The Cleveland Cavaliers used a strong second half to come back and defeat the Atlanta Hawks.
It was tale of two halves for the Cleveland Cavaliers Saturday night. At halftime Cleveland trailed 56-44 and it appeared Atlanta was going to pull away for an easy victory. The Cavs did not give up and were able to fight back and outscore the Hawks 52-35 in the second half en route to a 96-91 final. Cleveland is now 4-2 on the season.
Cleveland was outplayed by Atlanta in several categories and were still able to overcome their early deficit. The Hawks led in three-point percentage (34.4-24.1), made three-pointers (11-7), rebounds (61-55), assists (22-19), blocks (5-2), and fast break points (4-2). There were three categories where the Cavs had an edge. Steals (10-9), turnovers (15-22), and points in the paint (52-42).
Collin Sexton shines again
The Cavaliers starters needed someone to carry the scoring load and that was Collin Sexton yet again. Sexton made 10 of 18 field goal attempts (2-5 3PT) and all 5 free throws which totaled to 27 points. Sexton was even able to help in other areas as well, adding 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 rebounds to his final line.
Andre Drummond – double-double machine
Make that six straight double-doubles for Andre Drummond to start the season and he now stands alone as the Cavaliers leader in that category.
Drummond had 12 points on 6-10 shooting and 11 rebounds (4 offensive) to take the top spot.
JaVale McGee makes an impact yet again
This is pretty much a broken record at this point, JaVale McGee came off the bench and made an impact. McGee played 25 minutes and finished with 14 points, 9 rebounds (5 offensive), 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. As strange as it sounds McGee is Cleveland’s best bench player right now as he makes an impact in so many different areas on a nightly basis.