Atlanta Hawks Clinch Playoff Spot and Southeast Division Title

The Atlanta Hawks clinched a playoff spot and the Southeast Division title on April 10, 2026, following a 124-102 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

CJ McCollum led the Hawks with 29 points in the win, which secured the division title for the first time since 2021. The victory also marks the end of a four-season stretch in which the Hawks were required to compete in the play-in tournament.

Game Performance and Key Statistics

Atlanta utilized a dominant third quarter to secure the win. Leading 66-55 entering the period, the Hawks executed a 16-0 scoring run that extended their lead to 27 points, a margin that remained secure for the rest of the game.

Dyson Daniels recorded the second triple-double of his career, contributing 13 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 18 points, while Jalen Johnson added 18 points and nine rebounds before exiting the game with 10 minutes remaining.

The Hawks enter the postseason with significant momentum at home, having won 14 of their final 15 home games.

Cavaliers Roster and Standings Impact

The Cleveland Cavaliers were missing several key players for the April 10 matchup, including leading scorer Donovan Mitchell, who is sidelined with a right ankle injury, and starter Jarrett Allen, who is out with a right knee injury. Reserve Sam Merrill was also absent due to a left hamstring injury.

James Harden led the Cavaliers with 20 points, and Jaylon Tyson scored 15 points in his first start following a 10-game absence. The Cavaliers struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 26% from 3-point range.

Despite the loss, the Cavaliers are locked into the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. With this result, the top four seeds in the East are now officially locked in.

Division Context and Outlook

The Hawks currently hold a record of 46-35. This division title is their first since 2021, the year they advanced to the Eastern Conference finals.

The Hawks will visit Miami on Sunday, April 12, 2026. The Cavaliers are scheduled to play at Washington on Friday, April 17, 2026.