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00:00Девушки отдыхают.
00:30This is Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, and Alyssa Lang with you.
00:32Cleveland has won three in a row, nine in the last 11.
00:35And Doris, they've been a different team since they acquired James Harden,
00:39whether it's Harden scoring or just making things easier for Donovan Mitchell.
00:42He's made things easier, but Donovan and the Cavaliers have had to adjust their style
00:47because of the incredible isolation skill and the pace at which James wants to play.
00:52But they've all been able to do it while winning.
00:55And you just mentioned it.
00:56These are potential playoff foes.
00:58So if you are the Atlanta Hawks, you have got to do something about Donovan Mitchell
01:02because he has averaged almost 40 points per game in the prior two matchups.
01:07And when you look at his shot profile, folks, this is textbook modern NBA.
01:11He was on the three-point line or living at the rim.
01:14Just perfection for Donovan.
01:17Meanwhile, on the other side, as well as Cleveland's playing, Atlanta's actually playing better.
01:21You could make the case playing better than anybody in the East.
01:24They are 18-3 in their last 21 games.
01:26And Jalen Johnson, a first-time All-Star, Doris having a historic season.
01:30Six-foot-eight, elite athlete, a fledgling star under Quinn Schneider, who has done an incredible job coaching.
01:37Well, how elite, how great has the season been for this young man?
01:40Well, folks, 22-10-8.
01:43So who has done that historically for perspective on the kind of season?
01:46Well, only Oscar, Will, Nicola, Russell.
01:49Just a couple of guys who could play pretty well.
01:51He affects winning in a lot of ways.
01:53He is the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for March.
01:57Johnson taking on James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and the 50-win Cavs tonight in Cleveland.
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07:21McCollum underneath to Dyson
07:22That falls off the rim
07:24Boy it is, April
07:25Some missed chippies early
07:27After games where you and I
07:29Have had some incredible
07:30Offensive performers
07:31Just a little slow out of the
07:32games there he is
07:34Harden for 3
07:35210th one the year
07:36Eighth times in his career
07:38He's had 200 or more
07:42In one year, he hit 378
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08:16Александр Walker with the floater and rebounded by Harden.
08:21Averaging five boards per game.
08:23It's Mobley in strife for the swing.
08:26I love that.
08:28It's been a season of struggle with his perimeter game.
08:30He goes right to the rack and Okungwu returns the favor.
08:37Okungwu a career best 15 points per game this year for the Hawks.
08:41A former number six overall pick out of USC in 2020.
08:45Harden from the other wing.
08:46The three no good that time.
08:51Hawks at 45 and 34 on the year.
08:53Their best record in a decade as Alexander Walker drills.
08:57His 245th three-pointer, a Hawks franchise record.
09:01What a step up in responsibility and how to meet it from Nikhil Alexander Walker.
09:07An incredible season.
09:09I do think he is the most improved player.
09:11Guy that bounced around was with New Orleans, then Utah, and a key bench player for Minnesota.
09:16He's been a star for the Hawks.
09:20Harden unable to get that one.
09:22So, he's one for three now.
09:24This is how the Hawks want to play.
09:26They rely on the pass and they want to get to their pace.
09:29A good defense by Jared Allen, challenging that shot attempt from Johnson.
09:37Boldly has struggled with the three-point shooting and the free-throw shooting this year.
09:41So, looking to take it deep into the lane.
09:43And the angle cut off by Johnson.
09:47Harden gets past Daniels and the floater is gone.
09:50His second basket.
09:51James going to his strong hand and he's got such extraordinary touch.
09:56Free-throw line and down.
09:58Alexander Walker, great move, just couldn't finish the fall-away jumper.
10:04Flying with a ton of confidence this year, too.
10:08Harden with that deep entry.
10:09And Allen went up for the block and got fouled by Johnson.
10:12That's the first on Atlanta.
10:16One of the things Kenny Atkinson sent us about a month ago when we had Cleveland,
10:20was talking about James Harden and how could he help Evan Mobley.
10:24You touched on, Dave, sort of the struggles.
10:26Free-throw, jump shooting, both been an issue.
10:29But you love the big man to split the floor.
10:32And then James Harden rejects the screen, gets to his strong hand.
10:36Dyson Daniels clearly expecting him to use the screen.
10:40Kenny Atkinson talked at length with us before the game about the basketball IQ,
10:44but the competitive spirit of James Harden.
10:47This is a guy that does not want to sit out.
10:49He played through that finger injury for about a month and a half.
10:55He brings playoff experience.
10:58And obviously a guy that can go win you a game single-handedly
11:02with a big scoring night in the postseason.
11:04He's had some ups and downs, though, over the course of his career in the playoffs.
11:08Empty possession for the Hawks.
11:11Mobley really assertive offensively with the handle on the other end.
11:14Going through the lane, that was a tough shot.
11:17And a timeout by Quinn Snyder with the Cavs up 9-5.
11:21Three and a half minutes make that 11-5 here in Cleveland.
