Game 2 Preview with King James Gospel
Jared Mueller from King James Gospel answered some questions ahead of Game 2 for us.
The Golden State Warriors rolled to a big win in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, despite the fact that Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson played as bad of a game as they could have. The bench for the Warriors came up huge and they were really able to capitalize on the mistakes that the Cavaliers made.
With Game 2 on Sunday night, Jared Mueller returned to answer some questions.
1.What do the Cavaliers need to do different in Game 2?
The Cavs need to move the basketball. They struggled to get anything going on offense because of isolation basketball. According to ESPN, there were 25 possessions where the Cavs didn’t even pass the ball. That is pathetic.
When the ball moves, players move. There is energy to the team and they all stay engaged. When it stagnates like that energy is zapped and the Warriors can load up against whoever has the ball.
2. Does LeBron need to take over?
Not offensively, no. He needs to be dominant when he has the ball and needs to control the game. However, he does that when he passes, plays in the post, sets good screens and is cutting off the ball. LeBron taking over is generally different than other players taking over.
He also tries to get Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love involved early to help build their confidence. Maybe not trying so hard would be helpful.
3. Do the Cavs need to go bigger?
Length is something that the Cavs are generally missing outside of LeBron and, somewhat, Tristan Thompson. It is one reason Channing Frye has been so helpful with his height and long arms.
The Cavs specifically went away from Timofey Mozgov because of the Warriors and small ball. Timo struggled all year anyways but was such a huge addition for the team last year that his disappearance is surprising. They just don’t have a lot of people who can cover a lot of ground while standing still.
4. How do they combat Andre Iguodala?
Iggy is such a pain! It seems like he has his best games against LeBron and can do a variety of things so well that, off of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, he is a tough matchup. The biggest thing the Cavs can do against him is be focused on him one on one. The Cavs were all very intent when guarding the two guards but relaxed when guarding anyone else. Just not acceptable in the NBA Finals.
In the end, the Cavs have to be okay with Iguodala and Shaun Livingston having good games but it can’t be for lack of effort.
5. Who gets a technical/flagrant next game?
I expect the Cavs to come out very physical next game which means your question is great foreshadowing. I think it will come down to Draymond Green, Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith. Two of the three are pretty obvious, given Draymond and JR’s reputations, but TT could explode soon. He hasn’t played his normal energy game in a couple of series, he is getting punked anytime he gets the ball and left alone when he doesn’t have it on offense. He also doesn’t back down, has his teammates back and plays very physical.
Tristan Thompson would be my off the radar bet for a technical or flagrant tonight.