David Richard-Imagn Images

NBA Announces Mistake in Final 30 Seconds of Cavaliers-Hawks Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rolly Gacelo | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 10:36 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers needed every win they could get to clinch the No. 3 spot. The Atlanta Hawks also needed victories to solidify their hold on the No. 6 seed. Both teams played like they were on a mission to save their seasons during their encounter on Wednesday.

Donovan Mitchell returned from a one-game absence with a bang, leading all scorers with 31 points. He also added seven rebounds and four assists. Evan Mobley was sensational, putting up 22 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, and blocking three shots.

From the Hawks’ camp, the offense was well distributed, led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker with 25 points, while Onyeka Okongwu added 18. Jonathan Kuminga chipped in 24 points off the bench.

The two teams split the quarters. The Cavs had a hot start, taking the first, 33–29. However, they struggled to control the game in the second quarter and were outscored by 11 points by their visitors.

The Cavs torched the Hawks after the break, scoring 44 points to Atlanta’s 20. The game was far from over, though, as the Hawks battled back from an 18-point deficit.

By the five-minute mark, coach Quinn Snyder’s squad had cut the lead to one possession, 110–112. From there, the game turned into a defensive masterclass.

The Cavaliers scored their next five points from the free-throw line, while Alexander-Walker converted a layup for the Hawks. Atlanta closed the gap again at the 2:15 mark, 116–118, but Mitchell went to the line four times and made all of them to extend the lead to 122–116.

Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga talks to the official during gameBob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The Hawks still had a chance—and might have had more if the referees had made the correct call.

According to the Last Two Minute Report, Kuminga should have been awarded free throws on a drive to the basket with 25 seconds remaining.

“Allen (CLE) initiates contact with Kuminga’s (ATL) arm that affects his shot attempt,” the report reads.

He missed the layup, and the Cavs secured possession and dribbled out the clock. The Hawks lost, 116–122.

The loss puts Atlanta in a precarious position. They remain in the No. 6 spot in the Eastern Conference with two games to go, just one game ahead of the No. 7 Orlando Magic. They could slide into the play-in if they lose their rematch against Cleveland on Friday and their game against the Miami Heat on Sunday.

The Cavaliers, meanwhile, still have a chance at the No. 3 seed, but their fate is no longer in their hands after the New York Knicks edged the Boston Celtics.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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