Post by : Meena
Hassan
Onyeka Okongwu celebrated a noteworthy achievement, matching Paul Millsap's record during the Atlanta Hawks' NBA Cup victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
Now in his sixth season with the Hawks, Okongwu continues to emerge as a vital asset, especially in scoring and rebounding in the paint.
During his 34 minutes of play, he posted 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks, shooting 8 of 14 from the field and 2 of 5 from beyond the arc.
His two blocks bring his career total to 348, tying him with Millsap for 13th place in franchise history, marking a remarkable achievement.
The game was tightly contested, with Atlanta starting strong at 33-23 in the first quarter but Cleveland taking the lead by halftime. The Hawks surged back in the second half, showcasing effective ball movement, minimizing turnovers, and executing efficient fast breaks. Atlanta notched 36 assists and 36 fast break points while Cleveland recorded 29 assists and 17 fast break points.
Seven players from Atlanta scored in double digits. Jalen Johnson led the team with a triple-double of 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 28 points, Zaccharie Risacher contributed 16, and Dyson Daniels chipped in with 10 points alongside nine assists, while Okongwu also made his mark with 18 points.
With this win, the Hawks improved to 12-8 for the season, securing fifth place in the Eastern Conference, allying with Cleveland and Orlando, trailing only the New York Knicks. Atlanta is set to face the Philadelphia 76ers on the road on Nov. 30 at 6 p.m.
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