Game Thread: 12/17 ATL Hawks @ CLE Cavaliers

[Cavalier]

http://www.nba.com/games/20141217/ATLCLE/gameinfo.html?ls=slt


Even with one of the best records in the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks still have plenty of doubters.
Given a marquee chance to silence them heading into Christmas, they're off to a good start.

After knocking off the Central Division's top team, the Hawks begin a demanding three-game road trip Wednesday night looking to avenge an ugly loss to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Atlanta's hot start came as a surprise to many, especially considering the team's offseason drama. After sneaking into the playoffs with their worst record since 2007-08, the Hawks trudged through a tumultuous summer that saw owner Bruce Levenson forced to sell his share of the team and general manager Danny Ferry take an indefinite leave of absence, both due to racially charged comments.

Atlanta (17-7) responded with its best start since 2009-10.
"Are we surprised?" Paul Millsap said. "No. We felt like we had a pretty good team last year, but we weren't healthy the whole year. We felt like if we were healthy, we could really do something special."
Much of their success has been due to some excellent ball movement. The Hawks have 20 or more assists in all but two games, and have assisted on a league-best 67.4 percent of their field goals.
Jeff Teague had seven of his team's 26 assists Monday in a 93-86 win over Chicago, Atlanta's first victory against a team currently over .500 since it topped Washington on Nov. 25.

"Each night we want to have the same expectations, the same standards, no matter who we're playing," coach Mike Budenholzer said. "But it's always good to be tested by some of the teams we're going to be playing now."
The Hawks will visit Houston on Saturday and Dallas on Monday before returning home to play the Clippers on Tuesday, but first is a second crack at the Cavaliers.

Atlanta was no match for Cleveland on Nov. 15 at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs (14-9) put up 41 in the first quarter - hitting their first nine 3-pointers - and led 71-43 at halftime while rolling to a 127-94 win behind 32 points from James in just 29 minutes.

"We obviously shot the ball great from the 3-point line, especially in that first quarter," Kevin Love said Tuesday. "But they have a lot of guys that can really play, the have a great team and they're playing really well right now, so we need to continue to look at film and know we're going to get their best shot here at home."

Teague had five points and four turnovers in the first meeting.
"Nobody likes losing and not in that fashion, in blowout fashion, so we've got to use it as motivation," Teague said after that loss.

Cleveland lost two straight before opening a five-game homestand Monday against Charlotte in fine fashion. The Cavaliers scored the game's first 21 points en route to a 97-88 win, getting 27 points and 13 assists from James and 22 points and 18 rebounds from Love.

"It feels good to get in a rhythm early, play inside and out," said Love, who's averaging 10.9 points and shooting 60.4 percent in the first quarter over his last nine games. "Hopefully that's something that will continue. We play off of that. We get stops on the defensive end and we push that ball.
"The guys haven't quite hit their stride yet, so our best basketball is ahead of us."

Atlanta should have at least a slightly better chance to defend James in this one with DeMarre Carroll, who missed the first meeting with a strained groin, now healthy.

I expect the Hawks to be very competitive tonight after the Cavs dropped 19 threes on them a month ago. Should be a good one.

[PsychoBe]

hawks better not lay an egg

[Wavves]

DeMarre Carroll is such a good player.

[Uncle Drew]

Love would be the best QB on the Browns.

[VengefulAngel]

Lebron looks like he's coasting, and he's still dominating.

[Cavalier]

Love would be the best QB on the Browns.

So fun to see LeBron catch those outlet passes. Guaranteed layup/foul/and-one.

[hawksdogsbraves]

God we have so much trouble trying to defend these guys...

Excited to see what Schroder can do as a starter

[dubeta]

LeGOAT :applause:

[Nash]

omg lebron crossed the hell outta thabo

[RoundMoundOfReb]

LeBron is so ****ing alpha

[raprap]

Lebron :applause:

[pauk]

Damn, dat cross on Thabo.

