CLEVELAND: Need evidence the NBA playoffs represent a different kind of beast?
Look to the Atlanta Hawks, who came into the series against the Cavaliers Monday night sporting some impressive post-season defensive numbers after their opening round victory over the Boston Celtics.
The Hawks held the Celtics to 38 percent shooting over the six games the two teams played.
LeBron James said he hasn’t noticed a difference in how the Hawks execute their defense.
“I just think another year under a well-coached team,” he said after Monday morning’s shootaround. “They’ve definitely taken that side of the floor very seriously and we need to be ready for it.