Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Warriors
2. Tyronn Lue needs to make a lineup change
After his infamous late-game blunder in Game 1, it was reasonable to assume that J.R. Smith would come out looking to make amends for his actions with a bounce-back performance on Sunday night.
That performance never came, as Smith’s postseason struggles continued with only five points on 2-for-9 shooting from the field. J.R. is now averaging 8.6 points on 35.3 percent shooting in these playoffs — not the production one wants from their starting 2-guard.
With a do-or-die Game 3 on the horizon, head coach Tyronn Lue can’t afford to wait for Smith to find his stroke. He needs to be benched.
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Kyle Korver would provide much more consistency with his 3-point shooting. While his defense isn’t great, J.R. hasn’t proven to be the defender he once was, constantly allowing his man to blow past him while failing to make the correct rotation as well.
When it comes to his substitutions, Lue also needs to stop giving minutes to Jordan Clarkson, as he finished with only two points on 1-of-4 shooting in just eight minutes of play, a sign that Lue may be done experimenting with the brash youngster.
Rodney Hood may not be a better option, but he at least deserves the chance to prove his worth to the Cavs. Or maybe Lue should go with Jose Calderon off the bench, a career 41.1 percent shooter from beyond the arc with a steady veteran presence with the ball in his hands.
No matter what he does, Lue can’t afford to stick with this rotation in Games 3 and 4. When a championship is on the line, all options must be considered, even if it means bruising a few egos along the way.