Murray, Hunter Shine as Tenacious Hawks D Stymies Cavs in 4th

You know the feeling when you’re watching an intense game and it comes down to the wire, with both teams battling hard to the final buzzer? Well that’s exactly what went down last night between the Hawks and Cavs. This one was a defensive slugfest that had you on the edge of your seat. The Hawks clamped down in the fourth quarter, stymying the Cavs to just 12 points on abysmal 6-22 shooting. I mean, they didn’t hit a single three-pointer in the entire period – can you believe that? Led by the tenacious defense of guys like De’Andre Hunter and Dejounte Murray, Atlanta pulled off the gritty win even with Trae Young sidelined. Saddiq Bey and Bogdan Bogdanovic also came up huge offensively when it counted most. If you didn’t catch this instant classic, let me tell you it was one for the ages. The Hawks are surging right now behind an inspired team effort on both ends of the court,

The Hawks stifling defense was on full display in the 4th quarter, holding the Cavaliers to a measly 12 points. Atlanta forced Cleveland into 6-22 shooting and 0-11 from beyond the arc, showcasing their ability to shut down opponents when needed.

Over the last two games, the Hawks defense is allowing an average 100.5 points and a .271% clip from deep (26-96 3FGM), while forcing 13.5 turnovers. Last night, the Hawks held the Cavaliers to an opponent season-low 12 points in the final frame. It’s just the second time in franchise history Atlanta has held their opponent to 12-or-fewer points in the 4th after allowing at least 40 points in the 3rd.

The Hawks forced 15 Cleveland turnovers leading to 25 points. Atlanta has forced their opponent to 10-or-more turnovers in eight straight games. Forcing turnovers has been a key part of the Hawks success and their ability to get out in transition.

De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic again led the way for the Hawks. Hunter poured in 17 points off the bench while Bogdanovic added 23 points including four 3-pointers. The sharpshooting duo have been on a tear, with Bogdanovic knocking down at least one three-pointer in 71 straight games and Hunter averaging 18.2 points on .538 FG% over his last 12 games.

Dejounte Murray finished with 18 points and nine assists to lead the Hawks to their second straight win. The sixth-year guard has scored 10 or more points in 43 games this season, trailing only Trae Young for the team lead. In the absence of Ice Trae due to left fifth finger torn ligament, Murray has stepped up and helped fill the void, dishing out nine assists for the second time in his last three games. The do-it-all guard has been key to the Hawks success, Murray has been able to impact games in a variety of ways on both ends of the floor.

With stifling defense and balanced scoring, the Hawks grinded out another win against a shorthanded Cavs. Murray and Hunter continued their strong play, while Bogdanovic and Bey provided perimeter scoring to lead Atlanta to their second straight victory. The Hawks head on the road and will look to make it three in a row on Friday March 8. when the team face the Grizzlies in Memphis.

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