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Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Takeaways From Game 4 vs. Hawks

By James D. Tillman III

May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) calls for a jump ball after tying up Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (not shown) at the end of game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers won 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) calls for a jump ball after tying up Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (not shown) at the end of game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers won 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 6, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; The Cleveland Cavaliers bench reacts with forward Channing Frye (9) after a basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 121-108. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; The Cleveland Cavaliers bench reacts with forward Channing Frye (9) after a basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 121-108. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Cavaliers’ Depth Too Much For Hawks

During last year’s playoff run, James was forced to carry a short-handed Cavs team to the Finals. As expected, his individual effort wasn’t enough, as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Cavs in six games.

This year, however, balance has been the name of the game, with a variety of players stepping up at different times. In Game 2 of this series, J.R. Smith led Cleveland’s three-point barrage, shooting 7-for-13 from beyond the arc. In Game 3, Channing Frye scored 27 points on an efficient 10-for-13 shooting, which included a 7-for-9 effort from distance.

In the series finale, it was more of the same. Kyrie Irving scored 21 points to go along with eight dimes, and Iman Shumpert chipped in with 10 points, including a pair of three-pointers in the second quarter, that helped the Cavs get back into the game. While the Hawks expressed confidence coming into this matchup, the Cavaliers were the deeper team and it showed throughout the entire series.

This was a big reason why the Cavaliers swept the Hawks for the second straight season.

Next: Cavs Starting To Resemble Warriors

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