The NBA enthusiast would expect a team such as the Hawks to slow down in the absence of their elite scorer; Joe Johnson. That is anything but the case tonight at the Q in legendary radio broadcaster Joe Tait ‘s return to the booth. Atlanta is making a strong push for respect come playoff time, and the Cavaliers are feeling the burns in the third degree.

The Hawks first half assist to turnover ratio ended out at 18-4. Their dynamic duo of Josh Smith and Al Horford doomed the Cavaliers in the paint, outscoring the Cavs starting bigs Ryan Hollins and J.J. Hickson 25-4. The wine and gold reserve unit actually outscored the starters 21-18, and only a pair of trips to the free thro line failed to get any rhythm established for the home team. Baron Davis put up 11 points in his productive ten minutes.