[hawksdogsbraves]

God are you kidding me Waiters?

[Cavalier]

That three-guard lineup seemed to work pretty well. I don't recall Blatt using that lineup but then again Delly has been out for a good chunk of the season.

[hawksdogsbraves]

We're shooting 60% and it's all we can do to not get blown out :facepalm

Keep weathering that storm boys their shots won't keep falling forever.

[D-Wait]

Can we start to defend the friggin 3 Point line, ffs?? :mad: :mad:

[Dr. Ice]

Cavs are the only team i've seen that gets as many open shots as the hawks seem to do,gotta give them props.

These contested jumpers that waiters keep making on the other hand...ugh...

[hawksdogsbraves]

There we go Hawks :cheers:

[hawksdogsbraves]

Holy shit Shelvin! :bowdown:

[truhooper]

Mack :eek:

[r0drig0lac]

Spurs East :applause:

[RedBlackAttack]

Delly is just a good player. It is time he gets a little recognition for what he brings. It isn't flashy, but his value on this team is obvious. He can handle the ball, shoot, high BBall IQ, is a bulldog defensively... the perfect backup for Kyrie.

[D-Wait]

typical D from us, letting the Hawks shoot 10 of 16 from 3 Point land

EDIT: 11 of 17 :-(

[hawksdogsbraves]

Delly is just a good player. It is time he gets a little recognition for what he brings. It isn't flashy, but his value on this team is obvious. He can handle the ball, shoot, high BBall IQ, is a bulldog defensively... the perfect backup for Kyrie.

Why don't you wait for him to pump up that 4/3/3 on 33% shooting statline before you start any threads, eh?

[Richesly]

These And 1 touch fouls are amazing


**** LeBron and the refs.

[fiddy]

holy shiiiiiiet

[hawksdogsbraves]

WOW what a quarter :applause: :applause: :applause:

[ABG]

ATL fucc bois

[D-Wait]

are you fukkin kiddin me? Mike Scott with a 3 at the buzzer :mad: :mad: 12 of 18 from 3 Point land

[PsychoBe]

hawks finally proving themselves to the world :applause:

all without teague too.

[Cavalier]

I knew this was going to be a revenge game after the last meeting.

[atljonesbro]

Shelvin Mack GOD DAMN :eek: :eek: :eek:

[fiddy]

dat shaq cosmetics commercial :oldlol:

[RedBlackAttack]

Why don't you wait for him to pump up that 4/3/3 on 33% shooting statline before you start any threads, eh?
...because I actually watch the games and see his impact. Statistics are immaterial. Also, I haven't made any threads, so break-pumping is not necessary.

[atljonesbro]

Beating the Cavs with no Teague would absolutely solidify us as contenders this year. Even the haters can't doubt that.

[pauk]

Mack was 9 of 44 from 3pt land before this lol.... people simply go ham when they play against Lebron.

[KyrieTheFuture]

Beating the Cavs with no Teague would absolutely solidify us as contenders this year. Even the haters can't doubt that.
Yea....okay then

[Cavalier]

Mack was 9 of 44 from 3pt land before this lol.... people simply go ham when they play against Lebron.

It seems like every other game, there's one role player that has a career night against us.

[atljonesbro]

Yea....okay then
If the 17-7 Hawks aren't contenders then what does that make the 14-9 Cavs?

[Budadiiii]

You guys are watching basketball when WWE Tribute to the Troops is on USA network? :facepalm

[hawksdogsbraves]

The Cavs' defense is really, really bad

[Cavalier]

If the 17-7 Hawks aren't contenders then what does that make the 14-9 Cavs?

Only five current Cavs were on the team last year. You can't really compare that to a traditionally built team like the Hawks.

[LilEddyCurry]

Kevin Love.... :facepalm

[Dr. Ice]

horford and millsap just made kevin love their plaything for 5 straight possessions...

