Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Warriors

1. Cavs get nothing from their shooting guards

The trio of J.R. Smith, Jordan Clarkson and Kyle Korver combined for just 17 points on 6-of-22 shooting from the field in the Game 1 loss.

Let’s just get this out of the way:

Korver shouldn’t be receiving the least minutes of the trio, which he did with just 16 while Clarkson played 17 and Smith got 38.

He may not be a great defender, but neither is Clarkson or J.R., as they lack the discipline necessary to defend at even a decent level, as evidenced by Curry’s shot to end the half where Smith gambled for the steal rather than contest the inevitable shot.

Korver at least understands where he needs to be on the defensive end, and as the best outside shooter on the team, he provides more consistent offense than his teammates do.

Now let’s get to Smith and Clarkson.

Both were God-awful in Game 1, as neither seems to have any idea what to do with the basketball in their hands, repeatedly making the wrong play or taking the worst shot possible.

With a high confidence level, Clarkson may not be afraid of the moment, but he doesn’t possess the IQ to know what to do in specific situations on the offensive end.

When he shoots, he should’ve passed. If he drove left, he should’ve driven right. Rarely does any player looked so befuddled as much as Clarkson is when inserted into a game.

Then there’s J.R. Smith, the man of the hour.

How someone fails to know the score in the closing seconds of an NBA Finals game that they happen to be playing in is beyond all of us.

J.R. cost his team a chance at a series-swinging victory, and it may not be so crazy to suggest he cost his team a chance at a championship.

To say that both need to be better seems too easy.

If Clarkson is going to play the way he did in Game 1, Tyronn Lue may as well give Rodney Hood a chance, or dust off Jose Calderon, who’s a much better shooter with a much higher IQ on both ends. Or, as mentioned before, Lue should turn to Korver.

When it comes to Smith, who would’ve thought to tell him that he needs to know the score at all times throughout the game? Sadly, that’s what it’s come to.

Cleveland nearly won Game 1 while getting little to nothing from its 2-guards.

Next: 2018 NBA Finals Game 1 recap and reaction

Looking ahead to Game 2 and beyond, if the Cavs can get anything more than the bare minimum they got in the loss, it’ll start to make amends for their poor play.