Atlanta Hawks’ Dejounte Murray (5) attempts a dunk against the Claveland Cavaliers during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

ATLANTA (AP) — Trae Young finished with 34 points and the Atlanta Hawks, in their first game under interim coach Joe Prunty, beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 136-119.

Dejounte Murray scored 15 of his 25 points in Atlanta’s explosive second quarter.

With 33 points, Darius Garland led the Cavaliers, who suffered their third straight loss. Donovan Mitchell got 19.

The Hawks played for the first time since quarterback Nate McMillan was fired on Tuesday. The team had three practices, including the Friday morning shootout, with Prunty, who was McMillan’s top assistant.

General manager Landry Fields said Wednesday that Quin Snyder, who was Utah’s coach, was a candidate to replace McMillan. Snyder could be hired to take over the team this season.

Atlanta even had a 32-point lead. He last held it when he went up 103-71 late in the third quarter, before Cleveland fell back to 13, 108-95, late in the quarter.

Then the Hawks found their rhythm.

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