Similar to last year's edition, this article will briefly go over some key points that could ultimately dictate the outcome of the series.
How will Kevin Love do?
Kevin Love is enjoying his best playoff stint yet, averaging a double-double with 17.2 ppg and 10.4 rpg. He's also doing it in an efficient manner (for stretch 4s), as he's shooting with a 0.457/0.475/0.855 slashline. In last year's Finals, Love struggled and even got a concussion. However, in the Christmas Day game, Love scored 20 and battled down low to earn trips to the foul line.
 |
| Love has a complete arsenal of moves on the offensive side of the court. |
Draymond's 3 Point Shooting and Passing
Green's superb defense is a given, but it's his shooting and passing that's really stood out for me. As great as Love's slashline has been, Green's is arguably better at 0.500/0.472/0.692. We just don't fully appreciate Green's efficiency because he only attempts 8.8 field goals a game. His shooting is just part of his offensive magnificence though; Green keeps the ball moving and even gets 8.7 APG.
 |
| Green has a lot to offer: versatility, defensive prowess, outside shooting, playmaking, ball handling, and leadership. |
Using their size: Zaza Pachulia and JaVale McGee
As mentioned before, rim protecting is of the utmost importance to the Warriors, and they'll need it to be a priority if they want to slow down LeBron James. Defending the paint will always be the recipe to form a good defense, but it's what these guys can provide on the offensive side that'll really change the tide of battle. Pachulia has a nice touch, and McGee is an above the rim player-which creates for a whole new dynamic on the offensive end of the court.
 |
| McGee's offense doesn't require for a play to be drawn up for him, yet he can change the course of the series. |
Cleveland's bench scoring
A key point that'll get lost is Channing Frye's importance to the bench. His ability to spread the floor plays a big role in their second unit's scoring. Tyronn Lue loves to roll a lineup with LeBron and 4 bench players, but it'll be hard to justify putting Frye in the game since the Warriors play at such an up-and-down pace. That lineup's two favorite plays both involve Channing too. The first being a simple pick-and-pop between James and Frye, and the second being a flare screen between Korver and Frye. Williams, Korver, and Jefferson will all have to be able to hit 3s in Channing's absence.
 |
| How much will Cleveland miss Channing Frye's shooting if he can't play this series? |
Klay's touches
It's no secret that Klay Thompson is an exceptional shooter, but he hasn't had the best playoff run this year. He's only attempting 13.9 shots per game, and converting them at a paltry 38%. His three point percentage is still respectable at 36%, but not quite what Klay is used to. Will he be able to get out of his shooting slump? I suspect so.
 |
| Klay will get his shots up this series, unlike the rest of the 2017 playoffs. |
Who will LeBron guard?
The Cavaliers had its best success against Toronto and Indiana when LeBron checked DeMar DeRozan and Paul George. Does that mean Cleveland should stick James on Durant? They could do that and spell James with players like Shumpert, J.R. Smith, and maybe Richard Jefferson when they get the chance. But something that needs to be remembered is that Cleveland was most successful when James was guarding Draymond Green in last year's finals. This gave LeBron a chance to get involved any time a pick play was drawn between Curry and Green. There's a lot to be considered here as there are so many scenarios that can be played out.
 |
| Cleveland has had the luxury of playing a lot of different sets because of LeBron's talents. One play he's being used as a center fielder to roam passing lanes, another he's tasked to be the rim protector, and when the going gets tough he's asked to take the other team's best player in isolation. |
0 comments:
Post a Comment