Live Thread: Cavs @ Hawks

Live Thread: Cavs @ Hawks

2024-01-20 Off By Chris Francis

Good evening CtB!

The Cavs have traversed to the Georgia Piedmont to take on the Atlanta Hawks in a key Eastern Conference matchup. It’s an opportunity for the Cavs to pick up a solid if unspectacular road win against a play-in conference opponent and expand their league-leading win streak to seven games. Also with a win, the Cavs can secure the series win for the season against Atlanta. For the Hawks, it’s a chance to notch a big win against a top opponent while also expanding their win streak to four games.

Statistically speaking, the Hawks’ offense will provide a stern test for the Cavs’ defense, while the the Hawks’ defense is an opportunity for the Cavs’ offense to light up the scoreboard and build momentum on that end of the court. What’s driving the Cavs’ recent success? The ole’ calculator says it’s simply rebounding and passing the ball better. The Cavs have gone from one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA to a top 10 overall rebounding team. The Cavs’ assist ratio ranking has gone from bottom half of the NBA to top half since the start to season. Whenever the Cavs are winning the board and assist battle, they are usually winning the game. As Coach J.B. Bickerstaff loves to say about Cavalier basketball, it’s whoever the most unselfish and most competitive team that will win the game. Hopefully that continues against an Atlanta team that doesn’t rebound or pass the ball all that well.

Tip off is scheduled for 7:30PM Eastern time and will be broadcasted live on Bally Sports Ohio, Go Cavs!

Checking in on the numbers:

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