Atlanta Hawks: Do They Stand a Chance in Game 3?

Game 1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ series proved that, with a few minor adjustments, the Atlanta Hawks are more than capable of defeating the Cavs. Then there was Game 2, which was both disheartening and humiliating for Atlanta. Can they pull of a win in Game 3?

With just hours until Game 3, now the question is, will the Hawks play like they did in Game 1, or will they have another brutal night like they did in Game 2?

After Game 2, the Hawks can be expected to play much more aggressively in Game 3.

According to Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer, “I think there is a certain degree of frustration, a certain degree of — I don’t want to say pissed off, I am sure that is not appropriate for print — whatever the right word is for pissed off, as you should be going into a Game 3.

One thing that the Hawks will have in Game 3 that they didn’t have in the other two is the home court advantage.

Tonight the Hawks return home to Phillips Arena for the first time in this series. While they will be surrounded by True Believers, will that be enough to save their game, too?

Here are a few things that have to happen in order for the Hawks to have a shot at winning Game 3:

1. Stop giving the Cavs the opportunity to shoot wide-open threes. This is probably the most vital factor that the Hawks have to put an end to.

It ultimately gave Cleveland the upper hand in Game 2, allowing them a record-setting 18 threes in the first half and 25 three-pointers overall.

2. Keep an eye on the usual three game altering Cavs, and now, also J.R. Smith. In addition to the usual high scoring of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, the Atlanta Hawks should now also watch out for J.R. Smith. 

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In Game 2, he totaled 23 points and made 7 of the Cavs’ 25 three pointers.

If the Hawks allow him the opportunity to shoot a three, he’s going to take it. And probably make it.

3. Kent Bazemore and Kyle Korver need to be on their game.

Bazemore had a good night in Game 1, with 16 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. In Game 2, he had just five points, one rebound and one assist.

Korver, on the other hand, has seemingly returned to his infamous playoff disappearance yet again in this series. In Game 1, he scored just three points, and in Game 2, he had seven points and one rebound.

When these two guys play like they should, along with Paul Millsap, Al Horford and Jeff Teague, they make for a powerful starting lineup.

These few elements, along with the Atlanta Hawks of course remaining focused on both offense and defense, are indispensable if the Hawks plan to grab a win over the Cavaliers in this series.

Next: Atlanta Hawks: From Bad to Worse in Playoffs Round 2

Game 3 takes place today, Friday, May 6, on ESPN with tip-off at 7:00 p.m. EST.