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ATLANTA
CLEVELAND |
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195.5
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Final
118 |
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| Eastern Conference - Finals - Best of 7 - Game 4 - CLE Leads 3-0 | | |  | |
| 515 | ATLANTA | 193.5 | 194 | | 516 | CLEVELAND | -8.5 | -7.5 |
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| All Games | 68-29 | +23 | 55-39 | 48-48 | 101.9 | 50.8 | 46.1% | 49.3 | 97.1 | 47.6 | 43.7% | 51.6 | | Road Games | 28-20 | +4.4 | 27-18 | 26-22 | 101.8 | 49.9 | 45.4% | 49.4 | 99.5 | 47.2 | 43.8% | 53.3 | | Last 5 Games | 2-3 | -1.7 | 2-3 | 1-4 | 91.4 | 47.0 | 42.1% | 51.0 | 95.4 | 47.8 | 40.4% | 60.2 | | Playoff Games | 8-7 | -3.8 | 6-9 | 6-9 | 98.6 | 50.6 | 43.1% | 52.7 | 96.9 | 48.1 | 42.6% | 54.9 |
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| Team Stats (All Games) | 101.9 | 50.8 | 38-82 | 46.1% | 10-27 | 37.2% | 16-21 | 78.0% | 49 | 9 | 25 | 18 | 9 | 13 | 5 | | vs opponents surrendering | 99.8 | 50 | 37-83 | 44.8% | 8-23 | 35.0% | 17-23 | 74.8% | 52 | 11 | 22 | 20 | 8 | 14 | 5 | | Team Stats (Road Games) | 101.8 | 49.9 | 38-83 | 45.4% | 10-26 | 37.4% | 16-21 | 77.2% | 49 | 9 | 25 | 19 | 9 | 13 | 5 | | Stats Against (All Games) | 97.1 | 47.6 | 36-83 | 43.7% | 9-26 | 34.5% | 15-20 | 75.6% | 52 | 12 | 23 | 20 | 7 | 15 | 5 | | vs opponents averaging | 99.2 | 49.8 | 37-83 | 44.7% | 8-22 | 34.8% | 17-23 | 74.6% | 52 | 11 | 22 | 20 | 8 | 14 | 5 | | Stats Against (Road Games) | 99.5 | 47.2 | 37-84 | 43.8% | 9-26 | 35.3% | 17-22 | 76.4% | 53 | 12 | 24 | 20 | 7 | 16 | 5 |
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| All Games | 64-31 | -2 | 46-49 | 39-55 | 102.7 | 53.3 | 45.5% | 52.4 | 97.9 | 49.5 | 45.0% | 49.1 | | Home Games | 36-11 | -3.6 | 23-24 | 20-27 | 103.6 | 54.7 | 46.5% | 52.9 | 96.4 | 47.5 | 43.7% | 48.5 | | Last 5 Games | 5-0 | +5.7 | 3-2 | 2-3 | 101.0 | 53.0 | 44.1% | 58.2 | 91.0 | 47.4 | 40.7% | 47.4 | | Playoff Games | 11-2 | +8.7 | 7-6 | 5-8 | 100.1 | 53.6 | 43.1% | 55.3 | 92.8 | 47.0 | 41.1% | 50.2 |
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| Team Stats (All Games) | 102.7 | 53.3 | 37-82 | 45.5% | 10-28 | 36.5% | 18-24 | 75.3% | 52 | 11 | 22 | 19 | 7 | 13 | 5 | | vs opponents surrendering | 99.6 | 49.7 | 37-84 | 44.7% | 8-23 | 34.9% | 17-23 | 75.0% | 52 | 11 | 22 | 20 | 8 | 14 | 5 | | Team Stats (Home Games) | 103.6 | 54.7 | 38-81 | 46.5% | 10-27 | 38.4% | 18-23 | 75.0% | 53 | 11 | 24 | 18 | 7 | 13 | 5 | | Stats Against (All Games) | 97.9 | 49.5 | 38-83 | 45.0% | 8-23 | 33.6% | 15-20 | 75.5% | 49 | 11 | 23 | 21 | 8 | 12 | 5 | | vs opponents averaging | 99.5 | 49.5 | 37-84 | 44.6% | 8-22 | 34.8% | 17-23 | 75.3% | 52 | 11 | 22 | 20 | 8 | 14 | 5 | | Stats Against (Home Games) | 96.4 | 47.5 | 37-84 | 43.7% | 8-23 | 35.1% | 15-20 | 76.2% | 48 | 11 | 24 | 21 | 8 | 12 | 4 |
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| | Average power rating of opponents played: ATLANTA 95.3, CLEVELAND 95 |