[StrongLurk]

Love is really bad a defense.

[D-Wait]

we wont win shit with this pathetic defense

[Phantom84]

Lol, the Cav needs to get Greg Monroe.

[hawksdogsbraves]

Only five current Cavs were on the team last year. You can't really compare that to a traditionally built team like the Hawks.

Aw shucks, tell me more about how tough it is to get your All-NBA free agents to learn to play together :(

[Haymaker]

You guys are watching basketball when WWE Tribute to the Troops is on USA network? :facepalm

Wrestling is fake. :confusedshrug:

[G0ATbe]

Cavs need to consider trading LeBald for some defensive players. Can't expect Love to carry the offensive as well as guard LeBalds man as well as his own at the same time. It's as if he's back in Minnesota.

[PsychoBe]

kevin love is getting abused, raped, double penetrated, destroyed, obliterated, just absolutely worked by the hawks front court :roll: :roll: :roll:

horford and milsap took turns bending him over in the paint on each possession.

[VengefulAngel]

Atlanta offense at the moment is just isoing on K Love. It's embarrassing how bad he is.

What is Blatt doing they need to double or get Love out, TT is a much better defender.

[Budadiiii]

Wrestling is fake. :confusedshrug:
Keep telling yourself that moron. Are the troops fake too? How about freedom. That fake? Idiot.

[Lexington Steel]

Keep telling yourself that moron.
:roll:

You, sir, are an IDIOT.

[hawksdogsbraves]

Hawks doing work :applause:

[Budadiiii]

:roll:

You, sir, are an IDIOT.
Tell Brock Lesnar that and see if he doesn't F5 your ass. Clown.

[truhooper]

:biggums:

[ABG]

get it in blood :applause: :applause:

[Trollsmasher]

this defense:lol

[G0ATbe]

LeBald getting pebbles of shit sprinkled on him by everyone on the Atlanta roster. Can't guard ANY position.:applause:

[LilEddyCurry]

I don't understand why the Cavs play two undersized PFs who can't block shots at the same time :facepalm

[hawksdogsbraves]

I don't understand why the Cavs play two undersized PFs who can't block shots at the same time :facepalm

Because that's all they have? If Varejao is on the bench what choice do they have?

[RedBlackAttack]

This is insane. Is that Shelvin Mack or Craig Hodges?

[Kingwillball]

Love is overrated he is being Exposed being out of Minny and now more in spotlight but the Cavs will need to make a move for a shot blocking/Defender at Center by deadline or they will not make it out of the 2nd round.

[RedBlackAttack]

I don't understand why the Cavs play two undersized PFs who can't block shots at the same time :facepalm
Undersized PFs? Who would that be? Are you talking about Shawn Marion and LeBron James?

[G0ATbe]

This team will only go as far as Kyrie takes them. Seems everytime he doesn't score 20 or more they lose.

[MellowYellow]

Return of the Mack! :bowdown:

[hawksdogsbraves]

I can't believe underrated Cavs superstar Matthew Dellavadova isn't owning the Hawks right now :oldlol:

[sbw19]

Just checked the boxscore. Are the Hawks this good or the Cavs this bad?

[Paul George 24]

leflop can't play d without flop :lol

[Kingwillball]

Everytime I think Cavs have turned Corner and they are IMPROVED since early this season they take a step back. :facepalm

[RedBlackAttack]

I can't believe underrated Cavs superstar Matthew Dellavadova isn't owning the Hawks right now :oldlol:
Why do you always have to be such a prick, out of curiosity?

[Budadiiii]

Just checked the boxscore. Are the Hawks this good or the Cavs this bad?

I think it's poor leadership from LeBron. Doesn't rally the troops on a regular basis like he should. Massively overrated sports figure.

