THE Atlanta Falcons‘ 117-101 victory on the Cleveland Cavaliers had a lot of collateral damage in the NBA Cup game.
The Cavaliers, the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, Brooklyn fillets, Philadelphia 76ers and finalist of last year’s NBA Cup, the Indiana Pacerswere all eliminated from group play after the Hawks improved to 3-1 and clinched first place in East Group C.
Charlotte, Brooklyn and Indiana were still eliminated with losses on Friday, while Miami’s victory didn’t matter to the Hawks and Detroit Pistons winner. The pistons and Milwaukee Bucksboth 3-0, will decide Eastern Group B with their match on Tuesday.
De’Andre Hunter led the Hawks with 23 points coming off the bench, followed by Trae Young with 20 points and 11 assists. Jalen Johnson compiled 20 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Clint Capela added 13 rebounds, while Dyson Daniels slipped three flights.
Cleveland got 29 points from Garland of Darius (who shot 5-for-8 on 3s) with Evan Mobley adding 24 points and 13 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell scored 11, shooting 5 of 23, with 11 rebounds and six assists.
Celtics improve to 3-1 in East Group C
THE Boston Celtics stayed alive during a group game with their victory 138-129 on the Chicago Bulls. The Celtics could have been eliminated with a loss, just like Detroit, Atlanta, New York Knicks And Magic of Orlando winner.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 35 points (4-of-8 shooting from 3) and 14 rebounds, while Peyton Pritchard added 29 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Jaylen Brown And Kristaps Porzingis each scored 21.
The Bulls were paced by Nikola Vucevicwho scored 32 points (on 6 in 9 shooting in 3 seconds) with 11 rebounds. Zach LaVine added 29, and Josh Giddey distributed nine assists.
Boston could have won Group C of the East with its victory and a defeat for the Hawks. Chicago could have also won East Group C by beating the Celtics combined with the Cavs losing. But neither scenario happened.
Knicks 3-0 in group play
The Hornets were eliminated from group play for the NBA Cup season tournament with a 99-98 defeat At New York Knicks Friday.
Charlotte was led by Brandon Millerthat’s 20 points with Josh Green by adding 15. Tidjane Salaün contributed 14 points with eight rebounds, while Moussa Diabaté grabbed 11 boards.
The Hornets were without Ball LaMelowho missed the match due to illness. Ball had averaged 40 points in his last four games, including a 50 point effort last Saturday against the Bucks. For the season, he’s averaging 31.1 points, which probably would have made a difference in a one-point game.
Jalen Brunson scored 31 points (4 for 6 from 3), six rebounds and six assists to lead New York. Cities of Karl-Anthony followed with 19 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, while Josh Hart added 13 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Miles McBride collected 14 points coming off the bench.