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| 4/19/2015 | BROOKLYN | 99-92 | W | -11 | L | 204.5 | U | 34-79 | 43.0% | 44 | 14 | 36-79 | 45.6% | 52 | 17 | | 4/22/2015 | BROOKLYN | 96-91 | W | -9 | L | 202.5 | U | 35-90 | 38.9% | 53 | 8 | 35-78 | 44.9% | 55 | 16 | | 4/25/2015 | @ BROOKLYN | 83-91 | L | -3.5 | L | 199 | U | 32-90 | 35.6% | 61 | 15 | 32-83 | 38.6% | 57 | 15 | | 4/27/2015 | @ BROOKLYN | 115-120 | L | -6 | L | 198 | O | 46-95 | 48.4% | 62 | 16 | 46-96 | 47.9% | 49 | 9 | | 4/29/2015 | BROOKLYN | 107-97 | W | -9 | W | 200 | O | 40-83 | 48.2% | 55 | 11 | 37-78 | 47.4% | 37 | 12 | | 5/1/2015 | @ BROOKLYN | 111-87 | W | -5 | W | 198.5 | U | 43-85 | 50.6% | 52 | 11 | 31-85 | 36.5% | 53 | 15 | | 5/3/2015 | WASHINGTON | 98-104 | L | -5.5 | L | 198 | O | 37-98 | 37.8% | 58 | 11 | 38-91 | 41.8% | 62 | 6 | | 5/5/2015 | WASHINGTON | 106-90 | W | -9.5 | W | 199 | U | 37-85 | 43.5% | 54 | 10 | 35-82 | 42.7% | 50 | 16 | | 5/9/2015 | @ WASHINGTON | 101-103 | L | -4 | L | 196.5 | O | 36-81 | 44.4% | 49 | 10 | 37-78 | 47.4% | 54 | 13 | | 5/11/2015 | @ WASHINGTON | 106-101 | W | -4.5 | W | 198 | O | 41-87 | 47.1% | 48 | 13 | 38-85 | 44.7% | 53 | 16 | | 5/13/2015 | WASHINGTON | 82-81 | W | -7 | L | 201 | U | 34-83 | 41.0% | 59 | 23 | 33-88 | 37.5% | 52 | 19 | | 5/15/2015 | @ WASHINGTON | 94-91 | W | 2.5 | W | 197 | U | 36-84 | 42.9% | 53 | 15 | 34-93 | 36.6% | 65 | 11 | | 5/20/2015 | CLEVELAND | 88-97 | L | -2 | L | 199.5 | U | 34-77 | 44.2% | 43 | 12 | 37-84 | 44.0% | 60 | 12 | | 5/22/2015 | CLEVELAND | 82-94 | L | -3.5 | L | 193 | U | 33-79 | 41.8% | 46 | 11 | 33-76 | 43.4% | 56 | 12 | | 5/24/2015 | @ CLEVELAND | 111-114 | L | 8 | W | 190 | O | 36-88 | 40.9% | 54 | 7 | 40-97 | 41.2% | 68 | 13 | | 5/26/2015 | @ CLEVELAND | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| 4/19/2015 | BOSTON | 113-100 | W | -12 | W | 204 | O | 37-82 | 45.1% | 57 | 12 | 37-79 | 46.8% | 41 | 14 | | 4/21/2015 | BOSTON | 99-91 | W | -11 | L | 205.5 | U | 34-76 | 44.7% | 57 | 18 | 33-85 | 38.8% | 42 | 11 | | 4/23/2015 | @ BOSTON | 103-95 | W | -6.5 | W | 204.5 | U | 38-84 | 45.2% | 54 | 11 | 36-82 | 43.9% | 50 | 15 | | 4/26/2015 | @ BOSTON | 101-93 | W | -6.5 | W | 201.5 | U | 31-78 | 39.7% | 59 | 8 | 33-85 | 38.8% | 64 | 14 | | 5/4/2015 | CHICAGO | 92-99 | L | -4.5 | L | 195 | U | 34-81 | 42.0% | 45 | 9 | 40-80 | 50.0% | 51 | 10 | | 5/6/2015 | CHICAGO | 106-91 | W | -5.5 | W | 194.5 | O | 37-83 | 44.6% | 59 | 8 | 32-79 | 40.5% | 48 | 12 | | 5/8/2015 | @ CHICAGO | 96-99 | L | 2.5 | L | 194.5 | O | 32-82 | 39.0% | 45 | 11 | 34-90 | 37.8% | 66 | 7 | | 5/10/2015 | @ CHICAGO | 86-84 | W | -3 | L | 194 | U | 29-75 | 38.7% | 52 | 15 | 32-89 | 36.0% | 53 | 8 | | 5/12/2015 | CHICAGO | 106-101 | W | -5.5 | L | 190.5 | O | 40-79 | 50.6% | 47 | 11 | 34-86 | 39.5% | 53 | 8 | | 5/14/2015 | @ CHICAGO | 94-73 | W | 2.5 | W | 192 | U | 33-79 | 41.8% | 60 | 11 | 30-80 | 37.5% | 41 | 7 | | 5/20/2015 | @ ATLANTA | 97-88 | W | 2 | W | 199.5 | U | 37-84 | 44.0% | 60 | 12 | 34-77 | 44.2% | 43 | 12 | | 5/22/2015 | @ ATLANTA | 94-82 | W | 3.5 | W | 193 | U | 33-76 | 43.4% | 56 | 12 | 33-79 | 41.8% | 46 | 11 | | 5/24/2015 | ATLANTA | 114-111 | W | -8 | L | 190 | O | 40-97 | 41.2% | 68 | 13 | 36-88 | 40.9% | 54 | 7 | | 5/26/2015 | ATLANTA | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| |  | ATLANTA: GUARDS: Considering he was almost gone a year ago, the Hawks are thankful JEFF TEAGUE is still in town. He may never be a great shooter, but he gets wherever he wants on the floor . . . KYLE KORVER is