Game Summary
The Cavaliers return to Quicken Loans Arena to take on the Atlanta Hawks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Tipoff is at 8:30 p.m. ET.
The Cavaliers have won all eight of its playoff series when leading 2-0, including one this postseason (vs. Boston).
Dating back to Jan. 19 of the 2014-15 regular season, the Cavs have won 24 of their last 26 games at The Q, which includes 17 wins by a margin of victory of at least 10 points. During their 24-2 stretch at home, Cleveland has outscored its opponents by an average of 11.8 points (105.2-93.4), while holding foes to just .415 shooting from the field.
Through the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavs have held the Hawks to 85.5 points on .429 shooting, including .204 (10-49) from beyond the arc. The Wine and Gold currently have the best defensive numbers among all teams left in the postseason, leading the way in opponent points per game (91.4), opponent field goal percentage (.412), opponent
three-point percentage (.286) and blocks per game (7.0).
Cleveland has outrebounded the Hawks 96-76 over the first two games and is a perfect 10-0 this postseason when the team ties or outrebounds its opponent. The Cavs’ +5.1 edge on the glass (45.4-40.3) is tops in the 2015 Playoffs.
Atlanta has had five different players record at least one double-double this postseason, tied for the second highest total in one playoff run in franchise history.
Atlanta has had a different leading scorer in each of the last four playoff games – Al Horford 23 points on 5/13 vs. Washington, DeMarre Carroll 25 points on 5/15 at Washington, Jeff Teague 27 points on 5/20 vs. Cleveland and Dennis Schröder 13 points on 5/22 vs. Cleveland.
Where to Watch:
Tune into the NBA on TNT.
WTAM 1100, 100.7 WMMS, 87.7 FM La Mega
What's going to make the difference?
Learn more about tonight’s matchup.
Get into the conversation with other die-hards.
Probable Starters/Status Update*presented by Cleveland Clinic
Status Update: Anderson Varejao, (Left Achilles Tendon Rupture, Out), Kevin Love, (Left Shoulder Dislocation, Out), Kyrie Irving, (Left Knee Tendinitis, Questionable)
Hawks: PG - Jeff Teague, SG - TBD, SF - DeMarre Carroll PF - Paul Millsap, C - Al Horford
Status Update: (Hawks) - Thabo Sefolosha, (Right Calf Strain, Out), Kyle Korver, (Right Ankle Sprain, Out)
Series Notables
In Game 2 at Atlanta, LeBron James recorded his sixth 30-point game of this year’s playoffs, as well as his 8th double-double, after finishing with 30 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists and one block in 39 minutes of action.
As a starter this postseason (last seven games), Tristan Thompson is averaging a double-double with 10.4 points on .540 shooting, 12.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 38.3 minutes. Against the Hawks in Game 2, Thompson pulled down a game-high 16 rebounds, and added seven points and two blocks in 41 minutes of work.
The Hawks outscored the Cavaliers 48-30 in points in the paint in Game 2. In the first two games of the series combined, Atlanta has outscored Cleveland 94-72 in points in the paint.
Where to Catch the Action
TV: TNT, Radio: WTAM 1100, 100.7 WMMS, 87.7 FM La Mega, ESPN Radio
Be sure to tune into #CavsLive pregame show on FOX Sports Ohio starting at 7:30 p.m.
For live in-game updates, follow @cavs, @CavsJoeG, @CavsFredMcLeod, @MrCavalier34, @CavsJMike, @chones22, @FSOAllieOop and @ElalcaldeRafa on Twitter.
On Deck
After tonight's game, the two teams will square off in Game 4 of the series on Tuesday at Quicken Loans Arena. Tipoff is at 8:30 p.m. ET. View Series Schedule