08 Jun. 2016 – Let’s be very clear here, the first two games of the 2016 NBA Finals were disgusting, and not because of the Warriors. Golden State came to play, they came to show everyone that they are legitimate champions and that all the hype surrounding them is very real. On the other hand, the Cavaliers look like they are in preseason mode. It might be because they got comfortable rolling through the sad Eastern Conference, or maybe the pressure is simply too much to handle. Either way change is obviously needed, but let’s be more specific.
Though he is the only Cavalier playing with heart and determination, Tristan Thompson needs to come off the bench. Coach Lue must insert Timofey Mozgof back into the starting line-up. Mozgof averaged 14 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in last year’s finals against Golden State, so why Tyronn Lue refuses to use him is beyond me. Doing so will not only give LeBron and the Cavaliers another offensive weapon but will also help slow the game down, something that worked tremendously well last year. I understand the game has changed and teams are all looking to push the pace but no one does it better than the Warriors. So in doing so, the Cavaliers are only helping them. Slow the game down, let LeBron play hero ball, play aggressive, continuously attack the basket, and get to the line. I doubt getting Andre Iguodala, Andrew Bogut, or Draymond Green in foul trouble would upset the Cavs. If LeBron does this all game long, the defense will eventually be forced to collapse and double team James leaving an open shooter or two for him to kick it back out to.
Although it’s a solid game plan, it won’t matter if not a single Cavalier can make a shot. J.R Smith has gone 3-9 for the ENTIRE SERIES which is simply pathetic, Kyrie Irving shot 7-22 and 5-14 in games 1 and 2 respectively. Kevin Love went 7-17 in game 1 then 2-7 in game 2 before the early exit. Dellavedova can’t seem to make a shot either. Channing Frye has become a distant memory for Cleveland fans thanks to Steve Kerr reducing Marreese Speights playing time, and increasing Festus Ezeli’s. It’s simply unacceptable, the Cavaliers need to play hungry, and make us believe that they want this as much as the Warriors do. If that doesn’t happen Golden State will continue to dominate them, and go on to win their second straight NBA title.
Article By: Nick Husni
The post How can the Cavaliers turn things around? appeared first on Sports 961.