LOS ANGELES (AFP) - The Cleveland Cavaliers fired a record-setting 25 three pointers as they pummelled the Atlanta Hawks 123-98 to seize a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference play-off series on Wednesday.

Cleveland produced 18 first-half three pointers which propelled them to a 74-38 halftime lead.

JR Smith led the barrage from beyond the arc with seven overall as 10 Cleveland players made three pointers in the second round post-season game.

"When he's making shots, it becomes contagious," said Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue said of Smith.

Dahntay Jones' three-pointer with 2:24 remaining in the fourth gave Cleveland the all-time record, surpassing the 2009 Orlando Magic and the 2013 Houston Rockets, who each made 23 threes.

Mo Williams added the final three-pointer on the Cavaliers' next possession.

"We were getting open shots and taking open shots and we were making them," Lue said.

The Cavaliers also broke the record for most threes in a play-off game of 21, which was set by the Golden State Warriors last month.

The Cavaliers have won their last nine games against the Hawks and all 10 play-off games between the two teams. The series shifts to Atlanta for Game 3 on Friday and Game 4 on Sunday.