The Atlanta Hawks continued their impressive NBA Cup run by defeating the New York Knicks 108-100 in the semifinals in Las Vegas. Trae Young led the way with 22 points and 11 assists, while De'Andre Hunter and Jalen Johnson made significant contributions to outplay the Knicks frontcourt.
Hunter scored 24 points, and Johnson had an outstanding performance with 21 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists. The Hawks, seeded third in the East, surprised many by defeating the defending champion Celtics and the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers in group play to advance to the knockout stage.
Next, the Hawks will face the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in the semifinals on Saturday, setting up a showdown between two Eastern Conference powerhouses.
Despite a strong start by the Knicks, who held a 12-point lead at one point, the Hawks rallied in the second half. Josh Hart scored 21 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double with 19 points and 19 rebounds for the Knicks.
Young's scoring outburst, including two consecutive 3-pointers, sparked an 11-0 run that gave the Hawks their first lead of the game and propelled them to victory. Atlanta outscored New York 61-46 in the second half, showcasing their resilience and determination.
For the Hawks, advancing to the semifinals is a remarkable achievement, considering the tough competition they faced in the group stage. They now have a chance to win the tournament with just two more victories in Las Vegas.
On the other hand, the Knicks, who were considered favorites to win the tournament, suffered a disappointing loss and fell to 0-2 against Atlanta this season. They will look to regroup as they prepare for their next game in Orlando on Sunday.
Overall, the Hawks' impressive performance and resilience have made them a team to watch in the NBA Cup, as they continue their quest for the championship title.
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