Categories: Editorials

Five Adjustments David Blatt Must Make for Game 5

Published by
D.J. Siddiqi

3.  Rough up Steph Curry

The bottom line is Steph Curry has regained his shooting touch after a disastrous Game 2 for the ages when he shot 5-of-23 from the field and went 2-of-15 from beyond the arc.

In Game 3, he regained his stroke when he went 10-of-20 from the field and scored 27 points. He shot an effective 7-of-13 from beyond the perimeter.

In Game 4, he complimented the Warriors’ offensive attack with 22 points on 8-of-17 shooting, along with 4-of-7 from the three-point line.

Curry is the MVP of the league and is arguably the best shooter in the game right now. However, he’s not perfect, and it has been proven that he can be flustered on the game’s biggest stage.

The key to forcing Curry to struggle is by bullying and hounding him with physicality. When Dellavedova was at his peak energy wise, he hounded Curry into one of the worst games of his career in Game 2.

Since that time, the MVP has been able to get shots off with relative comfort. That goes away if you start fouling him hard and make him think twice about going up for a shot.

Yes, it’s true he’s an amazing free throw shooter. But the Cavaliers should accept Curry converting on a few free throws if that means he’ll miss the majority of his field goal attempts. In Game 2 when he struggled drastically, he went to the line eight times.

In the two games since, he’s gone to the line just twice.

This is a sign that Cleveland is not using enough of their size and physicality to get into Curry’s head.

Next: Pack the Paint with Bigs


Page: 1 2 3 4 5

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

Recent Posts

Donovan Mitchell says he only got 2 or 3 hours of sleep before torching Magic for 30 points

The Cleveland Cavaliers haven't been to the second round of the playoffs since the 2017-18…

2 weeks ago

Jarrett Allen says J.B. Bickerstaff challenged him and Evan Mobley before Game 1 vs. Magic

According to Cleveland Cavaliers big man Jarrett Allen, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff challenged him and…

2 weeks ago

Jarrett Allen doesn’t regret saying lights were ‘brighter than expected’ after Knicks playoff loss

Cleveland Cavaliers big man Jarrett Allen doesn't seem to have any qualms about saying that…

2 weeks ago

Report: Cavs kept their eyes on 76ers for ‘months’ fearing potential nightmare 1st-round matchup

The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly kept their eyes on the Philadelphia 76ers for “months,” as they…

2 weeks ago

Donovan Mitchell says he feels 100 percent physically and mentally ahead of Cavs-Magic series

Cleveland Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell shared a positive update on his health – both…

2 weeks ago

Former and current Cavs players pay respects to Blake Griffin in wake of his retirement

On Tuesday, NBA veteran Blake Griffin announced his decision to retire from the game of…

2 weeks ago