Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers Game 2: What We Learned

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
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 /
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Apr 17, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) argues with referee Marc Davis (8) 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. James was called for a technical foul. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) argues with referee Marc Davis (8) 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. James was called for a technical foul. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

4. LeBron’s new free-throw stance may need some more patience.

The Cavs as a team shot much better from the line in Game 2. That has nothing to do with LeBron’s contribution at the line.

James struggled from the line for the second game in a row. He was 3-of-6 from the line in Game 2. He also struggled from the line in Game 1.

LeBron has been working on his free-throw shooting with Kyle Korver. Instead of having both of his feet in a straight line, he has one foot significantly further behind than the other. This is done to replicate his natural shooting motion.

I like the idea in theory, but the new motion hasn’t done well when it’s been put to the test so far. It’ll be interesting to see if LeBron sticks with the new motion throughout the playoffs if his struggles continue. LeBron shoots a significant amount of free throws per game, so his stance and percentages are going to be crucial moving forward.

LeBron had a terrific game besides free-throw shooting. He finished up with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. James has scored 57 points through the two games in the series.