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Hawks hope to bounce back vs. Cavs

Jan 21, 2012 - 4:12 PM (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Hawks won't have much time to dwell on last night's loss in Philadelphia, as they head home to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers Saturday at Philips Arena.

The Hawks entered Friday's bout with the Sixers having won four straight and seven of eight games, and dropped a 90-76 decision at Wells Fargo Center. They had a 47-39 lead at halftime and were outscored by a 25-10 margin in the third quarter. Former Sixer Willie Green had 14 points, Jeff Teague netted 12 and Tracy McGrady and Josh Smith both added 10 points for Atlanta.

"It got tough for us and we quit. That's what happened," Hawks coach Larry Drew said about the second half. "I'm more disappointed than frustrated. We talked about it at halftime, that team was going to make a run. They made a run and we didn't maintain our composure. It got tough for us and we didn't respond."

Atlanta will put its five-game home winning streak on the line tonight and is 7-1 as the host this season. After tonight's game the Hawks will hit the road again for five straight games.

Cleveland has lost two straight and five of seven games, including Friday's 114-75 blowout loss to the Chicago Bulls. Anderson Varejao paced the Cavaliers with 14 points and rookie Kyrie Irving contributed 13 points and three assists for the Cavs, who shot a lowly 30.3 percent and gave up 24 points on 15 turnovers.

"Things just didn't go our way tonight and there was definitely a lack of effort on our end," said Irving. "They played a great game tonight and we just failed to do some of the things that Coach [Byron] Scott wanted us to do from our plan."

The Cavs lost to the Bulls even though the Central Division leaders were without reigning MVP Derrick Rose (toe). They will also visit Miami on their short trek and own a 4-5 road mark.

Cleveland lost all three meetings with Atlanta a season ago, but is still a decent 13-7 in the previous 20 meetings. The Cavs have prevailed nine times in their past 13 visits to the Peach State.