Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers Game 2: What We Learned

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Apr 17, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) and guard Iman Shumpert (4) react to a call as Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) complains from the floor during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 117-111. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Iman Shumpert showed that he deserves another shot in the Cavs’ rotation.

Shumpert never left the bench in Game 1. His play at the end of the regular season was abysmal. However, that all might have changed after J.R. Smith left the game with a hamstring injury.

Shumpert is known for his defense and energy. Down the stretch of the regular season those two parts of his game were nonexistent. That wasn’t the case in Game 2.

Shumpert did an exceptional job of guarding Paul George in the second half. He limited George to 14 points in the second half on 4 of 11 shooting (36.4%).

The Cavs were able to seal the victory largely impart because of the energy that Shumpert brought to both ends of the floor. He looked like the Shumpert that fans in Cleveland have grown to love. Not the one that forces shots and takes plays off defensively.

Shumpert showed that he deserves a second look at a rotation spot. Coach Lue will be forced to play him if he continues to play this well.