Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks: Live Score, Highlights and Reaction

It was going to take a lot with LeBron James out of the lineup to take a win from the Atlanta Hawks at home, and Kyrie Irving's 35 points weren't enough to get the job done Tuesday. 

With James out with knee soreness and Kevin Love a non-factor over his 25 minutes before exiting with back spasms, it was Irving's night to take control of a game for Cleveland on the road, against a team above them in the Eastern Conference standings. And despite falling two points short of his season-high in points to go along with nine assists, the Cavs' supporting cast just wasn't enough to make an impact when it mattered most. 

Jeff Teague and Paul Millsap led the way for the Hawks, taking advantage of the Cavaliers' subpar rim protection all night long. With Al Horford missing from the game with a stomach issue, Teague posted a double-double with 23 and 11 while Millsap dropped 26 to go along with nine rebounds. Kyle Korver drilled five threes, contributing to his 19 points. 

Cleveland brought what was a 17-point deficit in the third quarter down to two points in the fourth, but its lack of impact defenders is what cost them the game—their 20 turnovers certainly didn't help their cause, either. 

Irving also tossed out nine assists and grabbed six rebounds to go along with his 35 points, but turned the ball over eight times and missed seven of his 10 three-pointers. Still, he had his team in position to make a run at the lead in the closing minutes, but to no avail. 

The loss bring Cleveland to 18-13 on the season, and pushed the Hawks to an impressive 23-8, giving them sole possession of second place in the East. 

The Hawks now face eight road contests over their next 10 games, while the Cavaliers face a trip out west after the New Year. Kevin Love and LeBron James' health will be important to monitor as the team tries to claw to the top of the standings, as we just saw the results of a Cavs unit without two of its top contributors.