Hawks clinch NBA playoff berth with win over Cavs

Atlanta secures postseason spot as Boston Celtics lock up Eastern Conference

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:45am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the Hawks and Cavaliers uniforms.The Hawks' playoff clinch and the Celtics' conference title showcase the intense competition in the NBA's Eastern Conference.Boston Today

The Atlanta Hawks secured an NBA playoff berth with a 124-102 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, while the Boston Celtics locked up the Eastern Conference.

Why it matters

The Hawks' playoff clinch marks a successful season for the team, which has been rebuilding in recent years. The Celtics' conference title secures them a top seed in the upcoming NBA playoffs.

The details

The Hawks dominated the Cavaliers, winning by 22 points to punch their ticket to the postseason. Meanwhile, the Celtics' win over a top Eastern Conference rival solidifies their position as the team to beat in the East.

  • The game took place on Friday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Atlanta Hawks

An NBA team that has secured a playoff berth for the 2026 season.

Cleveland Cavaliers

An NBA team that lost to the Hawks on Friday.

Boston Celtics

An NBA team that has locked up the Eastern Conference for the 2026 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Hawks will now prepare for their first-round playoff matchup, while the Celtics will aim to secure the top overall seed in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

The Hawks' playoff berth and the Celtics' conference title highlight the competitive nature of the NBA's Eastern Conference, with several teams vying for postseason positioning.