Shorthanded Cavs drop Atlanta

LeBron James had a triple-double and Kyle Korver scored a season-high 30 points, including four straight 3-pointers to close the third period, as the Cavaliers beat the Atlanta Hawks, 123-107, on Feb. 9 for a successful start to their reboot.

One day after unloading six players, including guards Isaiah Thomas and Dwyane Wade, in three trades, the Cavaliers were in a state of transition. They had only nine available players against the Hawks, but Korver more than

made up for a short bench.

Korver, the former Hawks fan favorite, made 7 of 13 from 3-point range and finished two points from matching his career high of 32.

James had 22 points, 17 assists and 12 rebounds. Jeff Green, also coming off the bench, had 24 points.

Newcomers George Hill, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr. and Rodney Hood joined the Cavs, but remained in the locker room

during the game. They are expected to make their debuts with Cleveland on Sunday in Boston.

The team sent medical staff to Atlanta to complete physicals with the four players as quickly as possible.

The team planned a practice on Saturday to begin what coach Tyronn Lue said would be a re-introduction of the offense and defense.

“It can be good for us offensively and defensively, starting all over and breaking everything down from scratch will be good for this team,” Lue said. “Even guys who have been here, I think it will be good. It will take

some time to do that but we’ve got the All-Star break coming up . ... We’ll try to get those guys up to speed as quickly as possible.”

Dennis Schroder led Atlanta with 25 points. Taurean Prince had 15 points.

Cleveland led, 83-80, late in the third period when James scored and was fouled by John Collins. James’ momentum carried him into a section of fans under the basket, and he was limping when he emerged. He made the free throw, remained in the game and then had assists on back-to-back 3s by Korver for a 91-80 lead.

Korver made a third straight 3-pointer following a timeout to stretch the lead to 14 points. Following a basket by Atlanta’s Malcolm Delaney, Korver added his fourth 3 of the period, a buzzer-beater.