The Atlanta Hawks are just one win away from making the playoffs again after beating the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA Play-In Tournament on Wednesday. The Cleveland Cavaliers now stand in their way, who lost to the Brooklyn Nets earlier in the week.

 

The Hawks came out firing against Charlotte and ultimately won by 29 in a very efficient team performance. Every single starter finished in double-figures, with Trae Young leading the way with 24 points and 11 assists. There is absolutely no question that his brilliance will be an important factor in Friday's outcome, but it may come down to more than just Trae.

Here is the Hawks X-factor against the Cavs.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*

Hawks' X-Factor Vs Cavs in Play-In Tournament

To be honest, it's not just one player. The X-factor is the shooters. Kevin Huerter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, De'Andre Hunter, Danilo Gallinari, and Young, of course, must stay hot from downtown. The Hawks shot nearly 38% from three-point land in 2021/22, which ranked them second in the Association. Yes, they did manage to outplay the Hornets inside on Wednesday, but that won't be as easy vs. Cleveland, who possesses an imposing frontcourt.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Trent Forrest in an Atlanta Hawks jersey with the Hawks arena in the background

David Yapkowitz ·

Jarrett Allen surrounded by piles of cash.

Spencer See ·

cavaliers magic prediction

Nathanial Duffett ·

One of their biggest keys to victory against Charlotte was three-point efficiency, shooting a blistering 50% (16 for 32). Bogdanovic, Gallinari, and Huerter were all wet from deep. This has honestly been the way the Hawks have won a lot of contests this season. Trae is one of the best playmakers in the game and he finds non-stop good looks for the shooters by manipulating the defense and drawing attention toward him.

The Cavs are relatively decent at defending the perimeter, but when a team finds a rhythm from long range, it's hard to stop them. The Hawks are coming off a ridiculous shooting performance and will be poised to keep it going. Essentially all of their role players are around 37% or above. We're in a day and age where the three-pointer is being used more than ever. The Hawks are one of the teams who benefit the most.

Capela's ability to dominate inside against Mobley is important as well, but Atlanta will live or die by the triple on Friday.