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NBA Playoffs 2018: 5 keys to Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers matchup

By Rucker Haringey

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 28: Draymond Green #23, Kevin Durant #35, Klay Thompson #11, and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors look on in Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals against the Houston Rockets during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 28, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 28: Draymond Green #23, Kevin Durant #35, Klay Thompson #11, and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors look on in Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals against the Houston Rockets during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 28, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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This may be version four of Cavs-Warriors, but there are several factors that will make this edition different than all the rest.

Cleveland-Golden State is the NBA Finals everyone expected, but the two teams certainly didn’t arrive there via the most direct route. LeBron James had to drag the Cavaliers roster kicking and screaming past the Celtics. The Warriors could easily have been eliminated in Houston if not for an injury to Chris Paul. Suffice it to say, both teams will enter this series with something to prove.

That doesn’t mean it projects to be an even series. The oddsmakers have installed the Warriors as heavy favorites. That shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Steve Kerr has a lot more weapons at his disposal compared to what Tyronn Lue has to work with.

Odds can be wrong though. The series is still likely going to feature a lot of twist and turns. In particular, you should be watching these five keys as both teams vie for a place in NBA history.

5. Will George Hill show up?

No one can deny that Golden State enters this season with a massive advantage in terms of offensive firepower. If the Cavaliers are going to win, LeBron James can’t be the only scorer.

George Hill simply has to be an effective scorer if Cleveland is going to stay competitive. The crafty point guard has been up and down during this year’s playoffs. Ultimately, he only has posted a PER of 12.1 in his 15 postseason appearances. That has to increase dramatically to give the Cavaliers a chance.

It’s not just that Hill needs to be more efficient. He has to become more assertive as well. LeBron James cannot be forced to initiate every offensive action for the Cavs. Hill is the only other player who can really be a threat via the pick and roll. He will need to up his usage rate of 14.6% to a number in the 20s to take the heat off of James.

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