The Atlanta Hawks built a 59-45 halftime lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers behind more hot shooting from Joe Johnson who leads the way with 17 points and five assists. Atlanta jumped out to a 31-19 lead at the end of the first quarter and have been able to keep the Cavaliers at arms length throughout the first half.
Johnson hit 6-7 shots and all three of his three-point attempts in the first half to pace Atlanta with 17. Kirk Hinrich has nine points and Zaza Pachulia eight for Atlanta. Josh Smith has seven points, four rebounds and six assists at the half. Atlanta hit 59 percent of its shots over the first 24 minutes and have 14 assists on 24 made baskets.
Kyrie Irving and Alonzo Gee have 13 points each to lead the Cavaliers. Rookie Tristan Thompson made his first start of the season and went scoreless in 17 minutes in the first half going 0-3 from the field while grabbing three rebounds.
For more on this game Hawks fans should visit Peachtree Hoops and Cavaliers fans should check out Fear The Sword. For more news and analysis from around the NBA head on over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.