Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Raptors
By Ryan Piers
1. Tristan Thompson must be on the floor
You were mistaken to think head coach Tyonn Lue learned his lesson in the Indiana Pacers series. You would think after Tristan Thompson tallied a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds) in Cleveland’s clinching win against Indiana, Lue would play him more frequently.
if you wonder how tristan thompson got that contract, being able to stay with derozan like that is your answer.
— bomani (@bomani_jones) May 2, 2018
Instead, Thompson found himself glued to the bench much of Game 1’s first half. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that Lue let his big man loose. With inspiring and desperately needed post play, Thompson catalyzed Cleveland to a late rally, pushing the game into overtime.
Thompson scored 14 points while pulling down 12 rebounds in just 26 minutes. He also played strong perimeter defense off pick-and rolls while tipping rebounds and providing a manic presence.
Tristan Thompson is really going to be the X-factor that kills Canada, cruel world.
— Josh Eberley 🇨🇦 (@JoshEberley) May 2, 2018
Thompson is the only Cav that plays bigger than he is. Just 6’9”, Thompson is wide framed enough to bang with Serge Ibaka and Valanciunas. Without him on the floor, Cleveland gets punished.
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So he should play more. Much more. At least 30 minutes a game. Start him if you have to. The Raptors aren’t getting any smaller. Why not play your most potent post threat?