[Random_Guy]

the cavs looks awful lol

[LilEddyCurry]

Undersized PFs? Who would that be? Are you talking about Shawn Marion and LeBron James?
Okay fine, an undersized PF and an undersized C. Lebron James actually has a higher standing reach than Kevin Love.. Cavs really need to address this defensive issue.

[hawksdogsbraves]

Why do you always have to be such a prick, out of curiosity?

I'm not sure, I think my fellow Hawks fans are starting to rub off on me

[RedBlackAttack]

Okay fine, an undersized PF and an undersized C. Lebron James actually has a higher standing reach than Kevin Love.. Cavs really need to address this defensive issue.
Love is just under 6-10. He's not undersized for a 4. He's just not a good defensive player. His problems have nothing to do with his size.

[atljonesbro]

So when are people gonna admit the Hawks are a great team this year? Or are y'all gonna keep making excuses because you can't admit you're wrong?

[G0ATbe]

technical for saying and1?:lol

[MellowYellow]

So when are people gonna admit the Hawks are a great team this year? Or are y'all gonna keep making excuses because you can't admit you're wrong?
When they beat a real team.

[D-Wait]

Glad that ref gave Dion a tech... Can't take these "And1" screams anymore :facepalm

[hawksdogsbraves]

My god, this might be the best offensive performance I've EVER seen from a Hawks team :cheers:

[Cavalier]

Well...never thought I'd see a 24-point deficit at home this season.:banghead:

[RedBlackAttack]

Hawks moving the ball and playing defense like the '86 Celtics tonight. Tip 'o the cap.

[PsychoBe]

this team might really be the spurs of the east :eek:

[Hotlantadude81]

Two impressive efforts in a row? Damn.

[Budadiiii]

LeBron with a -18 +/-

:roll:

MVP

[RedBlackAttack]

Glad that ref gave Dion a tech... Can't take these "And1" screams anymore :facepalm
+1

The sad thing is, he does it so often that even when he does get hit, the officials will never give him the call. He needs to STFU with that nonsense. He wasn't even close to being fouled.

[hawksdogsbraves]

This team is beautiful to watch when the shots are falling

[pauk]

Dat Cavs defense.

[Hotlantadude81]

Bazemore is starting to fit in and Al looks healthy.

[dubeta]

I dont think people will ever appreciate how much LeBron sacrificed to go back to Cleveland :facepalm

[Eric Cartman]

this team might really be the spurs of the east :eek:

Don't post that, now hawks fans might break an arm jerking themselves off.

[hawksdogsbraves]

Bazemore is starting to fit in and Al looks healthy.

Hotlantadude being cautiously optimistic?

What a time to be alive :cheers:

[atljonesbro]

Hotlantadude being cautiously optimistic?

What a time to be alive :cheers:
Even Hotlantadude can't find anything bad to say. I'm mindblown.

[Cavalier]

I dont think people will ever appreciate how much LeBron sacrificed to go back to Cleveland :facepalm

The entire team just takes on his beta mentality. No one wants to play physical D because they don't want to foul, they want to stay in the game to rack up their stats.

[sbw19]

Just realized Jeff Teague isn't playing. Good win for Hawks on the road w/o their leading scorer/distributer.

[hawksdogsbraves]

Just realized Jeff Teague isn't playing. Good win for Hawks on the road w/o their leading scorer/distributer.


Shroder had a very nice quiet 10/10 night with only 1 turnover in his first start.

Easy to wrack up assists when every shot is falling, but still a good effort from him.

[pauk]

...and i wonder what Lebron (or any player in NBA history) is supposed to freaking do when his teammates keep giving up baskets inside like this? It basically nullifies anything a player does offensively no matter how great the performance is.....

[hawksdogsbraves]

The Hawks' announcers just reminded us that the last time these teams met we were on the losing end of a game with almost this exact same score, so we'd better temper our reactions a bit.

