1 stud and 1 dud for Cavaliers from win over Hawks on Monday

Last week, the Cleveland Cavaliers were in the midst of a five-game losing streak. Less than a week later, the Cavaliers have rattled off three straight wins and are back to playing their brand of basketball.

Last night the Wine and Gold welcomed the Atlanta Hawks to town, the team that ended their season just a season ago in the NBA Play-In Tournament.

Just like the Play-In Game, Cleveland’s offense got off to a quick start as the Wine and Gold’s dynamic backcourt duo combined for 24 points. In the opening quarter.

Overall, Cleveland shot 71 percent from the field in the first quarter, limiting Atlanta to just 41 percent shooting and led by 12 points.

Cleveland’s offense dipped a bit in the second quarter but shot over 50 percent from the floor. Atlanta’s shooting improved to 57 percent in the quarter and cut into Cleveland’s lead, partly due to the Cavaliers committing six turnovers, which led to 10 points for Atlanta.

The turnover problem continued for Cleveland into the third quarter, as they committed eight turnovers in the period, leading to nine points for Atlanta. However, Cleveland was able to limit the Hawks to just 36 percent shooting in the third.

In the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers cut down on the turnovers and forced the Hawks into seven of their own turnovers. In the end, the Cavaliers were able to extend their lead in the final quarter and would win their third straight game, 114-102.

While Trae Young led Atlanta with 25 points, Cleveland held him to 1-of-8 shooting from three-point range. The Cavs defense also defended Dejounte Murray well all game, as he connected on just 4-of-17 shots and finished with just 11 points.

It was a total team effort for the Wine and Gold Monday night, so let’s get to the stud from the Hawks win.