Atlanta Hawks: Rapid Reactions to Win vs. Cavaliers

Rapid reactions to the Atlanta Hawks defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers by a final margin of 111 to 108.

For the third time already this season, the Atlanta Hawks notched their second straight win after a rousing victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Well, I say rousing…

Neither team played particularly well in this game, as even in victory the Hawks shot rather poorly from the free throw line (60%) and from beyond the arc (27%). However, the Hawks brought far more energy to the table than the Cavs did, and it showed in the final score.

The Hawks were rewarded by the basketball gods for some solid defense as well as a general zeal on the offensive glass as well as clutch defensive stands – notably by Kevin Huerter on Jordan Clarkson when the Cavs had a chance to tie the game at 111.

Instead, Vince Carter (who had a monster game) nabbed the rebound and sunk two free throws to ice it. Hawks win.

Despite the Hawks victory, Larry Nance Jr. had a tremendous night for Cleveland – putting up a near triple-double of 18 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists with a game-high +16 in on/off rating. Cedi Osman chipped in with 22 points and +8 on/off, but the Cavs were let down by a -19 on/off from Channing Frye in his 11 minutes. He got viciously swatted by DeAndre’ Bembry and his defense could best be described as similar to wet tissue paper.

In terms of the Atlanta Hawks “tanking for Zion,” the team now has the fifth-best odds, according to Tankathon.com, and this loss cements the Cavaliers’ place as the worst team in the league.

As has been explored before, the odds have been flattened for the offseason’s draft lottery, so as long as the Hawks are in the bottom quarter of the league, we’re in good shape.

It’s also good for these young Hawks to bank some wins, so they know what a winning culture feels like. It’s been a lot of fun to watch Trae Young and Huerter make huge plays down the stretch of these games – as it will be for many years to come.