[RedBlackAttack]

...and i wonder what Lebron (or any player in NBA history) is supposed to freaking do when his teammates keep giving up baskets inside like this? It basically nullifies anything a player does offensively no matter how great the performance is.....
The best defenses in the league are on a string. When there are screens or backcuts or attempted dribble penetration, everyone must maintain their principles, react correctly and communicate. There was zero communication on the defensive end tonight. The responsibility for that breakdown is on every single player who took the floor for the Cavs tonight.

And, they will continue to be inconsistent defensively until the communication is better, from positions 1-through-5. It's not complicated.

You can try to pin this on Love or Varejao alone, but anyone who knows the game will tell you otherwise.

[RedBlackAttack]

The Hawks' announcers just reminded us that the last time these teams met we were on the losing end of a game with almost this exact same score, so we'd better temper our reactions a bit.
Yeah, we were actually up 42 in that game, IIRC. Just one regular season game in December means nothing. But, the inconsistent defensive effort is a bit alarming at this stage for the Cavs.

The Hawks have a really nice looking team, imo. I've always been extremely high on Horford and Millsap -- who I still can't believe received such a ridiculous bargain of a contract. And then you have a couple of nice complimentary PGs and the best pure shooter in the NBA. The Hawks are not that far away from being a really serious contender in the conference (and, by extension, for a title).

Ferry has done a yeoman's job. At least we have Delly, though. :D

[The_Yearning]

Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving both failed to make the playoffs in the respective teams before deciding to join up forces.

You have to pay your dues in this league first before colluding. This is the result of a losing mentality and over-inflated statistics. These guys have no idea how to win.

[JohnFreeman]

Horford changes that Hawks team

[hawksdogsbraves]

Yeah, we were actually up 42 in that game, IIRC. Just one regular season game in December means nothing. But, the inconsistent defensive effort is a bit alarming at this stage for the Cavs.

The Hawks have a really nice looking team, imo. I've always been extremely high on Horford and Millsap -- who I still can't believe received such a ridiculous bargain of a contract. And then you have a couple of nice complimentary PGs and the best pure shooter in the NBA. The Hawks are not that far away from being a really serious contender in the conference (and, by extension, for a title).

Ferry has done a yeoman's job. At least we have Delly, though. :D

Ferry did a good job, too bad he's still exiled from the team :facepalm

[tontoz]

:oldlol: @ the Cavs giving up 127 to the Hawks without Teague.

[RedBlackAttack]

Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving both failed to make the playoffs in the respective teams before deciding to join up forces.

You have to pay your dues in this league first before colluding. This is the result of a losing mentality and over-inflated statistics. These guys have no idea how to win.
What a dumb take.


Aside from the obvious ridiculousness of evaluating the worth of really young players on their ability to lead awful teams to the playoffs, Kyrie Irving re-signed with the Cavs long before LeBron James, Kevin Love, Shawn Marion, James Jones, Mike Miller or anyone else decided to jump on-board.

[dannywpt]

Korver played the most minutes of any player in the game and scored 4 points while Atlanta scored 127 points total :wtf:

[hawksdogsbraves]

Korver played the most minutes of any player in the game and scored 4 points while Atlanta scored 127 points total :wtf:

Opposing teams focus on chasing him off the line so much now that he really helps open up the offense even if he doesn't get any looks.

[R.I.P.]

I dont think people will ever appreciate how much LeBron sacrificed to go back to Cleveland :facepalm

Agreed. He should sue the NBA. It can

[3ball]

great game tonight everyone.

great game.

this is gonna be an awesome season

[Magic 32]

This just proves definitively that Lebron's teammates in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were criminally underrated.

Comparing it them to truly awful teams like the 2005-07 Lakers is a disgrace.

[andremiller07]

The most hilarious sequence of the year occurred when Horford raped Love 3 times straight so the Cavs switched Love onto Milsap only for the Hawks to give the ball to Milsap to own Love. lmao.

Kyire/Waiters/Delly making Mack look like an MVP with that D of there's.