"Ask me to play. I'll play. Ask me to shoot. I'll shoot. Ask me to pass. I'll pass. Ask me to steal, block out, sacrifice, lead, dominate. ANYTHING. But it's just not what you ask of me. It's what I ask of myself". -Lebron James
Tonight is the night! The Eastern Conference finals starts tonight with Game 1 in Atlanta with the city's own Hawks vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers
Each year, basketball teams around the country work hard for this moment: the finals (and then of course, the playoffs!)
The Hawks and Cavaliers had their ups and downs this season before making it to May 20th. Here are a few facts and stats:
Atlanta Hawks:
- Thebo Sefolosha is out for the year due to a leg injury from an incident in a New York night club in April.
- Through the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Hawk's offensive and defensive rankings were as followed: 102 points scored per 100 possessions and 98.2 points allowed per 100 possessions.
- Offensive Rating: 114.2 (+3.4 Net)
- Assist %: 65.1% (Second most assist's in NBA)
- Assist/Turnover ratio: 2.0
- Effective FG%: 57.6% (Fourth in the league)
- Free throw rate: .219
Cleveland Cavaliers:
- Kevin Love is out for the season due to a shoulder injury.
- Kyrie Irving is limited due to foot and knee issues from Bulls series.
- Through the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Cavalier's offensive and defensive rankings were as followed: 108.2 points scored per 100 possessions and 98.8 points allowed per 100 possessions.
- Offensive Rating: 110.8 (-3.4 Net) (Third best in NBA)
- Assist %: 68.4%
- Assist/Turnover rate: 1.7
- Effective FG: 54.9%
- Free throw rate: .271
While Atlanta can convert turnovers into baskets, Cleveland is a team known for excellent long range shooters.
The NBA predicts the following: SU Winner-Cleveland , ATS Winner-Cleveland, and O/U-Over. NBC Sports predicts Hawks in 7.
Tune into TNT 8:30 pm to find out!
(Photo: Twitter)
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