The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 101-95 as they managed to get their first win of the 2021-22 season.
Unlike the night before, the second half was not the enemy of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs outscored the Atlanta Hawks 49-40 en route to their first win of the year.
It was not a particularly stellar shooting night from either team with Atlanta making 38.4% of their shots and Cleveland 41.6%. In comparison to team averages so far this season, they would rank in the bottom third of the NBA in field goal percentage for this contest. The attempts from three-point range were not any better as Atlanta was 29.4% (10-34) while the Cavaliers made just seven of 28 (25%).
Even with the shooting struggles it was the performance of an unlikely hero which saved the day, Ricky Rubio. Rubio finished with 23 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and one steal while going 9-15 from the field, 3-7 from deep, and making both free throw attempts. The main reason the Cavaliers came out victorious Saturday night was Rubio.
The trio known as “Tower City” had themselves a night for the Cavaliers. Led by rookie Evan Mobley and his 17-point, 11-rebound, four-block performance, Jarrett Allen (11 points, 14 rebounds) and Lauri Markkanen (12 points, eight rebounds) also helped pave the way for a Cleveland victory.
Coming off the bench, Kevin Love had his best performance in his new role. Love finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists in 24 minutes.
