Soaring Down South
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Atlanta Hawks: Must Watch Games In 2016-17

By Colby Giacubeno

Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) looks for Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (not pictured) during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) looks for Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (not pictured) during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) battle for the ball during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers won 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) battle for the ball during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers won 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Hawks/Cleveland Cavaliers

Number of meetings: 4

Dates: November 8 (away), March 3 (home), April 7 (away), April 9 (home)

Ever since LeBron James returned back to Cleveland, the Cavaliers have been the Hawks biggest kryptonite in the NBA. In the 2014-15 playoffs, their season ended in the Eastern Conference Finals in disappointing fashion by getting swept 4-0.

Last season, they met the Cavaliers three times in the regular season to try and have their moment of redemption. That moment was delayed once again by losing to the Cavaliers in all three of their meetings. When the playoffs rolled around, the Hawks met their worst enemy once again, but this time in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

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The results were the same and the Hawks were again swept by the Cavaliers 4-0. The last time the Hawks handed the Cavaliers a loss was back in March of 2015. Since then, they’ve complied a 0-11 record against the reigning champions.

This year’s team has new dynamics, though. With the addition of Dwight Howard, the Hawks will head into this season with a dominant rim protector. That could be a huge factor in terms of shutting down James when he attacks the rim or dishes to players on the block for what should be ‘easy’ lay ups.

Once again, the Hawks will head into this season with redemption heavily on their mind when the first meeting on Nov. 8 comes. Losing to the Cavaliers four times next season may instill a lack of confidence in this team that could haunt them for years. But like it was stated earlier, this is a new group with different strengths.

No it’s time to see if they can fix their mistakes of the past and get over their biggest obstacle in the East.

Next: Reunited

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