5 reasons Andrew Bogut injury changes NBA Finals
By John Buhler
5. Cleveland will clean up on the glass.
Cleveland may have emerged as the second-best jump-shooting team in the NBA during these 2016 NBA Playoffs, but the Cavaliers might consider resorting to bully-ball tactics now that Bogut is out for the series.
The Cavaliers were able to cruise through the Eastern Conference Finals the last two seasons thanks in large part to their ability to out-muscle opponents on the glass. Given that Bogut provides a physical low-post presence for Golden State, look for the Cavaliers to exploit the Warriors on the glass for the rest of this series.
This will pave the way for elite NBA rebounder Tristan Thompson of the Cavaliers to potentially have transformative games on the glass on both ends of the floor. Not having Bogut available to be a thorn in Thompson’s side will only give confidence to Thompson in the series’ remaining games.
With ample opportunities for put-back baskets without Bogut there to challenge him on the boards, Thompson could very well post double-doubles should Cleveland push these NBA Finals to a seventh game.
Thompson may be the best rebounder on the Cavaliers, but he’s not alone in his ability to dominate on the boards for Cleveland. Expect LeBron James, Richard Jefferson, Timofey Mozgov (if he plays), and even Kevin Love to reap the benefits of not having Bogut challenging them for rebounds in the low post.
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