(Sports Network) - The Atlanta Hawks will try to end a three-game losing
streak on Wednesday night when they visit Quicken Loans Arena to face the
Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Hawks, who have lost four of five, fell in Minnesota to the Timberwolves
on Tuesday night, 108-103. The T-Wolves smoked the Hawks in the first half,
winning the first quarter, 30-20 and the second stanza, 28-22.
Atlanta fought back in the second half, especially late in the third quarter.
The Hawks won the final frame, 32-23, but by that point it was too late to
amount to a victory.
"We can not wait for a half before we start playing," said head coach Larry
Drew. "That's clearly what happened tonight."
Drew called a team meeting after a loss at home to the Boston Celtics on
Saturday. The get-together didn't have the desired effect as the Hawks have
lost three of four on the road.
Against Minnesota, the Atlanta big men were solid. Josh Smith had 21 points,
13 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Al Horford also had a double-double
with 19 points and 11 boards.
The Cavaliers head into Wednesday night's tilt losers of two straight and five
of their last six. Their most recent setback came Monday in Chicago against
the Bulls, 118-92.
Dion Waiters led the way for the Cavs with 18 points off the bench. Kyrie
Irving and C.J. Miles netted 15 apiece and Tristan Thompson chipped in 14
points.
The Cavaliers believed they were getting some reinforcements for Wednesday
night's game. Anderson Varejao, the NBA's leading rebounder, had missed the
last 10 games with a bruised right knee, but was expected to practice on
Tuesday with the expectation of playing against the Hawks.
Head coach Byron Scott announced at a shoot around on Tuesday that Varejao
wasn't able to go. Scott also said his status hasn't changed.
"I'm disappointed because he was having an All-Star type year," Scott said at
practice on Tuesday. "You want him to play because of the type of player he is
and what he means to our team."
Scott said he wasn't sure if Varejao would accompany the team when they left
on a western trip on Friday, starting in Denver. Cleveland plays five on the
road, where they are 5-16 this season, as opposed to 3-12 at home.
The two teams have split the two matchups this season, with each team winning
in the other's building. The Hawks had won seven straight before the Cavs won
on Nov. 30.
The Sports Network