NBA Playoffs: How will Hawks match up against Cavaliers in conference semifinals?
After the Atlanta Hawks’ thrilling seven-game series win over the Miami Heat Sunday, fans are understandably excited about the upcoming Eastern Conference semifinals against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, starting tomorrow.
But here are some things to consider as the high-flying Hawks soar into Cleveland for Game 1:
– The Cavs sport the NBA’s best regular-season record at 66-16
– Cleveland won its NBA Eastern Conference First Round playoff series, sweeping Detroit 4-0
– The Cavs as a team average 100.3 PPG
– In 2009, LeBron James averaged 28.4 PPG
– In the playoffs, James averaged 32 PPG
You tell us: What are the Hawks’ chances against the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals? Can Atlanta take Cleveland to seven games or will the Cavs pull off the sweep again?
HAWKS-CAVALIERS EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIS PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Game 1 – Atlanta at Cleveland, Tuesday, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 2 - Atlanta at Cleveland, Thursday, 8 p.m., ESPN
Game 3 – Cleveland at Atlanta, Saturday, 8 p.m., ABC
Game 4 – Cleveland at Atlanta, Monday, 7 p.m., ESPN
*Game 5 – Atlanta at Cleveland, Wed., May 13, Time TBA
*Game 6 – Cleveland at Atlanta, Fri., May 15, Time TBA
*Game 7 – Atlanta at Cleveland, Mon., May 18, Time TBA
* – If necessary
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134 comments Add your comment
GeeMack
May 4th, 2009
12:40 pm
I love the Hawks, but they don’t compete on the road. Cavs in 5. I will give the Hawks 2 close home games winning 1. In Clevland they will get destroyed by 20 or more 3 times. I wish it would go 7 and the Hawks competed in all 7, but they won’t that’s wishful thinking.
J Dub
May 4th, 2009
12:40 pm
I really have high hopes for the Hawks but I still know that the Cavs will be the toughest team we could possibly face in the East. The question you have to ask yourself is this….How badly does Stern want a Bron/Kobe final?
C. Henry Adams
May 4th, 2009
12:41 pm
Yesterday on Facebook, following the storm that rolled through the City of Atlanta, I read the feed of a Female FB Friend. She wrote something like, “What’s going on FB?” I replied back saying something to the effect, “The Storms has passed over Atlanta and the Hawks are on their way to whoop on Cleveland.” Little did I know she was from Cleveland and a starch CAV Fans. Needless to say, I set myself up for an Ambush, ’cause four of her FB Friends attacked me (figure of speech).
Anyway, Gooooo Hawks! This is your Year, Whoop the CAVs!
Bop
May 4th, 2009
12:45 pm
Sorry! Atlanta fans, The hawks have no chance in hell of beaten the Cav,s in a series. And you really think they can go to the Q and take one. James will be name M.V.P and accept the award Tuesday. Get ready for a beatdown
KP
May 4th, 2009
12:55 pm
Keys to the Hawks upsetting the Cavs:
1) The Hawks have to catch the Cavs in game one. With such a long layoff….there is a chance that they will come out flat and the Hawks must carry that Game 7 energy into the 1st Q and try and jump on them quick. We also have to start games off with more energy and not dig a hole. In the game that we beat the Cavs – we jumped out to a 31-24 lead in the 1st Q.
2) Force Lebron to beat you from the perimeter. You have to stop him from getting easy layups and dunks.
3) Must get JJ going. He only averaged 16.5 ppg in the 4 games against the Cavs. He must average 25 a game for us to have a chance.
3) Must slow down Mo Williams! He torched us for 23, 26, 20 and 24 points in the four games against Cleveland. Rotate Rio and AC in to try and keep him closer to his season pts average of 17 pts per game.
4) Win the battle of the boards – We did a good job of this against them this year ATL 164/CLE 151 in all 4 games.
5) Josh has to focus his game on the defensive end of the floor. He has to help Big Al protect the rim and then get out on the break. If he plays smart (I realize this is asking a lot – but I have hope) then we have a great chance!
6) Bench play – We will need to have superior bench play in order to win with Flip being a key factor
Key Facts:
-AC Law had 20 pts in game 1 against the Cavs in Cleveland
-Cavs only beat us by an average of 4 pts per game
-Hawks have been in every single game only losing by 1 and 6 pt’s in 2 of the 3 losses to the Cavs.
LETS GO HAWKS!!
dhunt
May 4th, 2009
12:56 pm
@CJ…Preach On. The Cavs would need to have a serious let down for the hawks to run away with this series and that simply doesn’t happen because of Lebron and because of good coaching.
