Budenholzer says Hawks 'know they have more to give'

After his team was outscored by 28 points during its first two games in Cleveland, Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer can't wait to return to the friendly confines of Phillips Arena.

"I think they all know they have more to give and are looking forward to playing in Atlanta," Budenholzer told ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk of his players. "I think there is a certain degree of frustration, a certain degree of - I don't want to say pissed off, I am sure that is not appropriate for print - whatever the right word is for pissed off, as you should be going into a Game 3."

Hawks big men Paul Millsap and Al Horford vocalized their frustrations with the opposition Thursday, calling the Cavaliers out for a lack of professionalism during their 3-point barrage in Game 2. However, after seeing his team surrender a playoff-high 123 points on Wednesday night, Budenholzer believes his team should spend more time concentrating on its own performance.

Related: Millsap calls Cavaliers' 3-point onslaught in Game 2 unprofessional

"I think we are, or I am, more focused on what we are doing and what we need to do going forward," he said. "It is somewhat unimportant to us ... I know some things have been said and I don’t think I need to make any comments - it is not something for me. I am more focused on what we are doing and what we need to do going forward."

While the Hawks will undoubtedly need to find some sort of edge to get back into the series, Budenholzer doesn't think a lack of physicality has been their problem, despite what TNT Charles Barkley may have people believing.

"Can we be more physical?" Budenholzer asked. "I don't think it is ever a bad thing. I'm not overly critical and think that is why we are where we are today. But more? I don't think it wouldn't be a bad thing."

The Hawks will have the opportunity to prove their worth Friday, when they'll try to avoid dropping their first home game of this year's postseason.