East Finals Preview: Atlanta Hawks vs Cleveland Cavaliers
By Mitchell Kay
May 13, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) practices prior to the game against the Washington Wizards in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Shooting With Efficiency
The Atlanta Hawks shooting percentages present quite well considering some of the scoring struggles they have had in the post season. The Hawks have been under a tremendous amount of scrutiny from the media in terms of offensive inefficiency yet they have posted virtually the same numbers as Cleveland:
- Hawks Shooting percentages: 43.4 / 34.3 / 78.7
- Cavaliers Shooting Percentages: 43.2 / 34.2 / 79.8
At times, the Hawks have struggled to score the ball. They have suffered somewhat of a “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde” identity so far in these playoffs.
Atlanta has been both really good and really mediocre at the same time. However, they pulled it together when it counted and seemed to have broken out of their slump at the end of the Washington series.
Kyle Korver has yet to really shine consistently. When Korver gets back to the place he was, the Hawks become that much more dangerous. Despite the tough coverage he is about to face, it could definitely happen in this round for Korver.
Cleveland is coming off a big series win against the Bulls, who at times, looked like they didn’t belong in the second round. Chicago had their moments but didn’t show the fight that Cleveland did. The Cavs were able to get out of that series with an ailing Kyrie Irving as his health isn’t quite clear going forward. LeBron’s playmaking is essential with a not 100% Kyrie Irving.
Next: Points In The Paint