The Hawks on the other hand, seem to always be one questionable call away from total disintegration. This is the most talented team the Hawks have fielded since Nique was in his prime, and arguably, one of the worst coached teams in franchise history. This team is underachieving at an unheard of level. This team, as good as they can be some nights, is schizophrenic, Dr, Jeckyll/Mr. Hyde, dysfunctional.
Every sports commentator I’ve heard, said this was one of the worst series ever for consistent good play from both teams. I think they are half right. I think all the blame for the Hawks blowout losses go squarely to the Hawks lack of commitment and focus. They didn’t even look like the same team in their losses, while Miami looked pretty much the same the entire series. Miami’s losses were bad overall shooting nights, led by D Wade and often influenced by the Hawks playing defense at the level they are capable of playing every night.
This team is talented enough to win now. But thus far, they haven’t shown that they are mentally ready and no one has emerged with the heat and soul to lead them to the promised land.
Ken
May 4th, 2009
12:59 pm
I’m happy for the hawks but they have NO chance with the Cav’s. Either sweep or Atlanta will win game 4 by the skin of their teeth. You heard it here first.
Congrats Hawks on a good season.
Jfreak
May 4th, 2009
12:59 pm
First of all great job Hawks! I have had my doubts but you have proven me wrong. My apologies and your credit! However, the Cavs are another story all together. I don’t believe the Hawks will get swept but it’s hard to see how they could win more than one maybe two games if they really play well. But hey what do I know? I didn’t think they’d make it out of the 1st round!
DHD
May 4th, 2009
1:02 pm
The Hawks, with one year less experience, took the World Champs to 7 games. So, why is it crazy to think they can’t take the Cavs to 7 games. If they do, anything can happen. So, all bets are off here.
SouthernNest
May 4th, 2009
1:07 pm
My sentiments exactly, DHD. You never know until they play the games.
2008, the same prognosticators were predicting a Celtics rout. I know the “chances” are slim, but let’s see the outcome played out on the hardwoods, not in blogs.
Leland
May 4th, 2009
1:12 pm
To me without even thinking about it, it all depends on points. Point distribution. If we can get more points in each of four games before they do, we might have it. Follow? There’s another possibility–say we get the first three games in outblows, they might get depressed and quit. That’ll be it. We win. Is the latter likely? Damn tootin’ it is. They’re nothing but a pile of refried beans.
JerryT
May 4th, 2009
1:12 pm
Whoever plays D against LeBron will foul out. Start with Mario and at least try to keep LeBron’s points down for a while. Then hope Joe is hot with the 3 pointers!
Leland
May 4th, 2009
1:14 pm
You don’t believe me, ask Mark Bradley.
Jimv
May 4th, 2009
1:21 pm
If it takes the Hawks 7-games to beat a one-man team, the Cavs should win in five. The Hawks’ fans avoid a sweep.
count_schemula
May 4th, 2009
1:21 pm
This really is Al Horford’s team. No Horford, No chance. Bibby may run the floor, Josh Smith runs hot and punk, Joe Johnson is “the star” but Horford is the winning force.
RickNole
May 4th, 2009
1:22 pm
I am sure the Refs will make sure that Lebron gets to the line. But I just hope we make it a decent series. If we can steal game one (with a rusty cleveland team) and take care of home, we can do this!!
Peter
May 4th, 2009
1:23 pm
WOw for those who think the Cavs will come out flat I am wondering why ? The Hawks are the ones who on the road typically come out flat….
I think the Hawks have had a good season, and hope them all the best. I say they win 2 games at home, and play better on the road.
Next year we need a BIG MAN….trade Marvin, also get a real point guard……Bibby played well, but is getting old, and I really have little faith in AC Law.
Lebron cousin
May 4th, 2009
1:29 pm
Are you guys serious? Hawks will be lucky to win one game. The Cavs are on another level this year. Why are you guys talking about what the Hawks did last year with the Celtics. The Celtics didnt get into the game mentally until game 5… did you forget about the Ray Allen ordeal. Its all about defensive matchups and the Hawks don’t matchup with the Cavs…NOT AT ALL. Hawks will get blown out in Cleveland and might play close at home, but not enough to stop the King and Co.
Hawks did good to beat the strugglin Heat in round 1. But in round 2, not a chance. This round the Hawks will be like a possum… They will lay down at home and get killed on the road. LOL
bali
May 4th, 2009
1:43 pm
i hope they can be competitive and maybe pull off one or two victories………….
Just A Fan
May 4th, 2009
1:52 pm
uhh we got no shot
HGN
May 4th, 2009
2:00 pm
Though I am a staunch Hawks fan, I don’t believe we have enough fire power coming off the bench to knock off the Cavaliers. I think our Starting 5 will be able to hang in there. But the difference of who wins , and who loses , is going to be determined by each teams bench. If we had Josh Childress ( to guard LeBron ), and one more shooter , I think we could pull it off. I think its going to be the Cavs in 6.
