The Cavaliers lost their second game in a row, both to Atlanta, and this time the team had a 26-point fourth quarter lead.
After topping the Boston Celtics on Thursday, the Cavs came crashing back down to earth as Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 15 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter. The Cavs surrendered a 26-point lead in the fourth quarter and fell 126-125 to the Hawks in overtime. If the Cavs and Celtics finish with the same record, Cleveland will get the top seed for winning the season series. However, James, who also had 16 rebounds and 10 assists for a triple-double, fouled out with just under two minutes remaining in overtime.
There is also the possibility that, with Miami overcoming an 11-30 start by catching fire in the second half of the season, the Cavs might actually prefer not to have the top spot, just in case the surging Heat make their way into the No. 8 seed. "We've had a few games like that where it's their turn to step up and play inspired basketball and they do and they come in and beat us".
Now in his third season, Love has become used to the spotlight that comes with playing alongside James, but the All-Star forward acknowledged there have been long stretches this season where the Cavs haven't been as focused as needed. He logged 47 minutes in Sunday's overtime loss at Atlanta.
Cavaliers: Coach Tyronn Lue plans to rest James and Irving for the playoffs if the Cavs clinch the No. 1 seed.
"I'm not discouraged. It was a tough loss for us, but that's the way the game goes", Lue said.With the win, Atlanta improved to 41-38 on the season which is good for fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
Trade acquisition Kyle Korver recently returned to the floor off a sore left foot and J.R. Smith was back to the action after missing almost three months following a thumb surgery. James picked up three fouls and four points in the fourth quarter. "But l think last night and in the third quarter (on Tuesday) against Orlando, our pace of play and defensively, how we were moving and how we were communicating was so much better".
"I'm doing everything possible to take care of my body, I've got a clear conscience with that", he said.
Cassidy, Kennedy cheer confirmation of Neil Gorsuch to Supreme Court
Democrats were in the majority at the time and lowered the vote threshold on nominees excluding Supreme Court picks. The move, which could change the Senate and court for generations, came Thursday on a procedural motion.
"It was a great feeling but we have to do it again on Sunday", Hardaway said.
The team finished the month of March with a record of 6-10, the first time James has finished an entire month with at least 10 losses since November 2003 - more than13 years ago.
Thabo Sefolosha (right groin strain) has been out and Atlanta didn't want to play Millsap or Bazemore on consecutive nights after recent injury woes. Things really started to unravel for Cleveland in the final moments of the game.
The problem for Lue is exacerbated because Irving's left knee is bothering him.
And Ilyasova says the game hold extra importance with the Hawks battling for home-court advantage.
There are just 3 more games left until the real season begins but if their approach Friday night resurfaces after April 12, they can forget about repeating as NBA champions because they won't even get back to the NBA Finals.
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