Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Celtics
By Chris Conner
1. The Cavs need production from more than just LeBron and Kevin Love
We talked earlier about the performances of Love and James. For Cleveland to beat this version of the Celtics, it’s going to need a lot more than just a dynamic duo.
Tristan Thompson was one of the changes that hoped to bring assistance. While he finished with eight points and seven rebounds, Cleveland needed Thompson to help control the boards and help anchor a defense riddled with Boston penetration.
Let’s just say neither happened.
"Tristan Thompson will save us" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
— I Always Keep A Can Of Tuna On Me (@SnottieDrippen) May 16, 2018
Neither did the lineup addition of Jeff Green, as Green was coupled late with Thompson and James as Cleveland was on the comeback trail.
Cavs used Jeff Green and Tristan Thompson as LeBron's bigs while trying to mount a comeback last night.
— Greg Swartz (@GregSwartzBR) May 16, 2018
Those two have a net rating of -28 in this series.
LeBron with Green and Thompson have a net of -55.5.
Credit to the Celtics, but this is terrible lineup management.
Overall none of the help Cleveland traded for at the deadline produced much Tuesday. And it begs the question of where to go to next.
JR Smith: 0 points, 0-7
— Greg Swartz (@GregSwartzBR) May 16, 2018
Larry Nance: 0 points, 0-1
Rodney Hood: 2 points, 1-2
George Hill: 3 points, 1-3
Jeff Green: 6 points, 2-5
Jordan Clarkson: DNP-CD
"HOW MUCH HELP DOES LEBRON NEED"
Any mediocre combination of production could propel the Cavs to victory. They have some soul-searching to do, and no one should be surprised if another rotation switch is near. Expect head coach Tyronn Lue to have a few tricks up his sleeve for Game 3
Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Doncic still No. 1 in post-lottery edition
Just don’t ask him about Rodney Hood.