Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Takeaways From Game 1 vs. Pistons

Apr 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy complains about a call during the third quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs beat the Pistons 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) greets guard Kyrie Irving (2) before game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

4. LeBron James Wants Irving & Love To Win

Watching LeBron James play with a healthy Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love is a fascinating experience. The ball-dominant force we know him to be becomes more passive, deferring to his two star teammates with an overwhelming level of confidence.

Throughout Game 1, it seemed as though James wanted Irving and Love to win the game.

James has been far more willing to defer since coming back to Cleveland. He’s still one of the best scorers in the world, as evidenced by the fact that he ranked in the Top 5 in scoring for the 12th consecutive season in 2015-16.

The good news for the future of the Cavaliers is that James is far more intent on getting his teammates to play at his level than he is going isolation on every possession.

During Game 1, four of Love’s 10 made field goals, and three of Irving’s 10 were assisted by James. In 2015-16, Love assisted 126 of Love’s 307 assisted field goals—41.0 percent—and facilitated 42 of Irving’s 114 assisted field goals—36.8 percent.

Beyond the numbers, however, is a veteran whose vision for the team appears to be coming to fruition in the 2016 NBA Playoffs.

Next: No. 3

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