The Atlanta Hawks entered Saturday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers as one of the top 3-point shooting teams in the NBA, making almost 41 percent from beyond the arc.
But the Cavaliers were the hot team from the perimeter, finishing the night making 19-of-31 (61.3 percent) 3-point shots en route to a 127-94 win over the Hawks.
"They had a heck of a shooting night. I think at times we could have contested harder. We could have gotten them off the three-point line," Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said after the game.
"You shoot the ball that well, any team is going to have success when you shoot like that."
According to Elias Sports, the Cavaliers became the first team in NBA history to go nine-for-nine or better from behind the arc in a quarter.
The Hawks only made three three-point shots in 22 attempts on the night, as they were forced out of rhythm early with the Cavs' fast start. Atlanta had scored at least 100 points in six of their first eight games, but were held in check by a Cavs defense that had been struggling.
Kyle Korver came into Saturday's contest shooting 58 percent from three-point range, but was held scoreless in 14 minutes. He was a healthy scratch in the second half.
Paul Millsap led the Hawks with 16 points and seven rebounds.
"We just didn't make shots tonight, and they did," said guard Jeff Teague."It's difficult when we're not making shots and then they're hitting everything. It was just a rough game. You just have to throw this one away and try to bounce back to it."
For Atlanta, they saw their four-game winning streak snapped and will head home to play six of their next seven at Philips Arena. They will have a chance for revenge against the Cavaliers next month, as the Hawks return to Cleveland on Dec. 17.
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