The Cleveland Cavaliers (57-24) defeated the Atlanta Hawks (48-33) 109-98 on Monday.
With the top seed on the line and a chance to clinch it on their home court, the Cavs' top two stars stepped up to insure victory. Kyrie Irving and LeBron James scored 35 and 34 points, respectively, to led Cleveland on Monday night. No other starter or reserve managed to score more than 10 points, but it was all the Cavs needed to get the best of one of the other top defensive units in the Eastern Conference.
The Hawks were led by Kent Bazemore, who managed 23 points, six rebounds, an assist, three steals and a block. Jeff Teague followed with 21 points, nine assists and a steal, but committed six turnovers. Al Horford was next with a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists, a steal and two blocks. Paul Millsap, who'd posted some remarkable performances in recent games, could only manage a modest nine points, eight rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
Atlanta retains a half-game lead over the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference's Southeast Division. They close out the season at Washington on Wednesday night.
Irving's point total paced the Cavs, and he added four rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. However, like his counterpart Teague, he also committed six turnovers. James supplemented his scoring total with six rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block. Kevin Love only compiled 10 points, but did haul in 14 boards, dished out two assists and recorded two steals. Tristan Thompson, named the starter for the final two games at center, pitched in with nine points, 10 rebounds, an assist, three steals and a block. Matthew Delladedova led the bench with 10 points, three assists and a rebound.
The Cavs close out the season with a home date against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
