Exclusive: Cavs suffocate Atlanta Hawks in 116-95 thumping, extend winning streak to seven games

ATLANTA: The Cavs have been handling this current run of play without two of their most crucial players in that manner.

During Saturday night’s 116-95 wire-to-wire victory over the weak-legged Atlanta Hawks, it was once again on show. Cleveland has now won 12 of 15 games after Darius Garland (fractured jaw) and Evan Mobley (knee surgery) were sidelined for at least a month. This is the NBA’s longest winning run at the moment, at seven games. Over the past four games, it has only trailed for 35 seconds—a dominant run that dates back to the trip to Paris.

“That is actually the great second that has occurred for this group,” Jarrett Allen said, referring to the wounds to Laurel and Mobley that were reported on Dec. 15. ” It’s banality however the following man-up mindset. We as a whole are moving forward. Everyone felt it. We as a whole realized we were down significant pieces, and we realized we had liabilities.”

With the Birds of prey playing the second of a consecutive following a hard-battled, somewhat late victory over the Miami Intensity that caused them land in unexpectedly cool Atlanta around 2:30 in the first part of the day, the Cavs entered the game expecting to exploit that. They did, hustling out to a 10-0 lead under three minutes into the game – – and never yielding.

Coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Cavaliers stated, “It’s a mindset for us, no matter who the opponent is.” Incredible attitude from our folks. The coarseness, the harmony, the intensity. I feel that is something the folks have truly participated in. Basketball games are started with a purpose. A total purchase in to protectively be world class.”

It took the Falcons until the 8:47 sign of the initial quarter to score their most memorable crate and they marshaled only eight focuses in the initial seven minutes against Cleveland’s stifling guard – – the sort of exertion that has been at the focal point of this prevailing series of wins.

Toward the end the evening, the Cavs held Atlanta to 39.8% from the field and 28.9% from 3-point range. The Birds of prey are the third consecutive adversary that has neglected to break the century detriment for Cleveland.

“We have each other’s backs,” said Allen, the group’s protective anchor. ” The rotations have performed flawlessly. Assuming somebody drives, it’s my obligation to challenge at the edge, however another person has me covered with my man. We’re so secured.”

On the opposite end, it was a fair assault. The Cavs, who were likewise without 6th man Caris LeVert in view of an irritated right wrist, had seven players score in twofold figures. The fifth time this season has occurred.

Probable Eastern Gathering Elite player Donovan Mitchell wrapped up with 18 focuses on only 6 of 17 shooting and 0 of 6 from 3-direct reach toward go with a group high eight helps and six bounce back. Sam Merrill, a sharpshooter, shot six shots and five 3-pointers to match Mitchell’s totals.

Allen left a lasting impression on the All-Star voters, who had until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday to cast their ballots. Allen stretched out his twofold streak to 11, attempting the establishment record for successive twofold duplicates held by Elmore Smith and Andre Drummond. Allen counted 14 focuses and 11 bounce back quickly. He likewise added two helps, three takes and three blocks.

No matter who the opponent is, we have a certain mindset, according to Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Fantastic attitude from our men. the perseverance, the unity, and the rivalry. The men have, in my opinion, really gotten into that. The goal is to get basketball games started. a total commitment to playing excellent defense.

The Hawks’ first basket didn’t come until 8:47 into the first quarter, and they managed just eight points in the first seven minutes against Cleveland’s oppressive defense—the kind of play that has been the cornerstone of this impressive winning run.

The Cavs limited Atlanta to 39.8% from the field and 28.9% from 3-point range by the end of the game. The Hawks represent the third opponent in a row to fall short of reaching the century mark when playing Cleveland.

The defensive captain of the team, Allen, remarked, “We have each other’s backs.” “The changes have been precise. I have to challenge them at the rim if they are driving, but my man is with someone else. We’re really confined.

Conversely, it was a well-rounded assault. Seven players for the Cavaliers scored in double digits, despite the fact that sixth man Caris LeVert was sidelined due to a strained right wrist. This season, that has transpired five times.

Eastern Conference All-Star most likely Along with a team-high eight assists and six rebounds, Donovan Mitchell finished with 18 points on just 6 of 17 shooting and 0 of 6 from 3-point range. Sam Merrill, a skilled shooter, equaled Mitchell’s scoring total with six field goals and five three-pointers.

Allen left a lasting impression on All-Star voters, who had until Saturday at 11:59 p.m. to submit their ballots. Allen attempted to break the franchise record for the most consecutive double-doubles held by Andre Drummond and Elmore Smith by extending his streak of double-doubles to 11. In 33 minutes, Allen finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds. In addition, he recorded three thefts, three blocks, and two assists.

It would be pleasant, Allen remarked. That places my name on par with the greatest of them. Now tied for top place. It’s inscribed in Cavaliers history, if only I could obtain the real record. That is the goal I have in mind.

Max Strus (13), Georges Niang (14), Dean Wade (17 points), and Isaac Okoro (12 points) all scored in double figures. Strus recovered after a rough tumble that brought him to the locker room for a short while early in the game.

Strus remarked, “We’re enjoying each other’s success and we’re having fun.” We’re playing it properly and sharing. That is contagious when we do that.

From the field, the Cavs shot 50.6% and from beyond the arc, 37.2%. Triples accounted for more than half of their efforts. On 43 made baskets, they had 32 assists. Of the nine players who played more than three minutes, eight of them distributed at least one.

With 24 points, Dejounte Murray led Atlanta. Jalen Johnson, a young player, contributed seven boards and 20 points.

Bickerstaff was questioned about the most striking feature of the team’s recent run of success prior to the game. He cited the group defense and the numerous players who still contribute significantly.

Cleveland uses that formula. It functions.