NBA Playoffs: Cavaliers vs. Hawks Game 1 recap, full highlights

The Cavaliers were tested, but put the Hawks away in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals

After sweeping the Detroit Pistons in the first round, the Cleveland Cavaliers had to be feeling quite confident about their chances against the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference semifinals as Game 1 got underway on Monday night from Quicken Loans Arena. And right out of the gate, the Cavaliers were playing much like the more confident and far superior team as they jumped out to an 11-point lead in the first quarter led by stellar play from LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.

However, the Hawks showed soon after that they weren’t going to lay down and make this a walk in the park for the defending Eastern Conference champs. They played the Cavaliers tight for the second quarter and went into the locker room for halftime only trailing by 10 points. That apparently was right where Atlanta wanted the home team.

The Hawks continued to play well right out of halftime, but it was Dennis Schroder and Kent Bazemore that really stepped up to start chipping away at the lead. By midway through the fourth quarter, the Hawks were in the lead and the two teams were then going back and forth for control of the late-game action in Game 1.

With fans of both teams on the edge of their seats, though, it was a big J.R. Smith three and then some clutch plays and buckets from LeBron, along with stifling defense in the final three minutes of play, that gave the Cavaliers a big lead. With just over a minute to play, LeBron unleashed a wicked spin move for a lay-up to put Cleveland up by nine point and ultimately seal the victory in a thrilling Game 1.

Three Stars

LeBron James, Cavaliers – 25 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, five steals, one block

Dennis Schroder, Hawks – 27 points, six assists, four rebounds

Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers – 21 points, eight assists, one rebound, one steal, one block

Highlights

Next Game

The Cavaliers and Hawks will meet for Game 2 in just two days back at The Q tip-off on Wednesday, May 4 going down at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.

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