11:26The NBA on ESPN is presented all season long by State Farm.
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11:34And in part by Burger King, you rule.
11:38Since Cleveland acquired James Harden, Harden, Mitchell, Mobley, and Allen
11:42have only played now seven games together.
11:45And with more on that story, let's check with Alyssa Lang.
11:48Yeah, Dave, it makes all the other time that much more valuable.
11:51I talked to Evan and Jarrett today about what the most important part of off-the-floor activities are,
11:57given how few valuable game minutes that the four of them get together.
12:01Evan said, well, shoot-arounds are a lot more vocal.
12:04We have to be really talkative with our walkthrough,
12:07understanding exactly what the game plan looks like.
12:09Jarrett said, film has become more important than ever,
12:12understanding each other's tendencies.
12:14They said, what are some of James' tendencies?
12:16He said, understanding exactly how he wants to pick and roll.
12:19No question, he's been a master at that.
12:21He's fourth in the league in assists.
12:23Who do you think has the biggest adjustment of those three guys?
12:26As Wade drills the three in terms of learning how to play with Harden.
12:31Well, I think it became incredibly obvious early,
12:36despite limited repetition now,
12:38that Jarrett Allen and James Harden were going to have a good connection.
12:42My curiosity about things moving forward is Jarrett Allen's going to be the five-man in the post.
12:51He's used to one guy pressuring the rim and shooters all around him.
12:55Where does Evan Mobley fit now?
12:57Is Evan Mobley going to make shots in the perimeter in the playoffs?
13:02Because otherwise that paint is too crowded.
13:05Now, you can stagger, and then James can hopefully, you know,
13:09give Evan some confidence by making easy shots.
13:11But I guess the guy I'm waiting to see the most impact on is, let's see, Evan Mobley with James
13:16Harden.
13:18Cavaliers had an early exit after a 64-win season last year,
13:22losing the conference semis for the second straight year.
13:24Three-pointer from Wade.
13:26He's off to a hot start tonight for Cleveland.
13:29Two of two from deep.
13:35Nine-point Cavalier lead five minutes in.
13:38Kong Wu with a kickout.
13:39Here's Daniels.
13:40Spins out on the three.
13:42And a foul inside on Cleveland.
13:46I just like so much of what Dean Wade gives this basketball team.
13:51You know, he is a very versatile defender.
13:53Jarrett Allen has posted up hard.
13:55He was showing them his numbers, but he had a clean look at three,
13:57and he makes excellent use of it.
14:01Meanwhile, the foul on Mitchell is first, and the first on the Cavaliers.
14:05He'll take a seat.
14:06Eighth in the league in scoring.
14:09And 28 points per game.
14:11You mentioned Daniels hit a three on an earlier possession for Atlanta.
14:16That's just his 22nd made three, but six have come in the last four-plus games.
14:22Johnson from the foul line misses badly,
14:24and one and done on that sequence there for Atlanta.
14:28They're struggling off that.
14:29They came out of the gates one for five in the Patriot, now one for six.
14:32One was a tough tip, but they missed some chippies to start.
14:35And they're sixth in the league in scoring and number one in assists.
14:38That went off the leg of Daniels right to Harden for a second-chance opportunity.
14:46Now McCollum has Harden on the switch.
14:49Two vets squaring off.
14:51Harden gets past him.
14:52Extra pass to Struis for three at the buzzer.
14:55And it hits the shot clock out of bounds to the Hawks,
14:59but nonetheless good to have Max Struis back for Cleveland,
15:02playing his tenth game of the year after missing most of the season with a foot injury.
15:06This is a great lineup for James Harden.
15:09The rim pressure lop threatened Jared Allen,
15:11and the other three guys around him, all shooters.
15:15Well, could have taken that one elected to make the extra pass.
15:18So Kong Wu inside, got Allen off his feet, then went back up and scored.
15:24Kong Wu has had a career year.
15:26I mean, we've got to give Quinn Schneider credit.
15:28You think about the program he built in Utah,
15:30obviously a tremendous amount of regular season success.
15:33He's got this team going in the right direction.
15:36Filing a Kong Wu his first.
15:38Yeah, you think about all the moves that were made
15:40after they decided to move on from Trae Young.
15:43And to go 18-3 as you look at a Kong Wu here scoring inside.
15:49Schneider won't be in the coach of the year conversation,
15:51but over the last two months he's done as well as any coach in the NBA
15:55to get this team in a position to be dangerous perhaps in the playoffs.
15:58I mean, how many iterations of a team can you have?
16:02You know, Trae Young played ten games.
16:03I think he and Kristaps Porzingis only three together.
16:06It has been a constant, you know, evolution of who is on the floor.
16:11And what's the first order of business when you're trying to get things established?
16:14He talked about invisible foundations.
16:19You know, what are our non-negotiables?
16:21And they've done a very good job of building the program out as personnel has changed.
16:26Just kind of watching there as you're talking to us,
16:28a conversation between Schneider and Daniels,
16:32and Schneider's nodding his head,
16:33acknowledging what Schneider was telling him as Johnson gets the basket his first of the night.
