Cavaliers Facing Questions After Back-To-Back Losses To Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks exposed some of the Cleveland Cavaliers biggest weakness.

Nov 29, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) dribbles the ball past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images / Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

For the first time in all season, the Cleveland Cavaliers face some real criticism following back-to-back losses to the Atlanta Hawks. Their first loss came on Wednesday night, and it was more of the same for the Wine and Gold on Friday.

What's Wrong With The Cavaliers Defense?

Cleveland's defense was being called into question earlier this week, even before they played the Hawks.

In Friday afternoon's game, the Hawks shot 52 percent (44-for-85) from the floor and 41 percent (14-34) from behind the arc. Two numbers that especially pop out are Atlanta's 52 points in the paint and their 14 three-pointers.

Kenny Atkinson and the coaching staff must figure out how to address this, or Cleveland's opponents will continue to expose these defensive weaknesses.

What Happened To The Cavaliers' Bench Production?

The Cavaliers' stellar bench and depth were one reason for their historic start to the season. However, that same reserve group has struggled against the Hawks.

On Friday, Cleveland was outscored 50-28 by Atlanta's bench, and this was with Caris LeVert returning from a knee injury that caused him to miss four games. Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill, who have played a key role all year, only scored seven points each.

This is the first time all season we've seen the entire bench group struggle at the same time like this.

Nov 29, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) attempts to shoot against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) during the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images / Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Where Was Cleveland's Ball Movement?

The Cavaliers have succeeded early this season through their balanced offensive attack and quick ball movement. Cleveland came into Friday's game averaging 28.6 assists per game as a team, the third most in the Eastern Conference. However, the Hawks' defense limited their extra passes, and the Cava only recorded 22 team assists.

That same ball movement wasn't present against the Hawks, with the Cavaliers recording just 22 team assists against the Hawks.

---

The Cavaliers don't have much time to address these vital areas of need. Their next matchup is at home against the reigning champion Boston Celtics, the only other team that has beaten the Cavs this season.