Dyson's Hawks destined for Cavs playoffs clash

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The red-hot Atlanta Hawks look destined for a first-round match-up with the Cleveland Cavaliers after winning their fourth straight game in a 141-107 blowout over the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center.

Aussie star Dyson Daniels continues to lift his efficiency on the offensive end late in the season, shooting above 45% from the field in 15 of Atlanta's past 17 games.

Hard-fought losses to the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets are the only appearances during that stretch where Daniels has struggled from the field. He has also connected from beyond the arc at 50% or higher in their past three contests.

Daniels' offensive efficiency is a significant bonus for the Hawks, providing another threat outside of the likes of All-Star Jalen Johnson, CJ McCollum and Johnathan Kuminga but it also allows Quin Snyder to use the defensive prowess he provides without hindering his team on the other end of the court.

He continues to be a menace defensively, recording five steals against the Nets, including four in the first half.

The Hawks earned the win over Brooklyn without fellow Aussie and Boomers big man Jock Landale, who suffered a high anke sprain after a flagrant foul from Orlando's Goga Bitadze with the Hawks announcing he will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Landale's injury means he will be in a battle to return by the time the playoffs tip-off with Atlanta needing his size, offensive impact and rebounding off the bench after he provided a massive lift for the team since he was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies.

Their fourth consecutive win, the Hawks now sit fifth in the Eastern Conference, 1.5 games clear of the Philadelphia 76ers and 3.5 games back of the Cavaliers. With just four games left in the regular season, it appears the Hawks will meet Cleveland in the first-round, which will mean a clash between Daniels and Landale for the Hawks and Tyrese Proctor from the Cavaliers.

NBA Scores: Atlanta Hawks 141 def. Brooklyn Nets 107 (Final)‍

Brooklyn – Barclays Center
Halftime: Atlanta 71–55 Brooklyn

Game Snapshot

Quarter Scores: 35–25, 36–30, 27–30, 43–22
Largest Lead: Atlanta +37
Game Flow: Atlanta controlled tempo early, broke the game open late with a 43-point fourth quarter.

Aussies Impact — Dyson Daniels & Jock Landale

Dyson Daniels (Atlanta) delivered a complete two-way performance as the Hawks’ connector piece in a high-efficiency offensive system.

• 29 MIN – 11 PTS – 5-8 FG – 1-2 3PT – 4 REB – 6 AST – 5 STL – +29

Daniels was disruptive defensively (five steals), clean in decision-making (two turnovers), and consistently advanced possessions with pace and ball movement. His +29 reflected lineup control.

Jock Landale (Atlanta) was part of a dominant interior rotation that overwhelmed Brooklyn’s frontcourt. While not listed in the primary stat block above, Atlanta’s +8 rebound margin and 57% shooting underline the impact of their bigs controlling paint touches and finishing efficiency.

Atlanta Control the Game

Atlanta shot 57% from the field and 50% from three (20–40), producing one of their most efficient offensive outputs of the season.

• CJ McCollum – 25 points, 7 assists, 4-7 3PT
• Jalen Johnson – 18 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker – 21 points, 4-9 3PT
• Onyeka Okongwu – 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks

The Hawks generated 37 assists on 51 made field goals, highlighting ball movement and spacing as the defining factors.

Brooklyn Struggle to Match

Brooklyn shot 49% from the field but just 23 assists and 18 turnovers, unable to keep pace with Atlanta’s offensive volume and transition pressure.

• Nic Claxton – 16 points, 5 rebounds
• Nolan Traore – 13 points, 4 assists, 3 steals
• Malachi Smith – 15 points, 4-5 3PT (bench spark)

The Nets were outscored 43–22 in the fourth, where the game fully broke open.

By the Numbers

Atlanta Hawks
FG: 51-90 (57%) │ 3PT: 20-40 (50%) │ FT: 19-24 (79%)
Rebounds: 41 │ Assists: 37 │ Turnovers: 13

Brooklyn Nets
FG: 39-79 (49%) │ 3PT: 12-28 (43%) │ FT: 17-20 (85%)
Rebounds: 33 │ Assists: 23 │ Turnovers: 18