NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 keys to Cavaliers vs. Raptors matchup
By Connor Learn
3. Cleveland needs contributions outside of their All-Stars
LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Kyrie Irving have managed to function at an All-Star level on the same team with relatively little friction. Their minutes are staggered to ensure that they all get sufficient opportunities to score, which really means that the three take up most of the scoring and playmaking opportunities. Cleveland really needs the rest of their team to be able to make the open shots created by their All-Stars and hustle on defense. As a result, their roster is littered with shooters, and their opportunities are fairly limited.
J.R. Smith has largely became a spot-up shooter in Cleveland, but his defense is important. Tristan Thompson’s rebounding is as well. Kyle Korver and Channing Frye open up the floor for others. Deron Williams and Richard Jefferson’s steady veteran play make them assets off of the bench as well. All of these players have clearly defined roles they need to fill.
The role players will receive little credit or little blame for the outcome of this series. But despite that fact and their reduced roles, they are important. The play of James, Irving, and Love can win most games in the regular season when all three are playing at a high level, but that is less true in the playoffs. The Cavaliers need everyone to play well to play up to their full potential. While it may be hard to build a rhythm with inconsistent looks, it is important that their role players make their shots. If this is a close series, it could make all the difference.