Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 takeaways from Game 7 vs. Pacers

1. Lineup changes the key to victory

With just 26 total minutes stretched over three games, Tristan Thompson was relegated to bench-warmer duties during the first six games against the Pacers.

Despite the absence of impact in the series, Tyronne Lue opted for a more experienced starting lineup for Game 7 with guys he knew he could trust, inserting Thompson into the starting lineup and moving Love back to his natural position of power forward.

Lue’s faith in his big man was rewarded, as Thompson finished with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds while bringing his trademark energy and added defense on the pick-and-roll.

After sitting out the past three games with back spasms, George Hill proved to be another X-factor for Cleveland as well, playing all 19 of his minutes in the second half, finishing with 11 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the free throw line and six rebounds.

Credit goes to coach Lue, as he finally seemed to figure out a lineup that works after experimenting with different combinations throughout the series.

Thomspon gives the Cavs a much-needed energy boost with his rebounding capabilities on both ends, and his ability to defend in the pick-and-roll is a welcome sight for a team that’s struggled to do so.

Hill gives the Cavaliers a primary ball-handler in the second unit, capable of spelling LeBron for spurts, as both Rodney Hood and Jordan Clarkson proved ineffective in that role, while Hill struggled in the starting lineup playing off James.

Every team needs X-factors that can swing a game in its favor.

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It took some time, but the Cavaliers seem to have found a lineup that gives them balance on both ends of the floor, making them a very dangerous out against an opponent they’ve had plenty of success against in the past.