Atlanta Hawks: 4 Observations from Cavaliers Game
Nov 21, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard
J.R. Smith(5) grabs a loose ball ahead of Atlanta Hawks guard
Justin Holiday(7) at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 109-97. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
DEFENSIVE LAPSES
Whenever the Atlanta Hawks would gain some momentum, it was promptly crushed by a Cavaliers three-pointer. Known Hawk hater J.R. Smith was up to his old tricks again on Saturday, making 4 three-pointers and scoring 15 points. On Saturday, Lebron James played the role of facilitator, and it paid off.
James Jones also made two three-point baskets to further kill any momentum that the Atlanta Hawks had in the second half. The problem is that the Hawks defense goes for a double team a little too early in the shot clock, which creates an open shot on the perimeter. There were a number of times where Atlanta would double a Cavs player, only for said player to find his teammate open on the wing.