Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 keys to conference finals vs. Celtics

2. Cleveland’s shooters have to do what they do

Ranking No. 3 during the regular season in both made and attempted 3-pointers, most of what the Cavaliers do offensively revolves around their ability to hit perimeter shots.

It’s most of the reason for slotting Kevin Love at center, providing LeBron James and company an open highway leading straight to the basket.

With J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver roaming the perimeter and Love being one of the best pick-and-pop big men in the league, when the Cavs rain down 3s, things get ugly for the opponent really fast.

When Cleveland’s shooters aren’t hitting their outside shots, it becomes unpleasant for them, because outside of LeBron, nobody else on that roster can consistently create his own shot off the dribble.

Cleveland’s ability to hit shots is directly correlated to its chances to win, because they don’t really have any other options on offense. Yes, James can get 40+, but that would account for less than half of even the worst NBA offenses.

Not only would a hot shooting series from the Cavaliers put extra points on the board, but it would keep Boston’s defense honest.

If the Celtics choose to let the wine and gold shooters beat them, hopefully their shooting touch would make them pay. If they decide to defend the 3-point line and let LeBron go one-on-one, well, good luck with that.