The Cavaliers built a 15-point cushion on the second night of a back-to-back, then let Atlanta come all the way back and win 114-111. James Harden led Cleveland with 24, but Onyeka Okongwu's 29 points and 12 rebounds decided the night.
How does a 15-point lead disappear that fast?
It went in the second quarter. An 8-0 run that carried over from the first period put Cleveland up 31-16. Kenny Atkinson called timeouts at 31-16 and at 31-21, and called another when Atlanta tied it at 37 with a 7-0 burst. The Hawks pushed that burst to 13-0 and led 43-37. They won the quarter 30-16, took the lead once and never gave it back.
Who beat Cleveland?
Okongwu did, with 29 points and 12 boards. That's a center beating Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen on their own end. Atlanta opened the second half with an 8-0 run that made it 57-46, their biggest lead of the night. Quin Snyder closed with Okongwu, CJ McCollum, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and that group held off a Cavs lineup that had its full starting five out there.
Did Harden answer the people saying he's done?
Partly. King James Gospel ran a piece before tipoff wondering whether Harden's struggles are the new normal. He answered with 24 points, five rebounds and four assists, the most points on the team. He also posted the worst plus-minus on the team, minus-9 in 20 minutes. Peyton Watson matched that minus-9 in 14 minutes, and Mobley was minus-7 in 19. Grade Harden a B-minus. He scored plenty, but the lead was lost with him on the floor.
Who earned a longer look?
The bench. Tyrese Proctor was plus-5 in 10 minutes and made two of his three shots. Sam Merrill hit three of his six threes and was plus-3 in 12 minutes, which earns him an A-minus for a short night. Jaylon Tyson, cleared from a neck issue the day before, was plus-3 in 12. Mario Hezonja went scoreless and finished minus-8 in seven minutes. Call that a D.
What was the final score of Cavaliers vs Hawks on October 29, 2026?
The Hawks beat the Cavaliers 114-111 in Atlanta. Cleveland had led by 15 in the first half.
Who led the Cavaliers in scoring against the Hawks?
James Harden led Cleveland with 24 points, plus five rebounds and four assists. Onyeka Okongwu led Atlanta with 29 points and 12 rebounds.
