Cavs survive OT, beat Hawks 114-111 in Game 3: Quick Thoughts
1. LeBron, after going 0 for 9 in the 1st Quarter, posted a triple-double to end the game in the Cavs favor. Cleveland now takes the 3-0 series lead over Atlanta.
2. Very sluggish game, especially at the beginning. Cleveland just couldn't get any offensive energy going, as Atlanta took the lead early. While LeBron was off the mark in the 1st quarter, his teammates were able to get shots and keep the game close.
3. First, everyone is talking about Matthew Dellavedova and Al Horford. Horford got ejected. Dellavedova received a technical, and Horford a flagrant II.
4. Both players are NOT dirty players. Both players are good guys.
5. Iman Shumpert and J.R Smith continued to help the Cavs both offensively and defensively. They were able to be key sustainers of Clevelands energy in the game.
6. There were points in the game where the Cavaliers just looked exhausted, and its understandable. The team has come off of two very physical series against Boston and Chicago, and now are in another physical matchup in the Eastern Conference Finals against Atlanta.
7. However, the team was able to stay in the game, even when it looked like the Hawks could steal a game at The Q. Part of that has to do with LeBron James, and how he was able to turn his 0-9 performance into a 37-18-13 finish.
8. We need to remind ourselves about the overall mental toughness of LeBron James, just like that, he was able to switch from what looked like a poor shooting night to his first triple double in this years playoffs.
9. Offensive boards, once again, was key. Tristan Thompson continues to show us his ability to chase after boards with such ferocity. The front office will do all they can to keep him in a Cavaliers uniform.
10. As a side note, I think Thompson sitting on the bench for the regular season did wonders to his game. He was able to focus fully on what he needed to improve, and from there, worked on his game while learning from the bench. Now, he has shown everyone what he has learned.
11. Dellavedova had a good performance filling in for Kyrie Irving, scoring 17 points. He has posted a few good performances in the playoffs so far, and has shown that he is getting better. HIs level of play and tenacious mindset is something that the coaching staff love.
12. Speaking of Kyrie Irving, it was a game time decision to not have him play tonight. If the Cavs believed it is better for him to sit a game for the long-term goal of the playoffs, I am fine with the decision. IF this Cavs team makes the Finals, you need a healthy Kyrie Irving.
13. The Hawks played tremendous in this game. Atlanta showed that they were not ready to fold after losing the first two games at home. Throughout the game, they showed no hesitation, and wanted to attack early.
14. One more win separates Cleveland from returning to the Finals since 2007. This would make LeBrons fifth straight Finals appearance, too. I won't say much, but this next game is going to be very interesting. With the Hawks showing they still have some fight in them, its up to the Cavs to perform on their home court and punch their ticket in to go to the NBA Finals.