16:41He was 0 for 3 prior to that shot, but it landed down 6.
16:45Allen driving on a Kong Wu.
16:47Keeps the pivot foot down.
16:49And not sure if that was a pass or a shot.
16:51He thought he was fouled.
16:52And now a 5-on-3.
16:55Johnson downhill, able to hit with the left hand.
16:58I mean, come on, folks.
16:59This is what we talked about in the open.
17:01That's 6'8 of nothing but elite athleticism.
17:04Had to score in traffic.
17:05Had to adjust late.
17:13Merrill off the screen.
17:15Almost lost the ball.
17:17Struis lets it fly from the corner.
17:18It's good.
17:19A 3.
17:19I think they need so much of what he provides.
17:23Swagger.
17:24Shooting is always all important.
17:28McCollum gets past Merrill easily and no help defense.
17:32So an easy bucket there for C.J. McCollum.
17:37He was part of the Trae Young trade.
17:39Was with Washington before coming over to the Hawks.
17:43So consistent.
17:4518, 19 points per game just about every season for McCollum in the lead.
17:48Boy, Harden misses right at point-blank range.
17:51Now McCollum weaving through traffic.
17:53So good with the handle.
17:54But can't get the hit.
17:56And rebounded by Ellis.
18:02Harden driving.
18:03Misses again at the rim.
18:06Stay here.
18:07But Harden just 2-4-6 from the floor.
18:10Let's watch Jalen Johnson do some work.
18:12He is the focal point.
18:14Yes, they rely on the pass.
18:16But this guy is a big-time part of their offense.
18:19The fadeaway and then in transition.
18:21Watch him rake and take or actually take a pass.
18:24And then, listen, nobody's going to stop basketball.
18:27I'm going right to the cup.
18:28Good luck stopping me.
18:30Another most improved player.
18:33Candidate in Jalen Johnson.
18:35Off to a little slow start, though, tonight.
18:36Donovan Mitchell's going to be a bad man.
18:40That's what it says.
18:41Again, sportsbook player pulse.
18:45Jalen Johnson and Donovan Mitchell, two of the top scorers in the league.
18:49Mitchell hasn't scored yet, but you know it's coming.
18:51You just check back into the game.
18:53ДraftKings is the number one sportsbook for live betting. Use promo code SPLASH when you sign up.
18:58They're operating out of a half court here, Dave, but this is where things change, right?
19:02Donovan Mitchell now will be the guy bringing the ball to the floor.
19:05Oh, nice attack by Mobley.
19:07And a foul on the play.
19:10Mitchell hasn't even taken a shot yet, by the way.
19:13Free throw's coming up for Mobley.
19:15I mean, this is something that Evan Mobley is doing more of.
19:20Instead of facing up, shooting jump shots that time, playing in pick-and-roll action, and attacks with authority.
19:26And again, now it's staggered, right?
19:29So he is the lone big, so that section of the floor is open for him.
19:33You mentioned the struggles at the line, and you see it there, the confidence not where it was a year
19:38ago.
19:38Just 60% at the line, 30% from three.
19:42Kenny Atkinson told us before the game his numbers have been better of late
19:46because he was upset during All-Star weekend when he was home.
19:50Because the prior year, he was in the All-Star game.
19:53He was a second-team All-NBA defensive player of the year.
19:56Did not like being home, and it really set in when he wasn't in L.A. for the All-Star
20:02game.
20:02What he felt he needed to do the second half of the year.
20:07Johnson on the face-up.
20:10And that pass off the mark, and a turnover.
20:15Mitchell gets past Gay, and the layup is good on his first shot attempt to the game.
20:20James Harden to the bench, still sprinting up the floor, attacking early in one-on-one situation.
20:27Johnson in the lane, powers it up.
20:30He missed the shot, but a foul.
20:35Cleveland has talked a little bit about things being different, right?
20:38Once he's got this position on the floor, he has got elite explosion.
20:44That first step, that athleticism at the cup is special.
20:49Strews commits the foul for Cleveland, his first, and the second-team foul.
20:53And Jalen Johnson shoots near 80% from the foul line.
20:58Fifth year out of Duke, 24 years of age.
21:00Time for tonight's national TV schedule, brought to you by 1800 Tequila.
21:04Prime video tomorrow.
21:06Jason Tatum returns to the Garden.
21:08Tatum, Jalen Brown take on Brunson and the Knicks.
21:11Then it's the Lakers and the Warriors.
21:12Prime video Friday, these teams meet again in Atlanta, followed by Minnesota at Houston.
21:17Tatum, of course, tours Achilles at Madison Square Garden to the playoffs last May.
21:24Playing really well for Boston, in a groove right now.
21:27The Celtics have won four in a row.
21:29They're 54-25.
21:32Strews fires a three, around and out, and rebound by Jonathan Kaminga, former Warrior.
21:39Now playing his 15th game for the Hawks after being traded.
