The Cleveland Cavaliers slipped to a 130-123 defeat against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night at State Farm Arena, a result that dropped both teams to 12-8 and eliminated Cleveland from further contention in the NBA In-Season Tournament.
Atlanta controlled the key categories, winning the transition battle 36-17 and outscoring Cleveland 64-46 in the paint despite missing All-Star guard Trae Young and forward Kristaps Porziņģis. The Cavaliers have now absorbed eight losses through 20 games after finishing last season 64-18.
Kenny Atkinson calls out lack of sharpness
“They outplayed us. They outcoached us. We weren’t sharp,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said postgame. “The playing wasn’t sharp. The coaching wasn’t sharp. We weren’t sharp enough.”
Mitchell shines, but support is limited
Donovan Mitchell poured in 42 points to keep Cleveland close, while Evan Mobley contributed 20 points, 14 rebounds and hit 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Darius Garland recorded 15 points and 10 assists but committed five turnovers, and Jarrett Allen finished with eight points and eight boards.
Hawks get balanced scoring
Nickeil Alexander-Walker paced Atlanta with 30 points and Jalen Johnson followed with 29. De’Andre Hunter added 16 in his return, and rookie Jalen Tyson supplied nine off the bench.
The Cavaliers entered the night holding the Eastern Conference’s No. 6 seed. With 62 games remaining, the club hopes to avoid the inconsistent play and “shaky habits,” as Atkinson put it, that surfaced in Atlanta.
Source: Hoops Wire
