Really, really discouraging as the Cavs were screwed on the challenge but they also did it to themselves, missing seven free throws, including 0-for-3 by LeVert and Stevens 0-for-2 in the final minutes. Garland was 1-for-6 on 3's and missed a wide open floater in the final minute right before Murray hit that fallaway over LeVert after blatantly shoving off.
The Cavs had no bench tonight as Diakite, who is an average G League player, was a -17 in 13 minutes and Cedi was a total no-show at -19 in 12 minutes. The Cavs outplayed the Hawks with their starters on the floor. With all the injuries this was a game where the Cavs needed Cedi to step up and he disappeared.
The Hawks bench was +9, +10, +15, and +23. Our bench was -5, -17, and -19. Chalk this loss up to injuries, but better free throw shooting would have gotten us the win.
If the Cavs get the challenge in their favor it saves three points and another timeout at the end. That call was the difference.
Murray was unreal, hitting some amazing contested shots over Mobley putting a 20-foot arc on the shot. He had two 4-point plays plus the huge call that was unheld on the challenge. He ended up with 29 points.
Okongwu continues to make the Cavs pay for taking Okoro over him. He had 21 points in 20 minutes with 9 boards. Big mistake to pass on him for Okoro.
The Hawks shot 44.4% on 3's and some of them were pretty amazing as they knocked down shots with a defender right in their face. They also got five more points on the three fouls called on the Cavs defending 3's, all on Murray.
Awesome performances by Mitchell and Mobley. If we have Allen we probably blow them out. Even with Wade instead of Diakite we win. The one game where he's sick is the game we needed him.
