The Cleveland Cavaliers came up short in their quest to sweep their season series with the Atlanta Hawks, losing 100-82.
With Sunday’s loss to the Hawks, the Cavaliers have now lost three straight games, the last two in blowout fashion. Cleveland has lost to the Pelicans and Hawks by an average of 21 points, hardly the result they were looking for. Things appear to be unraveling for the Cavs after what appeared to be some signs of life before the All-Star break.
Cleveland had the chance to take the season series against the Hawks if they were able to win Sunday. The Cavaliers already won their last two matchups this season and could have won their third and final matchup of the season. Atlanta was able to salvage a win as they were able to be consistent throughout the game and close things out in the 4th quarter. The Cavs were outscored 31-16 in the final quarter, more than enough for the Hawks to put the game away.
Only two starters eclipsed double-digits for the Cavaliers, Collin Sexton (15) and Darius Garland (11). Kevin Love only played two minutes after leaving with an injury and did not score. Cedi Osman and JaVale McGee both had 10 off the bench. By looking at the point totals it is obvious why the Cavs lost.
The fact of the matter is that this team simply is not good. Cleveland seems to be just stuck in the same cycle of non-competitive basketball over and over again. All of the team-building they are claiming to be doing simply is not working. Big changes need to happen in the organization and on the roster if this team really wants to turn the corner. The same pattern will continue to repeat itself as long as things remain the same for the Cavaliers.
