Ten Cavs made three-pointers, led by J.R. Smith with seven.
Dahntay Jones' corner three-pointer with 2:24 left gave the Cavs the
all-time record, surpassing the 2009 Orlando Magic and the 2014
Houston Rockets, who each made 23 treys in a game.
The Cavs finished 25-for-45 from long range and are now averaging
16.2 three-pointers per playoff game, easily the most of any team
this year.
However, James insists it is not their identity.
"We're not a three-point shooting team. We don't want to be labeled
that," he told reporters.
"We're a well-balanced team that's capable of making threes.
Obviously, we've got guys that can knock down shots from the
perimeter. It's been key to our success, but we have to continue to
understand that we have to be very balanced offensively."
The Cavs' 18 three-pointers in the first half also set a record. The
long-range assault carried Cleveland to a 74-38 halftime lead -- the
largest in the NBA during a playoff game since 1987. The Cavs led by
as many as 41 in the third quarter.
Smith scored 23 while shooting 7-for-13 from three-point range, and
Kyrie Irving had 19 points. Kevin Love added 11 points and 13
rebounds.
Smith's three-pointer in the second quarter, after he dribbled
behind his back to shake Hawks guard Kyle Korver, put the Cavs ahead
65-35. Smith celebrated with a skip/strut to the other end of the
floor without breaking stride.
The Cavs never lost their rhythm all night. "For the last month
and a half, that's pretty much the way we've been playing," Cavs
coach Tyronn Lue said.
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"We've been sharing the basketball, playing at a high tempo, moving
bodies. When we're sharing and we're playing at a high pace and
getting stops and everyone touches it, it becomes contagious.
Everyone has fun and enjoys playing that way."
Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said the Cavs' three-point shooting was
a huge concern after Cleveland made 15 three-pointers in its Game
One victory. This time, the Cavs made their 15th three-pointer in
the second quarter.
"If they shoot the ball like that," Hawks guard Kyle Korver said, "I
don't know if anyone can beat them, to be honest."
Paul Millsap had 16 points and 11 rebounds for Atlanta. Jeff Teague
scored 14 points and Kris Humphries had 12. Starters for both sides
sat out the fourth quarter.
Game Three of the best-of-seven series is at Atlanta on Friday.
(Editing by John O'Brien)
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