The Cleveland Cavaliers had their butts handed to them 124-102 by the Atlanta Hawks in what was likely the last night resembling anything of a normal game for the Cavs. After this, there is only one game against the Washington Wizards left on the schedule. I… wouldn’t expect any major players to suit up for that one.

I wouldn’t say the Cavs threw this game. They started two of their core players in Evan Mobley and James Harden, while offering Jaylon Tyson a chance to hit the hardwood for the first time since suffering a toe injury in mid-March. Considering the Cavs history with toe injuries, I don’t think they’d rush Tyson back in a game they didn’t care about winning.

That said, it became clear that Cleveland didn’t care much about the outcome of this game. Especially, given that a loss would guarantee they stay in fourth place of the Eastern Conference — securing them a playoff path that doesn’t feature the Boston Celtics until potentially the Conference Finals.

The Cavs put up a decent fight through two quarters. But there was a tangible difference in how badly each team wanted this one. The Hawks were desperate to lock themselves into a playoff spot. A dance in the Play-In could have awaited them if they failed to win tonight. That’s worth getting up for.

The difference in effort became impossible to ignore by the third quarter. Cleveland, at one point, went five straight possessions without even attempting a shot. Atlanta’s defense generated countless steals as the lead ballooned to 30 points.

Predictably, the Cavs emptied their reserves to open the fourth quarter. Game over.

James Harden led the way with 20 points. He was, however, a staggering minus-34 in 25 minutes.

We’ll see you on Sunday for the regular season finale.