Cleveland Cavaliers stun Atlanta Hawks, break all-time NBA 3-point record

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Cleveland Cavaliers stun Atlanta Hawks, break all-time NBA 3-point record

The Cleveland Cavaliers put on the greatest shooting performance in NBA history, draining 25 3-pointers in a 123-98 win over the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday to take a 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. Ten Cavs made three-pointers, led by J.R. Smith making seven, including one he dropped balancing on one leg and another where he barely looked at the rim before firing away. The Cavs finished 25-for-45 from long range and are now averaging 16.2 three-pointers per playoff game, easily the most of any team this year.

We’re not a three-point shooting team … [We] have to continue to understand that we have to be very balanced offensively.

LeBron James

The Cavs’ 18 three-pointers in the first half also set a record. The long-range assault carried Cleveland to a 74-38 halftime lead — the largest in the NBA during a playoff game since 1987. The Cavs led by as many as 41 in the third quarter. The Cavs never lost their rhythm all night.

When we’re sharing and we’re playing at a high pace and getting stops and everyone touches it, it becomes contagious. Everyone has fun and enjoys playing that way.

Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue