Cavs Clamp Down in Fourth, Beat Hawks

Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

Mo Williams continued his shooting tear and led the Cavaliers to a 95-84 victory in the first of back-to-back games against the Atlanta Hawks.  Williams poured in 15 of his team-high 20 points in the first half as the Cavaliers remained perfect on nights that their All-Star point guard scores 20 or more points.

LeBron James struggled from the field, going 6 of 20 from the floor in his 40 minutes of work.  The King added 10 assists, 8 rebounds and 5 steals in the winning effort.  Anthony Parker connected on 4 of 7 shot attempts in a 10 point performance and Delonte West put up 10 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter to lead the charge.  Shaquille O’Neal and Zydrunas Ilgauskas combined to shoot 11 of 15 from the floor for 25 points and 13 rebounds.

Ilgauskas eclipsed another franchise mark and surpassed Brad Daugherty for second place on the all-time scoring list on Tuesday night.

Atlanta had trimmed the Cavaliers’ lead to one heading into the final period before Cleveland clamped down on defense.  Atlanta managed only 10 points in the quarter and were held scoreless until Josh Smith’s bucket with 2:29 left to play.  The Hawks closed the gap and, after a 6-0 run, cut Cleveland’s lead to 5 before Ilgauskas delivered the knockout blow in the form of yet another big three point shot.  Delonte West followed suit and pushed the lead to 95-84.

The Wine and Gold will return to the Q to take on the Hawks again tomorrow night.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm.