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Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 adjustments for Game 2 vs. Warriors

By Simon Smith

CLEVELAND, OH - May 31: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers on the team bus before Game One of the 2018 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors on May 31, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - May 31: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers on the team bus before Game One of the 2018 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors on May 31, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

2. Less Jordan Clarkson

Never has a +8 reading been more misleading than Clarkson’s in Game 1.

In 17 minutes of court time, Clarkson shot 2-of-9 from the field in positing four points and three rebounds. Put simply, Clarkson didn’t see a shot he didn’t like during his time on the floor, missing from all areas of the floor, including going 0-for-3 from long range.

Incredibly, Clarkson managed to launch nine goal attempts despite touching the ball in the frontcourt on just 12 occasions for the game. This has been a recurring theme for the 25-year-old over the course of the postseason, with the following numbers applying since the beginning of the Cavaliers’ conference finals battle with the Boston Celtics:

Over the course of the 2018 NBA Playoffs, the Cavaliers have now posted a 9-2 record when Clarkson has played 15 minutes or less. Following his 17 minutes in Game 1, the Cavaliers are now 3-5 when he plays at least 16 minutes.

Brought in midseason during the Cavaliers’ mass upheaval, Clarkson was seen as a key piece with his youth and athleticism seen as key ingredients for an aging roster. However, his indifferent play, particularly in the postseason, means head coach Tyronn Lue and his staff should consider alternate options before the series gets out of reach.

Either Rodney Hood, also brought in midseason, or veteran Jose Calderon, should receive serious consideration for a role in the rotation following Clarkson’s considerable struggles.

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