21:43His baseline jumper swishes through.
21:47Gets you an element of athleticism right away.
21:50And he is a very confident offensive player.
21:55Mitchell, as it knocked free, out of bounds, will stay with Cleveland.
22:04Quinn Snyder told us Kaminga brings a physicality to the team that they'll need in the playoffs,
22:10at the defensive end, and also his ability to get to the free throw line.
22:16Brings a different type of offensive weapon to this Hawks team.
22:25Bobley, just getting harassed down low.
22:28Looked like a clear foul, but count the basket anyway.
22:33You can see the priority that Cleveland's placing on trying to get back and take transition away from Atlanta.
22:40As Gabe Vincent comes off the screen.
22:42Because, Dave, this is a team that wants to turn you over, wants to play offense off their defense.
22:47You want to make Atlanta a half-court execution team.
22:50Turnover by the Cavs under the basket.
22:52Dyson Daniels tied for the NBA lead in steals per game.
22:56Out to Kaminga.
23:00Daniels with the step-through and the floater.
23:07That ties the game at 25.
23:16Mitchell working on Kaminga.
23:19And Kaminga stayed down.
23:21Shot clock at 7.
23:23Ellis knew the contact was there, so he put the shot up, and a foul is called.
23:28On Vincent, his first, and the first in the last two minutes on Atlanta.
23:32What we know unequivocally is Dyson Daniels is elite on the defensive end.
23:36Look at his body position, the willingness to absorb that in the chest, the great hands to get the strip,
23:43and then the little euro step to the finish.
23:46I mean, so much of defense is about body position, the lateral speed to get you in the right position,
23:52so you're squared up and can absorb that kind of contact, take away the driving lane.
23:58This guy, it's ridiculous.
24:00A year ago at this time, because Victor Wimbanyama didn't play in enough games to qualify,
24:04there was discussion about, does Daniels win most improved player and or defensive player of the year?
24:10He won most improved, he was first-team all-defense, and likely will be again this year.
24:16And I think, you know, obviously the question of the playoffs, because you saw it to start this basketball game,
24:21when the Cavs had their starters on, it was Jared Allen guarding him.
24:25Daniels is the guy most often guarded by centers, and look at the cushion they give him.
24:30So Mobley's the five, he's guarding him, and he's saying, have it the three points, sir.
24:36Kaminga electing not to take the three a couple times, looking for a better shot.
24:40He gets into the paint, that is better, and it goes down for Kaminga, his second bucket.
24:44And he's looking at that matchup saying, if I just touch paint, my elevation's going to get over the top.
24:52Combined 20 field goals and just two turnovers between these two teams.
24:55Clean basketball so far.
24:57Nice catch in traffic by Mobley.
24:59And a foul on the Hawks, so Mobley will go to the line.
25:02All right, going to get Mohamed Gay for the person who's first.
25:09Mobley just missed two free throws on an earlier trip.
25:13He goes back to the line.
25:14Dave, I thought what you said right away on the first look that he took, how little confidence he looks
25:19to have here.
25:23Until a young guy, 24 years old, fifth year in the league.
25:26The scoring has been up since the injury and the All-Star break.
25:29He missed about a month through the injury, averaging about 20 points per game since March 1st.
25:34He was around 17 before that.
25:36And still among the NBA leaders in block shots.
25:39We do get the sense that he puts a lot of pressure on himself to reach a certain level.
25:45You know, we've talked since he entered the league in organizational expectations for the young man.
25:51And sometimes it just takes a little bit longer for certain guys.
25:56Son of a coach, his dad Eric, is an assistant at SMU.
26:00Was at USC when Mobley played there.
26:02Was a college teammate, Eric Spoelstra at Portland.
26:07Mobley's got eight points, five rebounds, two assists.
26:09And he looked totally different from a confidence perspective on those two.
26:13Like, the juxtaposition of his first couple versus that.
26:19Kaminga, pull-off jumper.
26:21Got it.
26:21Jonathan Kaminga.
26:22Good shot selection for him so far.
26:30Mobley attacking again.
26:32Lost the ball.
26:33Late whistle.
26:34But a foul is called.
26:35So more free throws for Mobley.
26:36It's going to be number two on Gay.
26:44Kaminga, you touched on it.
26:46He's looking at the defensive player of the year.
26:48He said, I probably shouldn't challenge him close to the cup.
26:51He used my dribble into a rhythm jump shot.
26:54Two for two is Kaminga.
26:59Tie game at 29 apiece.
27:01Mobley made his last two free throws.
27:04And is now connected on three in a row and has nine points.
27:07Excuse me, three for three is Kaminga.
27:13He's already drawn four fouls Mobley has in this first quarter.
27:17He's been aggressive on the catch.
27:20Think about the last pick and roll when he attacked the rim and got found.
27:23How assertively he set the screen.
27:25How hard he rolled to the cup.
27:27Everything about his approach, the way he's played tonight, has been decisive.
27:32They need him to play with the edge that he has tonight in the playoffs.
