8. Protecting the Paint Is Vitally Important
While the Cavaliers won the battle of the boards against Golden State, 55-49, some key breakdowns during the course of the game led to players like Stephen Curry being able to drive with ease to the basket.
Some of that can be attributed to chemistry issues in development, while others point to the need of having a more aggressive presence in this area. Of course, determining Timofey Mozgov’s level of toughness is likely impossible, but whether it involves Mozgov, Tristan Thompson or even Anderson Varejao, the team needs to have someone in that area that can change the game plans of teams like Golden State.
Varejao has never been afraid to mix it up, but his past injury history might make the team reluctant to put him in a potentially vulnerable position. Varejao is currently averaging less than nine minutes per game, but perhaps bumping up those minutes could provide an answer.
Next: LeBron Needs More Rest