Tech sucks
May 4th, 2009
2:02 pm
We can take all the home games. Series should have been 2-2 this year. We need to somehow steal a game in CLE. Not sure if that’s remotely possible though with how bad we are on the road (especially against good teams) and how good they are at home.
D.Carter
May 4th, 2009
2:06 pm
Lebrons cousin were you the guy with the kid and play CD in the car?
Darkside
May 4th, 2009
2:12 pm
CAVS IN 4.
K-Town Dawg
May 4th, 2009
2:13 pm
Kudos KP, that is an excellent breakdown.
Also, you can bet your @ss the LeBrons wanted the Heat to win.
They don’t want any part of a team that one player on any given night can drop 20 out of nowhere. JJ has to be on, J. Smith needs to play smart and take the ball to the rim. More passing and less “bad look” shots. IMO the Hawks have a good chance of stealing game 1 by catching the Cavs off-guard after their long layoff.
To the Cavs fans on here:
You must be worried about the ATL/BOS 7 game series from last year because that is all you guys seem to talk about.
To Bop:
“That is why they play the game”
KP
May 4th, 2009
2:15 pm
Its a good thing that they play the games……If the Hawks read this blog and listened to the ABC/ESPN/TNT commentators – they should just throw in the towel right after the player introductions on Tuesday night!
I am not trying to say that I think the Hawks will beat the Cav’s in a 7 game series, however I recall not too many of the so called experts giving us even a chance to win 1 game against Boston last year. I honestly do not think that we are capable of winning a game in Cleveland, however what if…….?????
The Hawks, (when they put their minds to it and play focused basketball), have shown some serious flashes of brilliance and can play with anybody.
Either way…if we can win a couple of games at home and force this thing to a 6-7 game series…the season will and should be deemed a success and we can build from here.
GO HAWKS!!!!
Darkside
May 4th, 2009
2:18 pm
Why are people in Atlanta so caught up in the sports hype? All the teams in the Atl. are week. So what? The Falcons luck up and have a good season. All that crap is going to stop this coming season. (Braves) Need I say more.. Thrashers. (Hahaha – wet noodle) and your beloved Hawks. (The media) and the world wants Miami and Cleveland.. So, what? The Hawks got lucky… You won’t see LB hanging out in HOTLANTA… He might get a case (arrested) for just peeping inside a club.
OKEE-DOKEE
May 4th, 2009
2:24 pm
KING JAMES IN TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WON’T MATTER AFTER THE FIRST TWO GAMES…..:-(
K-Town Dawg
May 4th, 2009
2:26 pm
The fact that the Hawks have beaten the Cavs this year lends itself to the Hawks knowing they can play with any team.
Also, I remember the game against the Lakers in February where JJ shut Kobe down and the Hawks won by 10. Bibby had 21 points to JJs 8. The fire power is there!
On any given day…
K-Town Dawg
May 4th, 2009
2:28 pm
Hey Darkside,
I think you meant WEAK, jack@ss!
If you hate Atlanta sports so much, why are you on a Hawks blog?
Piss off, d-bag!
jimmy james
May 4th, 2009
2:30 pm
If it goes 7 games – there is no way the hawks will win. IF there’s a game 7 of course the cavs are going to win on their homecourt.
Uncle Will
May 4th, 2009
2:32 pm
Oh ye of little faith…
Alvin R
May 4th, 2009
2:35 pm
Cavs in 6 (but the Hawks will make it a good series)…I feel the Hawks are one quality “big man” away from being title contenders…either way, the Hawks have had a very good season…
K-Town Dawg
May 4th, 2009
2:35 pm
I think darkside is still angry about the 1995 World Series!
PMC
May 4th, 2009
2:41 pm
Put our cities luck up against Cleveland…
Hell Yes we can win. They do have arguably the best player in the NBA.. they do have a very good team… but why not?
Who thought the Hawks could take the 4 seed. Who thought the Hawks would beat one of the best players in the NBA in a game 7.
Yeah they can win this series, even if they do drop the first 2.
yoye
May 4th, 2009
2:44 pm
Hawks will win at least 2 games…
KP
May 4th, 2009
2:46 pm
To Darkside: I give you credit for appropriately naming yourself. If you dont have any thing constructive to say than don’t say anything at all!
The Falcons season was hardly luck….after all they won 11 games and for anyone to not think that the future is bright…is kidding themselves.
The Braves despite starting the season off very slowly….are still only 2 1/2 games out of first place in what is supposed to be one of the toughest divisions in baseball!
The Thrashers…..OK I will give you that
UGA just had their QB go #1 in the NFL draft!
