Are the Cleveland Cavaliers Cooling Off? Atlanta Hawks Play Perfect Game to Snatch Win
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks: Are the Cavaliers Cooling Off After Latest Loss?
The Cleveland Cavaliers (17-2 SU, 14-5 ATS, 13-6 O/U) will look to rebound on Friday as they face the Atlanta Hawks (8-11 SU, 7-12 ATS, 14-5 O/U) in a key NBA In-Season Tournament matchup at State Farm Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET. The Cavs, who were defeated 135-124 in the first meeting earlier this week, enter this game as 6.5-point favorites, with a total of 246.5 points set for the contest.
Atlanta snapped a three-game losing streak with their win over Cleveland on Wednesday. The Cavaliers are now on a two-game slide, having also dropped a recent contest to the Dallas Mavericks. With both teams aiming to find consistency, the question arises: Are the Cleveland Cavaliers suddenly cooling off?
Cleveland Cavaliers: Defensive Struggles and Offensive Power
Despite boasting the NBA’s best offensive stats, the Cleveland Cavaliers have shown cracks in their defensive armor in recent games. Against Atlanta on Wednesday, the Cavs allowed a season-high 135 points, and their inability to contain the Hawks’ perimeter shooting (20 three-pointers made) and free-throw efficiency (23-for-25 from the line) was glaring. Cleveland managed to score 52 points in the paint, but their perimeter shooting woes—just 15-of-48 (31.3%) from beyond the arc—played a key role in the 11-point defeat.
Offensively, the Cavaliers lead the league in points per game, field goal percentage, and three-point shooting percentage. With six players averaging double figures, their offensive depth has been a major asset. The Cavs are ranked 3rd in offensive rating and 1st in effective field goal percentage (eFG%), excelling both inside and from the perimeter.
However, Cleveland’s defensive metrics tell a different story. Despite ranking 2nd in opponent rim field goal percentage (showing they’re tough at the basket), the Cavaliers struggle to defend the perimeter, sitting 22nd in mid-range defense and 29th in three-point defense. These vulnerabilities were exposed in their recent loss to the Hawks, who capitalized on Cleveland’s defensive lapses with a high-scoring performance.
Atlanta Hawks: A Perfect Performance to Snap Losing Streak
In contrast, the Atlanta Hawks delivered one of their most complete performances of the season on Wednesday. De’Andre Hunter led the way with 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting, and Jalen Johnson added 22 points on the same efficient shooting clip. In total, seven Hawks scored in double figures, and the team demonstrated incredible balance across the floor. Perhaps the most impressive stat was Trae Young’s 22 assists, a season-high, as he orchestrated Atlanta’s offense flawlessly.
Despite their offensive success, the Hawks’ overall performance this season has been inconsistent. They currently rank 23rd in NET rating, with a middling 21st in offensive rating and 23rd in defensive rating, per Dunks and Threes. Atlanta is particularly vulnerable from beyond the arc, where they rank 30th in opponent 3PT% and 23rd in points allowed. The Hawks are also prone to turnovers, averaging 15.9 per game, the 22nd worst mark in the league.
Defensively, the Hawks are solid near the rim, ranking 10th in opponent rim field goal percentage. However, they struggle against teams that shoot from distance, which was evident in their victory over Cleveland, where they capitalized on the Cavs’ poor three-point shooting.
Conclusion
This game is shaping up to be a crucial test for both teams. The Cleveland Cavaliers, despite their offensive dominance, have shown vulnerability in their last two outings, especially defensively. They will need to clean up their perimeter defense and shooting consistency to avoid another upset. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks, coming off a statement win, will look to build on their newfound confidence and continue to exploit Cleveland’s defensive weaknesses.
Unlock Winning Insights!
As the Cavaliers and Hawks battle it out, make sure you have the best information at your fingertips. Our data packages provide in-depth analysis and statistics that can help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning big this season!
Don’t miss out! Click the button below to explore our data packages and elevate your game strategy today!
