The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their impressive run, securing their third straight win with a 137-115 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night. Despite playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the Cavs showed no signs of fatigue, putting on an offensive clinic against a Hawks team that had been playing solid defense in recent weeks.
What stood out in this game was the Cavs’ ability to score efficiently without relying heavily on their three-point shooting. They managed to put up 137 points while shooting just 33% from beyond the arc, well below their season average of around 40%. Instead, they dominated inside, scoring 66 points in the paint.
Evan Mobley was particularly aggressive in attacking the basket, while Sam Merrill continued his hot streak with another 20-point performance off the bench. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland also had efficient nights, contributing to the team’s balanced offensive attack.
The Cavs’ energy level was impressive considering the challenging travel schedule. They didn’t return home from Miami until around 3 AM on Thursday morning, yet showed no signs of sluggishness against the Hawks. This resilience speaks volumes about the team’s focus and determination.
All-Star Selections
Before the game, it was announced that Darius Garland and Evan Mobley had been selected as Eastern Conference All-Stars. This marks Garland’s second All-Star selection and Mobley’s first.
Garland’s selection is particularly noteworthy given his struggles last season. His bounce-back year has been crucial to the Cavs’ success, and his All-Star nod is a testament to his hard work and improvement.
Mobley’s selection comes as no surprise given his impact on both ends of the floor. He’s not only an elite defender but has also become a key offensive contributor for the NBA’s top-ranked offense.
The Cavs’ recent three-game winning streak, following a brief three-game skid, serves as a reminder of this team’s resilience and quality. At 39-9, they remain one of the NBA’s elite teams and are well-positioned for a deep playoff run.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Cavs’ recent performances and All-Star selections, tune into the Locked On Cavs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Cavs Podcast:
• Detailed breakdown of the Cavs’ offensive performance against the Hawks
• Kenny Atkinson’s thoughts on the team’s energy level in back-to-back games
• Analysis of Jarrett Allen’s All-Star snub and its potential silver lining
