Game 3 Grades: Atlanta Hawks Fight Adversity, Come Up Short

May 24, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Shelvin Mack (8) shootspast Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) during the first quarter in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

In a game that felt more like a Hollywood spectacle than basketball, the Atlanta Hawks found themselves in the thick of one very outlandish decision and one courageous comeback. They are now pushed to the brink of elimination.

Despite a furious rally that garnered the respect of the basketball world, the Hawks stolen opportunity fell just a basket short in overtime, 114 to 111.

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LeBron James started out the night 0-10 from the field before taking matters into his own hands in the second half. He finished with his 12th career postseason triple-double, going for 37 points, 18 rebounds, and 13 assists.

Jeff Teague led the charge for the road team, posting a 30, 6, and 7 line. Al Horford had 14 points, despite only playing one half of basketball (more on that later). Both teams combined to shoot 25 three-pointers and both shot right at 41%. Atlanta’s last gasp effort to extend their season will be Tuesday night, another performance at Quicken Loans Arena.

Hotly contested and hotly debated, this game had it all. Here are the grades and reactions.

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