Game 2 Grades: Atlanta Hawks Fall Hard at Home Again

May 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) and Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Scott (32) dive after a loose ball during the fourth quarter in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Hawks had few problems handling the Cleveland Cavaliers during a 3-1 stretch in the regular season. Now it seems that the Cavaliers have all the answers in the post season.

DeMarre Carroll made a spirited return on the court but LeBron James stole the show as Cleveland took a five point lead entering the third quarter and never looked back, winning a Game 2 rout on enemy soil, 94-82. James finished with 30 points and just one rebound shy of a triple double in the victory.

Dennis Schröder’s 13 points off the bench led the way for the Hawks who only received 46 combined points from their starting five. Now Atlanta limps into a two game stretch in Cleveland, hopefully able to steal one so they have at least one more opportunity to avenge their showings in home losses. Game 3 will be Sunday evening at 8:30 pm.

The Hawks face a daunting uphill battle now. Here are the grades and reactions.

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