Categories: Editorials

Five Adjustments David Blatt Must Make for Game 5

Published by
D.J. Siddiqi

2. Post up LeBron James

One of the best adjustments Kerr made for Game 4 was double-teaming LeBron once he touched the ball. This was most effective when James had the ball around the perimeter, in which he was forced to pass to an open teammate such as Dellavedova, Iman Shumpert or J.R. Smith.

In other words, the Warriors took away the threat of LeBron by placing the game in the hands of those three aforementioned players. And it worked, because all three players were absolutely horrendous from beyond the arc (3-of-22 from three-point range on 13.6 percent shooting).

The Cavs are very hot-and-cold from long-range as they don’t have the shooters that the Warriors possess. So what can the Cavaliers do to combat this? Keep going into the paint.

While Game 4 was an abysmal showing for Cleveland, they succeeded in one thing—effectively converting in the paint. As a team, they went 17-of-25 inside the paint (68 percent).

Put James on the block more and once he’s doubled, guys like Dellavedova, Shumpert and Smith can cut to the basket for easy hoops.

If LeBron is out on the perimeter, we’re just going to see a repeat of Game 4 where those three players will be depended upon to consistently knock down perimeter shots.

Next: Rough up Steph Curry


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D.J. Siddiqi

D.J. Siddiqi is a staff writer for Cavaliers Nation. He has followed the NBA passionately since the 90's and has taken a keen interest in following LeBron James' career since he was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 draft. Once a critic of LeBron, DJ has grown to admire James as he has evolved from 18-year-old phenom to a four-time MVP and two-time NBA Champion. He looks forward to bringing his knowledge of the game to Cavaliers Nation.

Published by
D.J. Siddiqi

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