The Associated Press
CLEVELAND — Jeff Teague never saw his winning shot bounce five times off the rim and fall through the basket Thursday night.
Fortunately, his teammates let him know the result.
Teague scored a career-high 34 points, including a 20-foot jumper at the buzzer in the second overtime, to give the Atlanta Hawks a 127-125 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Teague was flat on his back after shooting over Tristan Thompson and had no idea the ball went in until he was mobbed by his teammates. Only when Kyle Korver began pounding Teague’s chest did reality hit.
“I couldn’t even see it, but Kyle picked me up and told me what happened,” Teague said. “I’m really happy it went in.”
The Hawks would never have been in a position to win the game if not for Teague’s 3-pointer with 4.9 seconds left that tied the game at 108-all in the first overtime.
“It was nice for this amazing game to finally be over,” Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer said. “Obviously, Jeff Teague made a lot of plays throughout the game and in the overtimes. I’m proud of him.”
Hawks center Al Horford, who scored two baskets late in regulation to tie the game, bruised his right shoulder in the first OT and didn’t return. Budenholzer said Horford would be further examined Friday.
The game featured 12 lead changes and was tied 17 times.
Korver scored 20 points, including four 3-pointers. He has made at least one 3-pointer in an NBA record 98 consecutive games.
“A lot of guys made some plays,” he said. “I think we’re growing as a team, so that’s a positive step.”
Copyright The Associated Press
