The Atlanta Hawks claimed the Southeast Division title and guaranteed a play-offs spot with a commanding 124-102 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, marking their first division title since 2021. The Hawks, requiring only one win from their final two regular season matches to clinch a top-six Eastern Conference finish, dominated proceedings in the third quarter, outscoring the already-qualified Cavaliers 35-17 to increase their half-time lead from 13 points to 31. Guard CJ McCollum paced Atlanta with a game-high 29 points as Atlanta avoided the play-in bracket for the first occasion in five seasons. Elsewhere, LeBron James achieved a remarkable achievement, standing as only the fourth player in NBA history to record 12,000 career assists as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns 101-73 to guarantee home-court advantage in the Western Conference playoffs.
Atlanta’s dominant showing secures postseason spot
The Hawks’ performance against Cleveland showcased the precise, controlled play that has defined their drive for the play-offs. Having already secured the mathematical possibility of a top-six finish, Atlanta showed no mercy the Cavaliers, who had already secured a spot in the playoffs themselves. The third-quarter barrage proved decisive, with the Hawks’ 35-point burst effectively putting the match out of reach. This commanding win underscored Atlanta’s credentials as legitimate Eastern Conference contenders heading into the playoffs, with McCollum’s 29-point performance demonstrating the scoring power the Hawks have.
By sidestepping the play-in tournament, Atlanta has secured a substantial advantage over lower-seeded teams, who will be forced to compete in the additional qualifying round. The Hawks’ first divisional title since 2021 marks a notable achievement after five seasons of play-in participation, indicating a real progress in their consistency throughout the regular season. With one last match remaining before the play-offs commence, Atlanta can strengthen their standing and enter the post-season with strong momentum, having won convincingly when it counted most.
- Hawks defeat Cavaliers 35-17 in dominant third quarter
- McCollum tops the scoring with team-leading 29 points
- Atlanta sidesteps the play-in for the first time in five seasons
- First divisional crown claimed since the 2021 season
LeBron James joins exclusive NBA historical territory
LeBron James has entered an exceptionally select group of basketball players by becoming only the fourth player in NBA history to achieve 12,000 career assists. The achievement came during the Los Angeles Lakers’ dominant 101-73 victory over the Phoenix Suns, a result that clinched home-court advantage for the Western Conference play-offs. James contributed 28 points and six rebounds alongside his 12 assists on the evening, showcasing the versatile brilliance that has defined his storied career. The Lakers’ strong 15 wins in their last 19 games has positioned them firmly in contention for a top-four finish in the Western Conference, with James at the helm orchestrating their end-of-season push.
The milestone demonstrates James’s longevity, consistency, and basketball intelligence across his two-decade career. Surpassing the 12,000-assist mark highlights his transformation from a scoring-oriented forward to a versatile playmaker, equipped to direct plays and facilitate scoring opportunities for teammates in top-tier competition. With the last regular-season game ahead, James and the Lakers will aim to maintain this trajectory as they enter the post-season, where his veteran presence and facilitation skills could prove decisive in their bid for championship success.
The record assist leaders
| Player | Career Assists |
|---|---|
| John Stockton | 15,806 |
| Chris Paul | 12,552 |
| Jason Kidd | 12,091 |
| LeBron James | 12,010 |
| Magic Johnson | 10,141 |
Eastern Conference playoff picture emerges
The Boston Celtics have firmly established themselves as the Eastern Conference’s second seed following a dominant 144-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. The NBA’s 18-time championship winners attacking showcase was truly spectacular, tying an NBA record by sinking 29 three-pointers in a single game. Forward Sam Hauser spearheaded the effort with eight three-pointers of his own, as Boston secured the Atlantic Division title with dominant fashion. This commanding performance has established the standard for the play-offs, demonstrating the Celtics command the scoring power to pursue championship honours.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks must accept the third seed despite their latest win over the Celtics, having fallen behind Boston in the standings. The Knicks’ 112-95 victory over the Toronto Raptors proved not enough to overtake the second-seeded Celtics, leaving them in third place. The Raptors have dropped to sixth position after the defeat, sharing an identical 45-36 record with seventh-placed Orlando Magic heading into the final regular-season match. The playoff positioning remains in flux, with multiple teams still able to adjust their seeding through performances on the final day.
- Celtics secure second position with record-matching three-point shooting performance
- Knicks finish third even after beating Celtics in previous fixture
- Raptors drop to sixth place with 45-36 mark
- Orlando Magic sustain winning streak to compete for playoff seeding
- Final regular-season games determine playoff seeding outcomes
West Conference contenders make their case
The Western Conference playoff picture has become increasingly competitive as several teams made strategic decisions towards securing favourable seeding positions. The Los Angeles Lakers guaranteed themselves home-court benefit in the opening round with a commanding 101-73 victory over the Phoenix Suns, a result that demonstrates their credentials as genuine championship contenders. The Lakers’ dominant performance, coupled with their strong 15-win-in-19-games record, signals they have hit peak form at exactly the optimal moment in the season. Their top-four placement in the Western Conference ensures they will face a lower-seeded opponent in the opening round of the playoffs, a significant advantage as teams battle for supremacy.
The Denver Nuggets have maintained themselves firmly in contention for third place in the Western Conference following a convincing 127-107 triumph over the defending title holders and top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. This win shows that despite Oklahoma City’s regular-season dominance, Denver have the quality to trouble the favourites when it counts. The Nuggets’ ability to overcome the reigning title holders offers a pertinent indication of their credentials, having won the championship themselves just two seasons ago. With the playoffs rapidly approaching, these displays from Western Conference teams suggest the contest will be fiercely contested across the board.
Spurs and Nuggets send clear signals
Victor Wembanyama proved his MVP standing with an impressive showing as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Dallas Mavericks 139-120. The 22-year-old prospect tallied 40 points, 13 rebounds and five assists, showcasing the complete skill set that has made him one of the game’s most thrilling prospects. Wembanyama’s comeback after a single-game absence through injury was flawless, as he at once proved influential in securing the Spurs’ status as Western Conference second seeds. His all-round excellence and control on either side of the floor underline why he remains a genuine contender for the championship’s top personal award.
Denver’s impressive win over Oklahoma City has substantial weight for Western Conference seeding and momentum heading into the playoffs. The Nuggets’ ability to impose their will against the top-seeded Thunder suggests they command the strategic acumen and individual talent to pursue the championship. This victory solidifies Denver’s status as a squad positioned for a deep play-off run, notably with their proven success and demonstrated capacity to deliver when it matters during pivotal stretches of the campaign.