still the NBA's premier shooter, and he's shown no signs of relinquishing that title . . . THABO SEFOLOSHA gives the Hawks a defensive option to complement Korver. He looked worn down last season though, eventually falling out of OKC's rotation . . . KENT BAZEMORE gives Atlanta some more offensive firepower off the bench . . . DENNIS SCHRODER showed flashes of that Rajon Rondo Lite promise last year. Don't be surprised to see him paired with Teague in some lineups . . . There's no guarantee JOHN JENKINS will ever be the same after back surgery. FORWARDS: PAUL MILLSAP has developed into a capable co-alpha, along with Jeff Teague. In addition to his low-post work, he's developed a three-point shot and the ability to work off the dribble . . . DeMARRE CARROLL is trying to add a three-point shot to his repertoire. It would give him a big boost in offensive value to go along with his defense and all-around hustle . . . ADREIAN PAYNE will provide some much-needed depth at the 4 and 5 spots. He's NBA-ready, especially with his ability to pull opposing big men away from the basket with his shooting . . . MIKE MUSCALA gives them another big man who can shoot it, but he's not athletic enough to hold his own in the NBA. CENTERS: Will AL HORFORD ever stay healthy? He's an All-Star when he is. His recent injuries have been a bit fluky, but it's going to be tough to trust him . . . PERO ANTIC proved to be a capable stretch-5 last year, but the arrival of Payne will likely push him out of the rotation. |  | CLEVELAND: GUARDS: KYRIE IRVING will play off the ball more. With defenses keying on LeBron James, Irving should become a more efficient scorer . . . DION WAITERS will start for the Cavaliers at shooting guard. He shows flashes of brilliance on offense, but like Irving, doesn't play defense . . . MIKE MILLER reunites with James as a part-time floor spacer . . . JOE HARRIS' deep shooting makes him a possible long-term replacement for Miller. FORWARDS: LeBRON JAMES is the MVP favorite. He'll fill up the stat sheet while having these Cavaliers in a position to win every single night . . . KEVIN LOVE is one of the game's premier power forwards. He should have plenty of open looks this season, as he plays off of James. He'll also rack up rebounds . . . TRISTAN THOMPSON's switch from shooting left-handed to righty last season went well. He's a solid two-way player who should see time at center as well . . . SHAWN MARION will be a swiss-army knife off the bench for the Cavs. He can do a little bit of everything and will allow James to get a little rest this season. . . JAMES JONES followed James to Cleveland. He'll see minutes in a handful of games as a three-point specialist. CENTERS: ANDERSON VAREJAO stayed relatively healthy last season, and the Cavs will need him considering their thin rotation up front. He never developed much of an offensive game, but his energy, defense and rebounding fit well alongside Thompson and James. Because of this information, no power rating or computer score edges are posted for this game. |
| | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PA SPORTSTICKER NBA PLAYOFF PREVIEW (ATLANTA-CLEVELAND) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Updates with new lead, quotes, details. With AP Photos.)
