Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Takeaways From Game 4 vs. Hawks

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 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) is fouled by Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the first half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Fourth Quarter Defense Has Been Key

During their impressive run through the postseason, one of the elements that has been noticeably missing is defense. In fact, of the remaining teams in the playoffs, the Cavaliers are ranked last in opponents’ field goal percentage (.460).

Taking that statistic into consideration, the Cavaliers cannot be considered an elite defensive ball club at this point. However, they have been doing a good job of turning up the intensity at that end of the floor in the fourth quarter. For example, they are holding opponents to just 21.6 points on 41 percent shooting in the final frame.

Along with that, the Hawks averaged 22.5 points and scored more than 23 points just once in the final 12 minutes during the conference semifinals. This occurrence took place in Game 2 when they scored 28 points in the fourth quarter, as Cleveland played its bench unit in a 123-98 rout.

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While offense comes and goes, solid defense gives teams a chance to win games that come down to the last few possessions. And as long as the Cavaliers can continue to get stops when the game is on the line, they will be a tough out regardless of who they play in the next rounds.

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