Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Lessons From ECFs Game 1

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May 20, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) reacts after making a basket against Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the fourth quarter of game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Last night, the Atlanta Hawks were dealt a few crippling blows in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. For one thing, the Cleveland Cavaliers stole home-court advantage away with a 97-89 victory in the series opener. But even more importantly, DeMarre Carroll suffered a nasty-looking non-contact knee injury and left the game.

The Cavs have been playing without Kevin Love since the first round, but coming into Atlanta and stealing home-court advantage in Game 1 was a huge boost to their odds of reaching the NBA Finals.

Led by a big night from LeBron James and a knockout performance from J.R. Smith, the Cavs were able to beat the top seed in the East on their home floor.

But what did we learn from such an eventful opening game? Are the Cavaliers ready to run away with this series, or do the Hawks have more to offer their competition moving forward?

Here’s a look at the five biggest lessons from the Cavs’ opening victory in the Eastern Conference Finals as we look ahead to Game 2.

Next: No. 5

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