*Hawks-Cavaliers Preview* =========================
By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer
Atlanta At Cleveland, Game Four, 8:30 p.m. EDT
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) -- LeBron James hurts everywhere, the King of Pain.
One win from taking the Cavaliers back to the NBA Finals, and one step closer to a title he covets more than any other, James leaned against a padded wall on Monday and hardly resembled basketball's most undeniable force.
"I'm feeling all right," he said, forcing a smile that showed he wasn't being entirely truthful. "I've been better, but I've been worse. I think I've been worse."
James moved slowly and not with his usual grace one day after his brilliant performance in Game 3 lifted Cleveland to a 114-111 win over the Atlanta Hawks in overtime, moving the Cavs within a victory of their first Finals appearance since 2007.
James wore a sleeve on his right calf, which cramped so severely he asked to be taken out Sunday night before re-considering. Instead, he pushed through the pain and delivered 37 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists - all after an 0-for-10 shooting start - to help the Cavs take a 3-0 series lead.
He's battered, not beaten. James isn't going to let anything stop him. Not now. Not this close to his fifth straight Finals or a championship.
"When you want to win, you've got to sacrifice your body feeling good," he said. "That's just what it's about."
With a win on Tuesday night, the Cavs can clinch the Eastern Conference title and get some rest before a Finals matchup presumably against Golden State, which leads Houston 3-0 heading into Monday's Game 4. James has been down this path before, but never one so bumpy.
Cleveland's season has been strewn with obstacles: extreme expectations, chemistry issues, trades and injuries, including ones in the postseason to forward Kevin Love and All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving, who has missed the past two games with an injured left knee. James has never been on a team that's had to surmount as much.
Before the season began, James predicted this - molding a new team into a title contender - would be the greatest challenge of his career.
"I felt it would be, and it is," he said.
The Cavs need one more win over the rising Hawks, who showed resiliency in Game 3 by overcoming a 10-point deficit in the fourth when they appeared done. One play here, one there and Atlanta wouldn't be in a 3-0 hole that no team in league history has been able to climb from.
Despite overwhelming odds, the Hawks won't quit.
"No matter what happens, we're still going to be confident," forward Paul Millsap said. "We believe in our team. We believe in the guys that we have. We feel like we can do something special, whether this year, next year, whatever. We're going to stick to this. It's not over `til it's over."
For James, the only ending he can envision is winning his third title and ending Cleveland's 51-year championship drought.
"It's been my goal since I got back here, not only to get back, but to win, win the whole thing," he said. "That's my goal. It's part of my drive. That's what it's about."
There are some other subplots heading into Game 4:
IRVING UPDATE
While his teammates got treatment and relaxed after a draining game, Irving went through another vigorous workout as Cleveland's coaching staff and medical team kept a close eye on him.
Cavs coach David Blatt said Irving remains a game-time decision for Tuesday and the team's lead in the series has no bearing on whether he'll play.
"We need Kyrie on the court, and we're not really thinking about resting him as much as we're thinking about him being healthy to play basketball," Blatt said. "We need him on the court, whether we're up 1-0 or 2-1 or 3-0."
SILENT TREATMENT
After making strong inferences they felt Cavs guard Matthew Dellavedova plays dirty, the Hawks were quiet about the subject.
The scrappy Dellavedova got involved in a loose-ball scramble that ended with Atlanta forward Al Horford hitting him with an elbow and being ejected. Following Game 3, Horford said Dellavedova has "gotta learn" to play with more restraint.
Earlier in the series, Dellavedova injured Kyle Korver when he dived on the floor and rolled up on the Atlanta guard's ankle. Korver is out for the rest of the playoffs.
Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer was careful with his words about Horford's ejection.
"The officials in our league have a difficult job," he said. "We obviously see it a little differently. But that's part of the game and part of those difficult situations. We're moving forward."
KING'S ENDORSEMENT
Forward Tristan Thompson's value to the Cavs grows daily. With Love out, he's playing more and the four-year veteran, who will be a free agent this summer, has been almost unstoppable on the boards.
"Tristan should probably be a Cavalier for his whole career," James said. "There's no reason why he shouldn't. This guy is 24 years old. He's played in 340-plus straight games, and he's gotten better every single season. It's almost like what more can you ask out of a guy even though we ask for more out of him?"
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| | Last Updated: 4/26/2024 5:52:25 PM EST. |
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