ATLANTA –- The day after the Atlanta Hawks' death by 3’s in Cleveland during Game 2, Mike Budenholzer had his team relive the nightmare by watching some of the film.
It might actually be a good thing considering the mood the Hawks were already in after surrendering an NBA-record 25 3-pointers to the Cleveland Cavaliers in an Eastern Conference semifinal whipping on Wednesday night.
"I think they all know they have more to give and are looking forward to playing in Atlanta," Budenholzer said on a conference call when asked about the team's mood. "I think there is a certain degree of frustration, a certain degree of -- I don’t want to say pissed off, I am sure that is not appropriate for print -- whatever the right word is for pissed off, as you should be going into a Game 3."
Budenholzer was asked if he and the Hawks took exception to the Cavs breaking the NBA record for 3-pointers made late in the 123-98 rout.
"No," Budenholzer said. "I think we are, or I am, more focused on what we are doing and what we need to do going forward. It is somewhat unimportant to us ... I know some things have been said and I don’t think I need to make any comments -- it is not something for me. I am more focused on what we are doing and what we need to do going forward."
Budenholzer was asked if the Hawks should have retaliated as the Cavaliers were aiming to set the all-time record late in the game.
This was a sentiment shared by TNT analyst Charles Barkley, who asserted that the Hawks should “take somebody out” and not stand idly by as the Cavaliers were still hoisting 3’s late in the rout.
Budenholzer, who stresses professionalism and playing with class, said he had no response to Barkley’s comments. And overall, he doesn’t think physicality, or a lack of it, is the main reason the Hawks find themselves down 0-2 heading into Game 3 at home on Friday.
“That is not why we are not having the success that we like to have,” Budenholzer said. “It’s not for a lack of physicality. Having said that, the more aggressive team ... the team that is in attack mode on both ends of the court is the team that usually has most success.
“Can we be more physical?” Budenholzer asked. “I don’t think it is ever a bad thing. I’m not overly critical and think that is why we are where we are today. But more? I don’t think it wouldn’t be a bad thing.”
The Hawks simply need to play better and do something about stopping the Cavaliers for once. Atlanta has lost nine straight regular-season and postseason games to the Cavaliers since last year's Eastern Conference finals sweep by Cleveland. And LeBron James is now 10-0 lifetime in the postseason against Atlanta.
When asked if there are any adjustments that the Hawks need to make, forward Paul Millsap wondered what else the Hawks could have done with the Cavs' volcanic-hot shooting.
“I watched enough on the court, man,” Millsap said after the game on Wednesday night of whether he would watch any tape to see what else can be done. “You just throw this film out. A team got hot. There was nothing we could have done about it.
“Can’t blame it on strategy, can’t blame it on energy. Give them credit, they made tough shots. Hopefully we can do the same thing. ... What adjustments can you make?”
The Hawks’ biggest adjustment might just have to be a mental one. At some point, the Hawks have to make a stand and end the playoff drought against James.
James is expecting Philips Arena to be hostile on Friday night. The Hawks will need every advantage they can get, and hope to stir the crowd into a frenzy immediately.
“We are still confident,” Kent Bazemore said after Game 2. “We gave ourselves a chance in Game 1. [Game 2] was a special night for them. It is not like we have played a complete game of Hawks basketball yet. We haven’t played as well as we can. We haven’t established ourselves yet.
“Also we know we got to be better, and I think we will. Get home and play in front of our crowd and let us get two or three 3’s to go and watch the roof come down on them. That is the way you got to approach it.”