By Kyle Soppe
The Atlanta Hawks used a big performance for the second time in as many games from Joe Johnson to sprint past the Cavs, 103-87.
Johnson poured in 28 points following his 34 point outburst on Friday, giving him a season high for any two consecutive games. His accuracy from down town is a big reason for the recent success, as his nine made triples is also a season best for a two game stretch.
Josh Smith struggled from the field (3/15) but handed out a season high nine dimes. Part of what makes this team so lethal is Smith’s ability to affect the game in a variety of ways, making him nearly impossible to completely shut down. His jump shot, which has improved (but still not to the point that he is encouraged to use it), has been hot of late, as he has now nailed a three pointer in each of his last nine games. The odd stat lies in the teams losing ways when their swing man doesn’t connect from distance: the Hawks have lost the last eight games in which J-Smooth hasn’t hit a three.
Ivan Johnson blocked a career high two shots and made all of his field goals attempts in a valuable 24 minutes off of the bench. He is now shooting 13/18 over his last three games, not bad for a player brought into games for his physical and intimidating style.
This game was dominated by the Hawks, as every single player who saw minutes recorded a positive +/- ratio. On the flip side, every member of the Cavs had a +/- ratio of 0 or less.
Alonzo Gee isn’t a household name yet, but the Alabama product has stepped into a huge role for the Cavs. Gee surpassed his season average in scoring (10.8 ppg) for the eighth straight game, as he tied a season high with 20 points.
Not a single player on Cleveland hit more than one three pointer.
Antawn Jamison had a week to forget, as he shot 18/55 from the field during the Cavs three losses. On the bright side, he hasn’t turned the ball over in his last 174 minutes of action.
Kyrie Irving’s campaign for rookie of the year received yet another boost, as the point guard recorded his first career double double. This kid can play, and while the Cavs may not be winning games now, they’ve got a solid leader to build a successful team around.
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