Cavaliers ease to victory over Hawks in game two

The Cleveland Cavaliers earned a commanding 2-0 series lead after outclassing the Atlanta Hawks 123-98 in the NBA play-offs on Wednesday.

Having already beaten the Hawks in game one on Monday, the top-seeded Cavs were at it again two days later as they took control in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semi-final matchup.

Aiming to reach back-to-back NBA Finals, the Cavs were devastating in game two, racing out to a 74-38 lead at half-time.

The Hawks did manage to reduce the margin on the road, adding 32 points in the third period and outscoring the Cavs 28-17 in the final term, but it was a mere consolation as the hosts rested their star players.

LeBron James led the Cavs with 27 points in 28 minutes, while J.R. Smith contributed 23 points.

Kyrie Irving had 19 points and Kevin Love posted a double-double via 11 points and 13 rebounds.

The Hawks were led by Paul Millsap's 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Game three is in Atlanta on Friday.