Hawks vs. Cavaliers: Game 1 Score and Twitter Reaction from 2016 NBA Playoffs

Perhaps the Atlanta Hawks can file a motion to move to the Western Conference next season, because they haven’t been able to get over the postseason hump against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.

The Cavaliers swept the Hawks in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals and started their second-round series off with a 104-93 victory Monday. SportsCenter noted James and the Cavaliers are now a perfect 9-0 against Atlanta in the postseason.

James led the way with 25 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, while Kyrie Irving chipped in with 21 points and eight assists. Kevin Love added a double-double with 17 points and 11 boards. James also made some history in the process as he passed Michael Jordan with the 120th playoff victory of his career, per CBS Sports NBA.

Another day, another playoff record for @KingJames. ????? pic.twitter.com/XIvFTd3DQQ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 3, 2016

The Hawks received 27 points and six assists from Dennis Schroder off the bench, but it was not enough to overcome a late-game slump, as ESPN Stats & Info illustrated:

after losing the lead late in the 4th quarter, the Cavaliers rallied to get a victory in Game 1 vs Atlanta pic.twitter.com/YT9gpQcfop

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 3, 2016

The only downside for Cleveland was the fact that Love looked to be dealing with some physical pain in his shoulder and ankle.

“Love looks extremely gimpy and beat up,” Mike Conti of 92.9 The Game noted. “Could be worth monitoring tomorrow.”

Monday was the Cavaliers’ first game since they finished their first-round sweep of the Detroit Pistons on April 24, but they looked anything but rusty in the early going. Cleveland jumped out to a quick 16-8 lead and connected on four of its first six three-point attempts, two of which came from Irving.

The Cavaliers parlayed that start into a 30-19 lead at the end of the first quarter. They maintained much of their advantage during the second quarter and pushed it to 45-33 with less than five minutes remaining until halftime.

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com recognized a similar theme to last year’s postseason matchup:

It’s the same as last year’s conference finals. Hawks are getting open looks from three. Not making them. #Cavs are +15 from distance.

— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) May 2, 2016 …

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