Immediate Reactions: Cavaliers’ 114-111 Loss to Atlanta Hawks Raises Timeout Questions

A strong start slips away

Cleveland held Atlanta to 16 points in the first quarter, its lowest total allowed in a quarter this season, and finished the period up 15. The Hawks responded by outscoring the Cavaliers 30-16 in the second quarter.

Atlanta has now won five straight home games against Cleveland and 11 of the last 13 meetings when the Cavaliers were on the road. The Cavaliers’ lead did not translate into a win as the Hawks took control after the opening period.

Late chances fall short

Harden led Cleveland with 24 points, while Mitchell finished with 22. Mitchell drew multiple fouls late as the Cavaliers tried to stay within reach. Cleveland was down 10 with two minutes remaining, then cut the margin to four with 40 seconds left. Down three in the final 15 seconds, Mitchell had two chances to tie the game, but Cleveland did not call a timeout to set up a play.

Timeout decisions under scrutiny

The account criticizes coach Atkinson’s in-game adjustments and says he used four timeouts in the first half, when Cleveland was ahead and then began to lose its lead. It says he called only one in the second half.

The criticism also focuses on the closing possession, when Mitchell was given the ball to create a play. The account says Harden and Sam Merrill had been shooting better and argues they could have been options for a designed play.

Atlanta wins the physical battle

The Cavaliers were outworked in the second half, according to the account. Atlanta’s pace stretched Cleveland’s defense, while the Hawks also won the battle on the glass. Peyton Watson got into foul trouble early in the second half and spent time with five fouls. Rookie Meleek Thomas, whose play had helped Cleveland with pace, was out for the game.