Story by
Quin Snyder puts blame on Hawks despite controversial officiating in loss to Cavs
- Story by
- Quin Snyder puts blame on Hawks despite controversial officiating in loss to Cavs
Quin Snyder puts blame on Hawks despite controversial officiating in loss to Cavs appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday fell short of clinching a spot in the playoffs after dropping their critical game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, 122-116 , at Rocket Arena.
Advertisement
The Hawks have suffered back-to-back losses, falling to 45-35. They are only one game ahead of the Toronto Raptors for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference and are just one and a half games ahead of the Orlando Magic to avoid being in the Play-In Tournament.
The statistics would show that Atlanta and Cleveland were almost even. The Cavaliers, however, shot 20 more free throws . They went 28-of-35, while the Hawks shot 10-of-15.
It was convenient for the Hawks to claim that they were on the receiving end of some good ol' home cooking by the referees, but coach Quin Snyder refused to blame anyone but themselves.
"They (Cavaliers) shoot 35 free throws, and we shoot what, 15? That is a big discrepancy that we need to take care of. Some of them were unnecessary, where we just reached (on defense). You've got to be more disciplined," said Sndyer, as quoted by Hawks reporter Kevin Chouinard.
Advertisement
Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley imposed their will in the paint and shot a combined 21 free throws.
Atlanta was whistled for 25 fouls, while Cleveland was called for 14 fouls.
The Hawks had a seven-point lead at halftime, but the Cavaliers outscored them in the third quarter, 44-20. The Hawks tried to rally in the final frame, going on an 18-2 run, but they ultimately ran out of steam.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker led Atlanta with 25 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Jalen Johnson had 12 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.
The Hawks' last two games are against the Cavaliers again on Friday and the Miami Heat on Sunday.
Related: Is Donovan Mitchell playing tonight? Cavs vs. Hawks injury report
Related: Hawks' Quin Snyder blasts Goga Bitadze for 'dirty play' that led to Jock Landale's injury