27:36Yeah, that's a great point.
27:39Two-point lead for Cleveland.
27:44And 13-second difference in the game in shot clocks.
27:48Cullen gives it up.
27:50Kaminga short on the triple try.
27:52Gay got the offensive rebound and a loose ball foul on Cleveland as Gay was trying to throw it to
27:57Kispert underneath.
28:00That's the first in the last two minutes, so it's not a shooting foul.
28:03Side out of bounds.
28:04First personal against Ellis.
28:09Keon Ellis has played really well for the Cavs.
28:14They're coming over in a deadline deal.
28:17Sacramento.
28:20Dean Wade back out there for Cleveland for defense here in this last possession of the quarter.
28:25And Okonwu came on for Gay because he, too, can shoot the three.
28:31And there it is.
28:32Wade with the deflection.
28:33He said it was touched last by McCollum.
28:36James Capers with a smile like, I ain't falling for that one, guys.
28:39He's done 17 finals games, right?
28:41You're not going to get me on that one.
28:44Five-second difference in the clocks here at the end of the first.
28:48Wade grading McCollum at the three-point line.
28:51McCollum gets past him.
28:52Count the basket.
28:53Or no.
28:54Offensive foul on the screen trying to free McCollum.
28:58Alexander Walker called for the personal.
29:08Boy, it did look like much there.
29:10My goodness.
29:13Like he had a beef.
29:14He was upset with the call.
29:16I think he should be.
29:17I don't think there was enough there to blow that whistle.
29:21Seven seconds to go in the quarter.
29:24Mitchell with three.
29:26Puts it on the floor.
29:27Accelerates and hits as the buzzer sounds.
29:31The explosion of Donovan Mitchell off the bounce.
29:34His second basket gives the Cavs a four-point lead after one.
29:41Donovan Mitchell as a downhill driver.
29:44He is so dynamic.
29:52TRO by T-Mobile here with Atlanta's Jalen Johnson.
29:55Jalen, when you think about this first quarter, what are some of the adjustments that you have to make to
30:00take the lead on these guys?
30:01I think we just got to keep playing fast.
30:02Keep playing with pace.
30:04We just got to keep getting stops on our main guys.
30:06If we get stops and we run, I think we'll be at our best.
30:08What's been your message to your team about how important this game is?
30:12It's one game at a time mentality for us.
30:14We can control what we got to control.
30:16So, just take it one game at a time.
30:19Thanks, Jalen.
30:20All right, thank you.
30:21Yeah, Ellis, as Alexander Walker nails a triple.
30:24If Atlanta wins tonight, the Hawks clinch a playoff spot.
30:27Right now, they're in the fifth spot.
30:30And they're a game ahead of Toronto.
30:32So, right now, it would be Cleveland-Atlanta in the first round.
30:37Three-pointer Ellis from the corner off target.
30:39Rebound Kaminga.
30:42Five through nine right now in the East is very unsettled.
30:46But the Hawks, if nothing else, will know they're in the top six
30:48if they can win the night as Kaminga gets to the bucket again.
30:51You're talking about shot selection and the kind of player he is.
30:54That's it right there.
30:55And how about the speed to the cup?
30:58The level of physicality there as well as Donovan gets fouled.
31:02First lead of the game for Atlanta.
31:06Mitchell going to the line for two.
31:09So, Nikhil Alexander-Walker facing off against Donovan Mitchell.
31:16Just a little back down.
31:18And then this, the quick attack.
31:20Look at the physicality against Evan Mobley.
31:23Heaven's saying, hey, he pushed off.
31:27Second foul on Alexander-Walker.
31:32He was first cousins with Shea Gilgis-Alexander.
31:35They grew up together in Canada.
31:36They played two years of high school basketball together.
31:39Nikhil told us when we met with him before the game,
31:41he still leans very heavily on Shea.
31:44They talk a lot during the season.
31:47He's in a position he's unaccustomed to, right,
31:50as he has a conversation with Quinn Schneider.
31:53This is a team that's, you know, got to figure out how they close.
31:58What are the most important sets?
31:59And what I liked about what he said to us was,
32:03I'm okay being uncomfortable.
32:04Like, you have to, if you're going to be a closer,
32:07be willing to miss shots.
32:08The great Hubie Brown used to talk about it all the time.
32:11You've got to be willing to be the goat if you want to play the hero.
32:15Got a foul on Cleveland.
32:17Let's check with Alyssa for more on Nikhil Alexander-Walker.
32:19Yeah, I loved what he said about the group chat.
32:21He said, it was quiet when I first got here,
32:23and now we're going to soccer games together.
32:25Literally, they've done a lot of team bonding to try to grow,
32:28and over these last 20 or so games, it certainly showed.
32:31You talk about Shea.
32:32He said Buddy Heald is also one of his favorite teammates ever.
32:35He said, when he talks, everyone's thinking the same thing,
32:37and Buddy's kind of been the ringleader for some of these
32:39off-the-court activities with this team,
32:42and you can tell it's paid off.
