Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Live Score, Highlights and Reaction
On a night when they shot 64.5 percent from the field and 57 percent from three, the Atlanta Hawks dismantled the Cleveland Cavaliers, 127-98, behind a career-high 24 points from Shelvin Mack.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, the Cavaliers hadn't allowed a team to record a field-goal percentage that high since 2004.
With Jeff Teague sidelined (hamstring), Mack backed up Dennis Schroder (10 points, 10 assists), who was making his first-career start. Mack was sensational off the bench, draining six threes, including five in the first half. Entering Wednesday night, Mack had made just nine triples all season.
Despite trailing by eight points after the first quarter, it was all Atlanta over the final 36 minutes. The Hawks went on to finish with 65 points over the first two frames (the most Cleveland has allowed in a first half this season, per ESPN Stats & Info) while drilling a franchise-record nine threes in the second period.
Over the final three quarters, Atlanta outscored Cleveland, 101-64.
Paul Millsap and Al Horford chipped in 14 and 20 points, respectively, while DeMarre Carroll added 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting.
As a team, the Hawks scored 58 points in the paint, 48 from beyond the arc and 13 at the free-throw line in one of the most efficient outings you'll see all season.
LeBron James and Dion Waiters led the Cavaliers with 21 points apiece while Kevin Love totaled 13 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in 32 minutes.
Kyrie Irving was quiet throughout, mustering nine points and six dimes. David Blatt's club shot 45 percent from the field and 27 percent from three in the loss.
Next up for Atlanta (18-7) is a Saturday evening showdown with the Houston Rockets while Cleveland (14-10) is slated to do battle with the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.
