towards the NBA championship.

The takeaway

The Hawks' division title and impressive regular-season finish demonstrate the team's resilience, adaptability, and balanced offensive approach. As they enter the playoffs, the Hawks will be a force to be reckoned with, and their success could inspire other teams to follow a similar path of rebuilding and strategic growth.