ATLANTA - The Cavaliers knocked down 77 3-pointers in their four-game sweep of the Hawks, but that didn't just happen because of superb ball movement. It also came from movement behind the scenes.

It was a nice, pleasant afternoon Saturday in The ATL. The temperature was hovering around 80 degrees with a slight cozy breeze. The team was a day removed from an emotional 121-108 Game 3 victory over the Hawks in which they took a commanding 3-0 series lead.

Members of the Cavaliers gathered in the hotel lobby of the Four Seasons before venturing out for lunch. LeBron James emerged from his room and upon entering the lobby, he was greeted by an unexpected surprise.

"Look who's here," James shouted. He was referring to Channing Frye. Frye, who is always punctual, was late arriving this time around. They laughed and embraced. James then went around the room carrying out choreographed handshakes with his teammates.

For approximately 10 minutes, James, Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson, Frye, James Jones, Dahntay Jones and Richard Jefferson just stood in place talking.

General Manager David Griffin was off to the side watching. "This is special," he told me. "This wasn't there before." He was alluding to the team camaraderie that has blossomed of late.

James was finally ready to chow down. He gave his teammates the word and they headed out for the revolving doors toward the sunlight. However, there were no taxis, Ubers or limo services waiting out front. And that was by design.

In broad daylight, they started strolling down Crescent Avenue in search of a restaurant. Team security did accompany them along the walk, but this stroll was far from routine.

First of all, Love is known throughout the league as an introvert. That's just the way he rolls. He has described himself as a homebody, but over the last few months, he's been extroverted with his teammates.

"He's just getting out of his shell, getting more comfortable," Thompson told me. "Kevin, he's full of jokes too now. Now he'll lead the roast. He'll start the roast."

Second of all, it's not every day that you see Love and especially James promenading the streets without a sweater hoodie covering their heads. On this afternoon, if you happened to be roaming the midtown area of Atlanta and came across a bunch of random tall guys grouped together, they weren't bouncers.

You witnessed a rare sighting of James and Co. out on the town taking in the scenery. These guys are relishing the difficult challenges the postseason presents, but they're also relishing building unity and continuity.

It's no coincidence they're playing at an all-time high level.

"I think we all understand what type of situation this is and what type of opportunity we have, and to be honest, there is just cool dudes on this team," Frye said. "Everybody has their friends on this team and we all enjoy each other's company."

James has made it a tradition of periodically inviting the team over to his house for dinner where they enjoy fellowship, play cards and watch movies and games. Love hasn't missed a visit, I'm told. On most occasions, players say there are so many good vibes and energy flowing from those get-togethers that there are always a couple of players reluctant to leave on time.

"That says a lot about our leader," Thompson said. "He's welcoming and wants people to come to his home and wants to be around us and wants us to be in his space. It's great. It's beautiful."

The solidarity this group has displayed on and off the court during this postseason stems from seeds that were planted throughout the regular season. It consisted of players stepping out of comfort zones, breaking down barriers, being willing to listen, expressing interest in their upbringing and understanding what makes each unique.

"We're playing good basketball and I think that's because we trust each other," Frye said. "We've built a bond and we're going out there doing the best we can in not only just playing basketball, but to getting to know each other."

On the basketball side, the Cavaliers know each other extremely well, and it has manifested itself through an 8-0 playoff mark and record-breaking long ball accomplishments.

The Atlanta Hawks aren't really that bad of a team after being swept and losing their 12th straight playoff game to the reigning Eastern Conference champions on Sunday. They just caught the Cavaliers at the wrong time when everything is aligning mentally, physically and spiritually.

At times last season, Love looked miserable after games. Now, the joy is glued to his face. James has learned how to nurture Love and bring out his best. The personality clashes from a year ago that resulted in disconnect, have transformed.

The pieces to the Cavaliers' puzzle are starting to fit like never before, and eight wins are all that's standing in their way of completing the puzzle. Like it or not, this team is for real and these budding relationships is a vital ingredient why.

"We're a team that enjoys each other's company," Jones said. "We're a team that is unified and cohesive. We're all comfortable around each other. We enjoy working with each other. We have a genuine concern for each person's individual success and well-being. It's like a real brotherhood."