Friday November 4, 2005 7:30 pm
Live from Atlanta, GA
CLE: 20 | 31 | 22 | 34
| 107
ATL: 29 | 17 | 27 | 27
| 98
The Atlanta Hawks proved that they were definently no push over in the first quarter of play. The lead the whole period as the Cleveland Cavaliers trailed helplessly behind. Atlanta was up by 12 at one time but by the end of the quarter Cleveland was able to cut the lead to 9, (29-20). Tyron Lue lead everyone with 16 points. No one on the floor for Cleveland could hit a shot, not even little 5 foot jumpers, it was definently not a good period for the Cavs. Drew Gooden had a few good plays, unlike last game. Damon Jones got into big foul trouble early in the game, and Eric Snow came in his place, knocking down a few key jumpers to keep the Cavaliers close.
The 2nd quarter was almost the exact opposite as the first, the Cleveland Cavaliers came out firing from when the clock started to when it ended. Damon Jones remained on the bench while Eric Snow performed pretty well in his position. He only finished the half with 6 points but also had 8 assits in just a number of minutes, he also racked up 5 steals. LeBron James scored 15 points while Hughes and Gooden both had 10 points. On the other end, Tyron Lue finished with 19 points and Joe Johnson with 15. Cleveland went into the locker-room at halftime with a 51-46 lead.
Damon Jones came back onto the floor in the third quarter, giving Eric Snow a little more break time. It was back and forth for both teams, Jame had a pretty good period of play, as well did Jones during his return. Hughes made a few baskets also. Lue calmed down this quarter scoring only 4 points, and Johnson was almost perfect, literaly on fire from the field. The quarter ended in a 73-73 tie.
It was a great game and it came down to just the last few seconds, the Atlanta Hawks had a great opportunity to keep it close but missed a 15 foot jumper, and when Cleveland got the rebound they were forced to foul. LeBron James led all scoreres with 34 points. The Cleveland Cavaliers win the game by 9, (107-98).
Overview: The Atlanta Hawks have just as much of a chance to do some damage this season as the Cavaliers do. The have a lot of fire power. Joe Johnson can light it up any game, Josh Smith can get the steal or block when needed and Al Harrington can get a bucket when his team needs it. Tyron Lue has definently improved this season, and it showed this game as he lead his team with 32 points. Johnson was right behind him with 28 points of his own. Along with James' 34 points for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Larry Hughes knocked down 25 for himself, and unexpectedly Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 16 points and 11 rebounds. The battle between Gooden and Marshall still lingers on as to who will start and who will be the sixth man. Gooden finished with 10 points and Marshall with 8 points, its still too early to tell. If Damon Jones doesnt do what he did against the Milwaukee Bucks, then the Cavs will have a pretty good duo instead of trio with James and Hughes.
LeBron James: 34 points
Larry Hughes: 25 points
Tyron Lue: 32 points
Joe Johnson: 28 points
Player of the Game
LeBron James
34 points
12/22 FG .544%
Next game, Tuesday November 8, 2005 7:00 pm
vs. Detroit Pistons at DET