I have been an ATL sports fan from the moment that I came here in 1978. I remember watching the old Hawks back when Kevin Loughery was the coach and our leading scorer was John Drew. I was on the band waggon and also was “caught up in the sports hype” back then. BTW….What’s so wrong with that.
I will allow you to continue to hate on ATL fans…..what a waste of energy!
I would rather be lucky and in the 2nd round of the playoff’s then at home with my thumb up my @*s like D-Wade!
MyView
May 4th, 2009
2:51 pm
I am happy that J Barry comment were replayed for Coach Woodson to hear. I hope he lets the team hear them. That would motivate me if it were the pregame speach. Coach goes over the gameplan, play those comments for the team. Then says “lets prove them fools for doubting us”.
KP
May 4th, 2009
3:01 pm
MyView: Definately was glad to hear those comments from J Barry and Woody should definately use his remarks as white board fodder. It is also important to note that Magic Johnson predicts that we will win 2 games. OK…who was the better player – Jon Barry or Magic?
MyView
May 4th, 2009
3:07 pm
The biggest difference between the Hawks and Cleveland all season is that the Cavs played with a playoff intensity all season, and the Hawks have only brought that same intensity for the bigger home games, and early in the season we played like that on the road. That being said, we have a higher ceiling than does Cleveland, simply because there won’t be a huge jump from the way they performed in the regular season, whereas we could have played better most nights during the season. This series will prove whether or not we learned anything last season vs Boston.
KP
May 4th, 2009
3:13 pm
Again I agree….We are now getting ready to move from Playoff B-Ball 101 to Playoff B-Ball 201. These are the building blocks that are required to take a young team to the next level. No doubt that Cleveland comes to play every night. A big part of this is because Lebron brings it every night and expects the same from his team. We do not have that one guy who we can count on to bring it every night and demand it from his mates at the same time.
leggomyego
May 4th, 2009
3:19 pm
Honestly, I’d much rather face LeBron and his crew than Garnett + Ray Allen + Paul Pierce. That bunch last year reads like an All-Star team by itself, and we took them to the wire. Cleveland better watch out, i think we match up against them better than most. Cavs are great, and the Hawks are right to be underdogs… but i’ll take our chances. Give em hel boys.
Stewart
May 4th, 2009
3:31 pm
Darkside is talking smack about Atlanta… from Cleveland? Cleveland? Cleveland is just happy the Cuyahoga doesn’t catch fire anymore.
JR
May 4th, 2009
3:34 pm
As much as I would like to see the Hawks win the Cleveland series, oddes are heavily against it. If we can shoot some cortizone into Marvin’s latest boo-boo, we would have a chance for a couple of wins. Without him, we have no chance. Horford is hobbling, Johnson is not completely out of his funk yet. Bibby can score, but can’t play defense on quicker guards. Smith is the human highlight film, with a couple of frames missing, i.e., outside shooting and free throws. And… no three players of ours can stop Lebron. It’s been a nice run, but we must soon be concentrating on drafting or signing a new point guard and a large body to play inside. Anyway, GO HAWKS!
JR
May 4th, 2009
3:36 pm
Oh yeah,
Cleveland is just Detroit without the glitter.
Dawg House
May 4th, 2009
3:44 pm
Cavs in six
MyView
May 4th, 2009
3:51 pm
My prediction: Hawks in 6. Bold, I know. Hawks win gm 2 in Cleveland, 3 and 4 in ATL, and 6 in ATL. Steal one on the road, and play well at home like we have all season.
Joseph
May 4th, 2009
4:02 pm
Atlanta is to be a huge underdog for this series, but that’s okay. Cleveland has everything to lose, and Atlanta has everything to gain. Even though I know the odds are against it, I would love to see us take them to the wire. Everyone doubted us last year, and we were one game from knocking the Celtics out in round-1. Either way, this season is a definite improvement over last years. Don’t be surprised if the Hawks stun the world though. All across the sporting world, big ole’ Goliath gets whooped by David year in and year out.
Paul W
May 4th, 2009
4:25 pm
The progress made by the Hawks is significant, but work remains to be done. Cleveland will take us in 6, and after they win the title of the entire league, we will realize that we didn’t do so poorly.
I love where the Hawks have come, but until we have a top-notch NBA center and Horford can play the 4 and Smith can play the 3, we aren’t quite there yet. But the progress is impressive.
C-Town
May 4th, 2009
4:26 pm
So the Hawks win a playoff series for the first time in…FOREVER…and now they’re ripe and ready to take down the Cavs? Enjoy your little slice of limelight while you can, Atlanta. And enjoy all the ludicrous “if we steal one at their place” and “they can have an off day” speculation. Once this series starts, reality will set in.
Enjoy the show! We in Cleveland certainly will…