Okongwu powers Hawks past Cavaliers to end losing streak

Atlanta rallied from an early 15-point deficit to beat Cleveland 114-111 at State Farm Arena, snapping a three-game losing streak and ending the Cavaliers’ three-game winning run. The Hawks improved to 3-3; Cleveland fell to 3-2.

Okongwu led all scorers with a season-high 29 points on 11-of-17 shooting and 12 rebounds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 25 points, while Aaron Wiggins scored 20 off the bench, making eight of his 14 shots. Jalen Johnson had 17 points.

The Cavaliers built a 31-16 first-quarter lead, but Atlanta turned the game around with a strong second period and went ahead. Cleveland rallied late: Donovan Mitchell’s driving layup cut the margin to one with 20.6 seconds remaining. Alexander-Walker then made two free throws to restore a three-point lead. Mitchell had two chances to tie the game on Cleveland’s final possession but missed both.

James Harden led Cleveland with 24 points, and Mitchell scored 22. The Hawks visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday; Cleveland visits Milwaukee that night.