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Following another frustrating high-profile defeat, it’s apparent the Atlanta Hawks‘ strategic approach concerning the Cleveland Cavaliers must change. In Monday’s futile effort, Atlanta again failed to solve the vexing Cavaliers conundrum, losing 104-93 in the playoff-series opener. Overall, Atlanta has dropped eight consecutive regular and postseason outings to Cleveland. The most humiliating of these setbacks occurred in 2015’s Eastern Conference Finals.
Since that fateful series, the Cavaliers have exercised a special brand of dominance over Atlanta. In so doing, Cleveland’s normally serviceable swing-man J.R. Smith has morphed into an unflappable, flame-throwing marksman.
For his career, the 30-year-old Smith averages a respectable 37 percent from deep, with two made three-pointers per game. In addition, during the 2015-16 regular season, Smith held a plus-three overall plus/minus in 77 games played. However, when facing Atlanta — and Kyle Korver — J.R. “Swish” elevates his output to 43 percent from deep on 3.5 made triples per game; most impressively the 12th-year-man’s plus/minus skyrockets to plus-nine.
Atlanta’s own marksman in Korver has struggled mightily against Smith’s barrage. At 35, Korver lacks both the requisite quickness and overall athleticism to consistently hold Smith in check. Why Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer fails to acknowledge this glaring matchup deficiency and make a necessary switch is beyond perplexing.
The crux of this frustration stems from the fact that Budenholzer possesses a ready-made roster to combat Smith’s success. Most logically, Budenholzer could switch 6-foot-5 starting small forward Kent Bazemore to his natural position of shooting guard. Bazemore’s blend of pesky defense and lively legs may prove crucial in frustrating Smith. Another key personnel change would see fellow defensive-stopper Thabo Sefolosha man the three and try his hand at checking LeBron James.
As this personnel switch would likely aid Atlanta in subduing Smith, it’d also provide Atlanta with a much-needed boost in the rebounding department. In Cleveland’s eight-consecutive victories over Atlanta, the Cavs hold an overwhelming plus-9.2 advantage on the glass.
With Korver’s rebounding numbers in decline (3.3), a starting duo of Bazemore (5.1 rebounds) and Sefolosha (4.5) would serve as a definitive upgrade in that all-important department. Add in Sefolosha’s per-36 minute rebounding average of 6.8 compared to Korver’s 3.9 and the numbers tell a clear, concise story of who should enjoy the allotment of minutes opposite Cleveland.
If Atlanta is to upset the Cavaliers, major changes must be made. Substituting Korver in the starting lineup with Sefolosha, while allowing Bazemore to match up with Smith may prove vital in Atlanta shaking the dreaded Cleveland curse.
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