32:43No question, Alyssa, the chemistry is so much different now
32:46with this Hawks team than it was earlier in the year.
32:49As a Kong-woo is fouled, Wade was in disbelief.
32:54He got it away before the shot clock expired
32:57as Wade picks up his first foul
32:59and the second on the Cavs in the court.
33:04And a timeout called by Kenny Atkinson.
33:06He is going to challenge this.
33:08And he's going to win the challenge.
33:17The NBA on ESPN, presented all season long by State Farm,
33:22is brought to you by Advil Liquid Gels.
33:25Targets pain caused by inflammation for fast and strong relief.
33:32Lando, Boston, followed by Denver and San Antonio.
33:35Ernie, Kenny, Charles, and Shaq started off at 5.
33:39Successful challenge by Kenny Atkinson.
33:41You see the clean swipe by Wade.
33:43It's an air ball by a Kong-woo and a shot clock violation.
33:47So, Atkinson keeps his challenge, and it's a turnover by Atlanta.
33:54One-point lead for the Cavs.
33:56Two minutes into the second quarter.
33:59Dennis Schroeder checking into the game.
34:01And an air ball nearly just grazed the rim in that pull-up.
34:05And McCollum out ahead to Kispert.
34:11McCollum gets past Schroeder.
34:12Mobley comes over for the swat.
34:17Wade goes to his spot.
34:19Missed the three.
34:20Made two in the first quarter, but got the offensive rebound.
34:23Ellis will try it.
34:26Mobley swats it out.
34:28Another chance for the Cavs.
34:29Mobley's been all—his fingerprints are all over this.
34:32The swat on one end and creating a chance here.
34:35Fingerprints certainly all over the ball on both ends of the court.
34:38Turner on jumper.
34:39Swishes through for Mitchell.
34:41Mitchell, but you make the defensive stop,
34:44and then you can't corral the rebound, so you back-tap it.
34:49First field goal of the quarter for Cleveland.
34:52Again, Kaminga not settling for three.
34:53Instead drives and scores again.
34:55He's in double figure.
34:56I mean, so much of things for Jonathan Kaminga to me is,
34:59what kinds of shots is he taking?
35:01He's not settled for the three.
35:03He's like, nobody can stay in front of me.
35:04I'm going.
35:06Mitchell, what a move.
35:07Gets to the cup and lays it in.
35:09Mitchell now with ten points.
35:11Four of four from the field.
35:14Kaminga's five of six.
35:15Schroeder commits the foul.
35:16Count the basket by Kaminga, and he'll go to the free-throw line.
35:25What a start for Jonathan Kaminga.
35:29I mean, again, he got his inside game going quickly.
35:33Now he sees that Dennis Schroeder is in his space.
35:37He feels the contact, and he goes right to it.
35:40See, as soon as Dennis put his hand on the right arm, he's like, okay, well, you've given me a
35:44free chance here.
35:45We already mentioned his ability to get to the free-throw line is something Atlanta coveted.
35:50When they made the move for him, they think that'll be a factor for them in the postseason.
35:54He misses the free-throw, but he is six of seven from the floor here in the first half.
36:01Hawks down one.
36:04For a while, it looked like Atlanta wasn't even going to be in the play-in.
36:08They were 27-31 back on February 20th, but now they are 11 games over .500 and get into the
36:16playoffs with a win the night.
36:21Cleveland currently in the fourth spot.
36:23A game behind the Knicks.
36:25Bubbly with the slam.
36:27Mitchell found him.
36:34Cleveland loses the tiebreaker with New York as Dominguez scores again.
36:38So at this point, it's really looking like the Cavs are going to be the four-seed.
36:42They've already clinched home court in the first round.
36:45And this is the likely matchup.
36:48Schroeder gets past the defender, and he scores off the window.
36:51It's just a one-on-one situation.
36:53All five white jerseys out beyond the three-point line.
36:56It's just drive and attack.
36:58Kong Wu had position on Mitchell.
37:00Good find by Jalen Johnson, who's fifth in the league in assists.
37:03I mean, it's incredible watching these two teams play.
37:05They don't wait very long to get a shot.
37:08Bubbly with the slam.
37:09He's got 14 points and eight rebounds.
37:13This is exactly how you want this guy to play.
37:17Decisive, at the rim quickly, being a factor on the defensive end.
37:22Here's Johnson, two of six from the floor.
37:24Six points.
37:25He has three rebounds and two assists.
37:29Shot clock down to five.
37:30Again, a Kong Wu with two smaller defenders.
37:33Do they call that mice in the house?
37:35I don't know.
37:37I will say this.
37:38They started like one for six in the paint.
37:40I don't know how many straight paint shots they've made.
37:43Ellis straight on three.
37:44Off the heel.
37:46Boarded by Kaminga.
37:49Cleveland by one.
37:50Johnson attacking.
37:51Spinning against Mobley.
37:53And Mobley with another rejection.
37:54What a force he's been on both ends so far for Cleveland.
38:00Schroeder, great look, but can't knock it down.
38:07Long pass down court, Kaminga.
38:09Stripped by Ellis.
38:10And then poked away out of bounds by Daniels.
38:14I mean, Mobley has been a force.
38:17And these are the things the young man shows you.
38:20He's incredibly gifted.
38:21Watch him play defense.
38:23Absorb the hit.
38:24Don't let it deter you.
38:26And then the quick block to a very quick read into transition.
38:30And then, I mean, just solid with the left hand.
38:35What a stint for him in both runs that he's had.
38:39He'll get a breather.
38:40Great numbers so far, including the two blocks.
38:44Jared Allen back in.
38:46And all of the shot attempts for Mobley have come in the paint.
38:50We talked about Kaminga not settling.
38:52Mobley isn't either.
38:55James Harden back in the game for the Cavs.
38:58Two for seven from the floor.
38:59Five points.
39:00He'll play off the ball in this possession
39:01with Schroeder running the point.
39:06Harden and Kaminga just locked up away from the play.
39:10Now Harden with the kiss.
39:11No.
39:11Rebound Allen.
39:13And he's fouled.
39:15Don't underestimate James Harden's physical strength.
39:21He's got exceptional body control.
39:26Great strength.
39:27Great balance.
39:31Foul is on Daniels, his second.
39:37Foul number two.
39:39Jared Allen, after playing every game, all 82 last year,
39:42he's missed 23 games this year due to February.
39:48Due to injury in February, he's averaging 22 points per game.
39:51He was great, but then he got hurt again in March.
39:53And he's only played four games over the last month.
40:02Missed the second foul shot.
40:04Gay with the rebound for Atlanta.
40:10And Schroeder picks up the foul in mid-court.
40:12And Schroeder is second.
40:15And Schroeder is second.
40:16And Schroeder is second.
40:16Thirteen fouls.
40:17Second personal.
40:18Midway point of quarter number two.
40:21Cleveland by two over the Hawks.
40:26Alexander Walker went back door, but Gay didn't look for him.
40:31Now Johnson drive caught in the air.
40:33Skips to Vincent, who nails a three.
40:42Atlanta back in front, but not for long.
40:45Jared Allen with a stop.
40:52Atlanta's bench out, scoring Cleveland 17-7.
40:56Gay left alone.
40:58His three is good.
40:59Jared Allen is just sitting in the paint,
41:01not paying attention to Gay whatsoever.
41:12He's struggling the last handful of games for Keith.
41:15And that will get him going.
41:20Johnson with the defender on his hip,
41:22loses him in the lane and scores.
41:31Eight points now for Jalen Johnson,
41:33averaging 23 per game.
41:37Harden in the paint, good defense by Kamingo.
41:42He shovels to Johnson, gets it back to Kamingo.
41:46Out of the corner, Alexander Walker on the spot, up three.
41:49He is deadly from there.
41:51I mean, they do not waste any time.
41:53What did Jalen Johnson say?
41:55Well, let's say we want to keep playing fast.
41:58Look at the points.
41:59We still got five minutes left.
42:00Both teams on pace for about 70 here in the first half.
42:07Harden with the timer down to six.
42:09Keeps the bounce.
42:10And banks it in against Vincent.
42:16Atlanta races up the court, though, trying to get a quick shot off from Vincent.
42:21And he's got the stroke going tonight.
42:23He's three for three from deep.
42:25He's battled some health injuries.
42:28The last little stretch of his career.
42:30But we know he can make those consistently.
42:33Atlanta, eight of 13 from three.
42:35Johnson with the pass breakup.
42:38Hawks by five, four minutes to go.
42:40Looking to add to the advantage.
42:42Alexander Walker can't get the three.
42:48Hawks have made five in a row before that miss.
42:52Harden looking to take.
42:53The smaller defender breaks him down with a dribble.
42:56But Allen missed the stop.
42:57An Atlanta foul, though.
43:02First foul on Kaminga.
43:04That crossover for Harden still working here in year 17 to perfection.
43:08I mean, his entire game is working.
43:10He's just dancing with the basketball and his handle's so tight.
43:14As I said, he built an almost immediate connection with Jared Allen.
43:18You just have to be a willing screener and then be willing to get into space.
43:23Get off the screen.
43:24Get to space.
43:25And then let your athleticism take over.
43:29First foul on Kaminga.
43:31Allen now five of seven at the line.
43:34Atlanta's taken three free throws.
43:36The Cavs have attempted 16.
43:40And 13 of those by the two bigs, Mobley and Allen.
43:43Well, this is a consistent theme for Atlanta, right?
43:46They do not have great rim protection.
43:49They do not have great size.
43:51So you knew sort of contending with Cleveland in that regard was going to be a challenge for them.
43:59It could be a challenge in a seven-game series starting the following weekend.
44:06Right now, the 4-5 matchup in the East.
44:08Cleveland is the four-seeded land of the five.
44:12Johnson doubled on the low block out to Daniels.
44:16He hesitated with the three.
