Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 keys to beating Warriors in 2018 NBA Finals

2. Cleveland’s shooters have to make shots

The Cavaliers’ offensive strategy is predicated on LeBron’s penetration as his teammates spread out all over the court in order to provide spacing. When James drives, if nobody rotates he’ll take it straight to the rim. When a defender slides over, LeBron always finds the open man.

If Kyle Korver, J.R. Smith and others are knocking down their shots, Cleveland’s offense runs smoothly. If they don’t, the shooters will find themselves flicking their wrists until their arms fall off, trying to get back into a rhythm.

Ranking third in both 3-point makes and attempts during these playoffs, the Cavaliers pretty much ride or die with their ability to shoot the long ball, increasing its importance in this upcoming Finals matchup.

Kevin Love may have to up his scoring, but the shooters also have to make their shots.

If Golden State’s not hitting its 3-pointers, Steve Kerr‘s offense can create open looks closer to the basket, or KD and Curry can simply create their own looks.

When the Cavs aren’t hitting their shots from beyond the arc, the offense boils down to LeBron James on every single possession, allowing the Warriors able to focus solely on him.

With the offensive potency that Golden State possesses, Cleveland needs a way to remain competitive through 48 minutes. Its best bet is to keep pace with a heavy dose of perimeter shots, as the extra point should prove valuable throughout the game.

This strategy only works, however, if the Cavaliers are actually hitting their shots because it opens up the floor for James and Love while putting points on the board in the only possible way that can match the Warriors.