CLEVELAND – Scribbles in my notebook after the Cavs defeated Atlanta, 122-116.
1. It may sound obvious, but the Cavs played this game to win. They could have rested everyone and remained content with the No. 4 playoff spot. But Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson wanted to make this game important as a playoff tune-up. Meanwhile, Atlanta still needs one more win to secure a playoff spot. This game mattered to both teams and they played like it.
2. The Cavs are likely to face Atlanta in the first round of the playoffs. The Hawks are 19-4 since the All-Star break. They are young and very athletic. They also have been a much better team (27-13) since trading point guard Trae Young to Washington – especially on defense. Young is much like former Cavs guard Darius Garland, a dynamic scorer when hot. But he’s thin and somewhat frail when defending.
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3. The Hawks took a 67-60 halftime lead on the Cavs because they dominated the tempo. They played fast. They exposed one of the Cavs’ weaknesses – slow getting back on defense. The Cavs also helped Atlanta along by firing up some mindless 3-pointers and not being patient on offense.
4. In the second half, the Cavs took control of the tempo. They drove to the rim led by Donovan Mitchell. Evan Mobley continually worked to score inside and rebound. He had 22 points and 19 rebounds. In the second half, the Cavs held Atlanta to 49 points and 41% shooting. Their defensive energy rose. In the third quarter, the Cavs forced eight Atlanta turnovers.
Donovan Mitchell inspired the Cavs with 31 points. John Kuntz, cleveland.com
5. If the Cavs are going to defeat Atlanta in the playoffs, they have to set the tone in terms of pace. The Cavs must concentrate on their halfcourt offense. Take wide-open 3-pointers, but mostly look for opportunities to score at the rim. They can dominate inside.
6. A power inside game also leads to drawing fouls. The Cavs were 28 for 35 at the foul line. Atlanta was 10 for 15. Shooting free throws also allows a team to set up its defense. It also cuts down on opponents fast break opportunities. Big men Jarrett Allen and Mobley combined for 14 for 21 at the foul line. James Harden and Mitchell were a combined 11 for 11. Remember, the entire Atlanta team had only 15 free attempts.
7. It’s significant the Cavs won this game with Harden struggling. This was probably his worst game since being traded to the Cavs nine weeks ago. Harden was trying too hard to put his signature on the game. He fired up a team-high 23 shots (making six) for an ugly 21 points. His passing wasn’t crisp as he had only four assists. At times, he stalled the offense, dribbling and dribbling at the top of the key looking for a way to drive to the rim.
8. Not sure what was with Harden. Usually, he does a great job setting up the offense and getting the ball to his big men. The Cavs need this version of James Harden in the playoffs – not the Wednesday night version. The Cavs are 18-6 when Harden plays. This was only the second time he took more than 18 shots in a game.
9. Atkinson on Harden: “It was not his greatest game, but I’m so comfortable with the ball in his hands, especially at the end of games … He brings poise and confidence … makes us a more mature team.”
Evan Mobley had one of his best games of the season with 19 rebounds. John Kuntz, cleveland.com
10. This night also was a reminder that the Cavs remain Mitchell’s team. He scored 31 points. He was 12-for-19 from the field. He kept driving to the rim, putting lots of pressure on Atlanta’s defense, which is very weak inside.
11. Atkinson on Mitchell: “It wasn’t Donovan shooting pull-up (3-pointers). It wasn’t Donovan in pick and rolls. It was Donovan creating advantages, going by his guy and not only scoring at the rim, but he started (passing) it out.”
12. This was Playoff Donovan, the man who seven times in his postseason career has scored more than 40 points. His playoff average is 28.3. He could have put up 40 points if needed in this game.
13. Mobley was a force with his 19 rebounds. Early in the season, the Cavs were asking Mobley to operate outside — shooting 3-pointers and handling the ball in transition. In the process, the 7-footer forgot his strength … being an athletic 7-footer. Since the All-Star break, he’s averaging 19 points, 9.6 rebounds and shooting 62%.
14. Atkinson on Mobley: ”There was a mentality switch post All-Star (break). I keep saying he came back with a chip on his shoulder … wasn’t satisfied with how the first part of the season went. Guys refocus, collect themselves, and we’ve obviously been really intentional about getting him the ball deeper in the paint … He was such a force (against Atlanta).
15. Allen is still bothered by his knee tendinitis. He struggled, especially early in the game in terms of going up strong to the rim. That said, he delivered 16 points and eight rebounds in 29 minutes.
16. Final thought: The Cavs are 16-8 since the All-Star break and 34-13 since the end of December.
