The false start of the Cleveland Cavaliers is perfect. Against the Hawks it set the third defeat for Kevin Love and Co. in the third game. Especially against the outstanding top rookie Trae Young the Cavs didn’t find an answer.
After a disappointing start to the season with two defeats, the Cavaliers’ mission on their home debut was clear: a win is a must, after all, the Cavaliers have not lost the first three games of a new season in 14 years. The home team started the game with corresponding motivation.
Already after a few minutes Cleveland was in front with 11:5, which caused Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce to an early time-out. But even after that it didn’t get any better from the guests’ point of view. The Cavs, led by strong Kevin Love, cleverly took advantage of the numerous gaps in the Defense Atlantas and continuously extended their lead.
But Atlanta opposed it – especially in the person of Trae Young. The No.5 pick of the drafts sank 4 of his 8 attempts from downtown in half time alone and brought his team back into the game with 21 points and then towards the end of the second quarter even into the lead (64:60).
Meanwhile, even after the half-time break, there was little or nothing to be seen of Defense on both sides, Young, Alex Len (16 points, 11 rebounds) or Rodney Hood on the other side scoring cheerfully, but none of the two teams was able to significantly set themselves apart.
Only in the final section the Hawks gradually extended their lead, about eight minutes before the end the visitors were in front with 108:91. The Cavs didn’t make a good impression at this stage, defensively they couldn’t keep up with the good transition game of the Hawks, in the offense Love and Co. had long since cooled down.
Accordingly, Cleveland couldn’t come back and so they took the third bankruptcy in a row. Jordan Clarkson was topscorer with 19 points, Love came on 16 and 17 boards. On the other hand, Young was the outstanding man with 35 points (13/23 FG, 6/14 FG) and 11 assists who shone in many facets of the game. Omari Spellman (17, 4/5 threes) and Kent Bazemore (23) also played well. In addition, the Hawks hammered 22 threesomes around the ears of the landlord (in 47 attempts, 46.8 percent).
Oklahoma City Thunder (-) – Sacramento Kings (-) -:- (BOXSCORE)
Denver Nuggets (-) – Golden State Warriors (-) -:- (BOXSCORE)
Los Angeles Clippers (-) – Houston Rockets (-) -:- (BOXSCORE)