5. Solid Bench Production
Bench play will be very crucial for both the Cavs and Warriors during the NBA Finals, as a handful of players from both teams have played a large role during their playoff successes. Cavs backup point guard Matthew Dellavedova has become a lightning rod of controversy during the playoffs, mainly due to his hustle and aggressive play that has led many NBA fans to question whether he’s a dirty player or not.
Known to Cavs fans simply as “Delly,” he has seen his role expand greatly during the playoffs in comparison to the regular season. In Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Chicago Bulls, he stepped up to lead the Cavs in scoring with 19 points after Irving did not play the entire second half of the game.
For the Warriors, who play with a much deeper bench than the injury-riddled Cavs, they continue to flaunt the depth of their roster throughout the playoffs. Shooting guard Andre Iguodala, who retains the sixth man role for Golden State, leads the pack off the bench.
Shaun Livingston, the Warriors’ backup point guard to Curry, as well as veteran shooting guard Leandro Barbosa will also provide a spark from the bench.
Next:Â David Blatt Must Outcoach Steve Kerr
