Cavaliers beat Hawks 117-109 to snap two-game losing streak

CLEVELAND — Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson is a big proponent of the 3-point shot. But he hinted after Sunday's 117-109 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at Rocket Arena that it might be time to pump the brakes on the long-range attempts. Six-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell erupted for a game-high 37 points to help Cleveland (4-3) snap a two-game losing streak. The Cavs were 20-of-57 from behind the arc. "We have to take a look at that," Atkinson said. "We have to find that balance. We have to find a way to pierce that paint more." Second-year swingman Jaylon Tyson buried three 3-pointers in the decisive fourth quarter and finished with 18 points. He converted 5 of 11 from the 3-point line. Veteran point guard Lonzo Ball added eight points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal off the bench. He said he doesn't have a problem with taking 57 threes. "We missed a lot of good looks," he said. "If you're open, shoot the ball. We shouldn't pass up good looks." Forward De'Andre Hunter added 18 points and seven rebounds, while forward/center Evan Mobley had 14 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Forward Dean Wade came off the bench for 11 points, six rebounds and four assists. Atkinson said having Mitchell back on the court was key. "He makes everyone else better," he said. "His impact is multi-faceted." Mitchell missed Friday's loss to Toronto with tightness in his left hamstring. He said his hamstring "felt good." "I was ready to go. I've been sick for about a week." The Cavs were outrebounded by Atlanta 46-44, but had a 13-8 edge on the offensive glass. Atkinson said the Hawks came into the game ranked 29th in the NBA in defensive rebounding. "We kept going to the boards," Atkinson said. "We attacked the offensive boards." They've been outrebounded in every game this season but one. However, on Sunday, they competed on the glass and used the gang-rebound approach. "(That's) super important," Ball said. "We were sending a lot of people to the boards." Guard Craig Porter Jr. pulled down seven rebounds in just 21 minutes. "He's super athletic," Ball said. Every time the Hawks (3-4) pulled within striking distance in the fourth quarter, it seemed like Tyson hit another crucial 3-pointer. "I've grown in every game I've played in this year," Tyson said. "I'm very, very confident right now." He said hitting five threes was a "boost" for him. In the past, he said his teammates probably wouldn't have passed him the ball in those pressure situations. Mitchell said Tyson worked so hard in the offseason that he had to tell him to go home. "It builds trust," Mitchell said. "It's a testament to him to gain that trust." Atkinson said if Tyson keeps defending at a high level and makes 40 percent of his 3-point attempts, he's going to earn a "$20 million contract." "That sounds good," Tyson said. "All of us want to make a lot of money and take care of our families." Forward Jalen Johnson finished with 23 points, a game-high 13 rebounds and five assists for the Hawks, while 7-foot-3 center Kristaps Porzingis added 15 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Bob Finnan can be reached at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.