Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Lessons From ECFs Game 1
2. Cavaliers Injuries Mounting
The Hawks more than likely lost a game-changer in DeMarre Carroll last night, that much is clear. Without Carroll to make LeBron work on both ends of the floor, I’d be shocked to see Atlanta extend this series past Game 5. Then again, it’s worth noting how many injuries this Cavaliers are dealing with on their end.
Ever since Kyrie got banged up, he’s really been hit-or-miss (mostly miss) in the second and third round of these playoffs. In Game 3 against the Chicago Bulls, he had 11 points on 3-of-13 shooting. In Game 4, it was 12 points on 2-of-10 shooting. He responded with a 25-point outing in Game 5, but was promptly injured in Game 6 and missed most of the game.
Kyrie Irving extremely frustrated with his lack of explosion due to his ailments. Says it's one of his toughest challenges.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 21, 2015
In Game 1 last night, Irving finished with 10 points on 4-of-10 shooting. That may be enough for this series, but it’s worth noting that J.R. Smith isn’t going to go 10-for-16 and knock down eight three-pointers every night. (I think.) Also, Kyrie tweaked his knee, which makes this issue an even bigger problem.
For the Cavs to have any hope of contending for a championship, Kyrie will have to be better. Even if the Cavs work their way past this Hawks team that was struggling to find its rhythm before Carroll’s injury, they stand no chance against the Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets in the Finals with Irving like this.
And of course, that’s before we mention the crippling blow that was dealt way back in the first round with Love’s shoulder injury. It’s a pity, but consistent injury woes may hold the Cavs back from reaching their full potential.
Next: No. 1