44:18Shot clock down to four.
44:22McCollum with one.
44:25Daniels got it away in time, but it's a shot clock violation on the air ball.
44:31A tough possession there.
44:32And again, Daniels' inability to make threes.
44:35But let's watch Jalen Johnson work.
44:37Just screen, re-screen, navigate to a spot you're comfortable, and then look for your best option.
44:44And he gets to Gabe Vincent.
44:45Again, the vision, improvement.
44:48The ways he can affect winning.
44:50He can score himself.
44:51He can see him assist for his teammates.
44:52He rebounds at a high level.
44:54He guards at a high level.
44:56Or he's at least improving and trying on the defensive end.
45:01Turnover as Allen lost the ball.
45:03Alexander Walker racing past Strisp and a layup.
45:11He's got 11.
45:12Kaminga's got 14.
45:13And it's the largest lead for the Hawks.
45:16Mitchell on the crossover and attempt.
45:19The three won't go.
45:19And here comes Daniels.
45:24On the cut, Daniels gets the floater.
45:27Timeout.
45:27Cleveland as the Hawks have opened up an eight-point lead.
45:32Boy, and to kill Alexander Walker.
45:36This is a young man who's taken an extraordinary step.
45:39He's got 11 here.
45:40A little inside out.
45:42Passed Max Struess to the cup.
45:46He is really...
45:47...environments for every fan.
45:48That's why the league is partnered with Culture City,
45:50an organization focused on supporting individuals and families with sensory needs,
45:55including autism and PTSD.
45:57This movement began here in Cleveland when the Cavaliers became the first U.S. pro sports
46:01team to open a permanent sensory room.
46:04Today, every NBA arena offers dedicated sensory-friendly spaces and resources.
46:09Scan the code to learn more about Culture City and their impact.
46:13Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Alyssa Lang in Cleveland.
46:17A 12-3 run by Atlanta that has included three triples.
46:20And it's an eight-point Hawks lead.
46:25Struess trying to get free.
46:27Struess trying to get free.
46:27Actually got tangled up with a teammate, Jared Allen.
46:30I think Atlanta went to a little zone here.
46:34Two seconds to shoot.
46:36Hard and short.
46:37And out of bounds to the Hawks.
46:41Matt Struess pleading his case.
46:43He felt like he was fouled.
46:44He's asking James Capers, like, the level of physicality there.
46:54McCollum, high off the backboard, no.
46:59Two minutes to go in the half.
47:02Mitchell downhill.
47:04Extra pass to Harden for an open three.
47:06He's just three for 12 from the floor.
47:11Daniels shovels to Alexander Walker.
47:13Now Johnson, short on the three.
47:18One, two, three, four.
47:24Harden trying to get going.
47:26Baseline cut off.
47:27He'll throw it out to Struess.
47:28And now get it back with McCollum defending.
47:31Stripped by McCollum.
47:33And a turnover forced.
47:38Daniels, boy, he just runs the whole game on both ends of the court.
47:41Johnson got caught in the air.
47:44A Kong was setting up and hitting a three.
47:46Remember what we said.
47:48They rely on the pass.
47:50How crisply things move.
47:52They go into attack mode right away.
47:56Lead is 11 for Atlanta.
47:58Just outside a minute remaining in the half.
48:00Mobley realized he had nobody around him.
48:04Turned and shot it over a Kong loop.
48:07On the other end, Daniels cleans it up inside.
48:12He hasn't stopped running.
48:15Really, as you watch him, he's going nonstop.
48:17He's stopped right now to defend Mitchell, but he's always in motion.
48:23Mobley, his first three-point attempt of the game, and he comes up short.
48:30Alexander Walker catch and shoot.
48:32They're trying to get a two-for-one and couldn't.
48:37Still six of 11 from three.
48:39Atlanta in the quarter.
48:40Mitchell's floater is good.
48:43Very good execution by Donovan going quick there.
48:47He's got 12, and a difference of five seconds between the clocks here at the end of the second quarter.
48:54Defense!
48:55Defense!
48:57Defense!
49:00Defense!
49:01Defense!
49:02Defense!
49:02Alexander Walker and Johnson working together.
49:04Nice hands.
49:05Mitchell got the strip.
49:06Five seconds to go.
49:08Mitchell beat the first quarter buzzer.
49:09Can he do it here in the second?
49:11With one second left, gets it away in time, and hits again!
49:17Donovan Mitchell twice in the clutch with bank shots at the horn.
49:22I mean, that little hezzy.
49:25Hoo-hoo-hoo!
49:25That was so good, Dave.
49:27Coming up, the Hyundai Palisade halftime with Wendy, Malika, and Perk.
49:33The Spurs play the Blazers in game two of our NBA Wednesday doubleheader.
49:41Donovan Mitchell, this is him in the first quarter.
49:46Over Kaminga and off the window.
49:48From a little bit deeper, shaking Daniels, and connecting on the runner.
49:54Seven-point defense.
49:55Seven-point defense.
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