A brief recap of the Hawks’ sixth straight win, which clinched the season series against the Cavs, 3-1:
How the game was won: Al Horford flirted with a triple double in going for 19 points, nine rebounds and six assists, and the Hawks blitzed the Cavs early and late and abused Cleveland inside to win going away, 106-97.
The Hawks raced to a 36-19 first quarter lead on 71 percent shooting only to find themselves tied at 79 on a jumper by LeBron James with 37 seconds left in the third quarter. From there, a 19-4 burst that culminated with a Mike Scott jumper for a 98-83 lead at the 6:50 mark stole the game for good.
Turning point: Dennis Schroder came off the bench to score a layup moments after that James jumper to give the lead for good. Scott pitched in four of his 14 points and Kyle Korver made a pair of 3-pointers as the Hawks opened up the lead early in the final period.
Number:+30. Atlanta made a modest six 3-point shots Friday, but whipped the Cavs 54-24 in the paint as Paul Millsap and Jeff Teague scored 16 points each, many at or near the rim.
Next: The Hawks will play at Philadelphia Saturday.
About the Author
