Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Game 3: What We Learned

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May 21, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) fights for possession with Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) and guard Marcus Smart (36) during the first half in game three of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Tristan Thompson is invaluable to the Cavs.

Irving and Love both had outstanding nights offensively. They combined for 57 of the Cavs’ points. That being said, Thompson was the best Cavalier on Sunday night.

Thompson was too much to handle on both ends of the floor. He finished with 18 points, on 12 of 15 shooting from the line, and 13 boards including 7 on the offensive end.

Thompson’s athleticism make him almost impossible for teams like the Celtics to handle. Thompson also has the versatility to dominate the paint, control the glass, and guard perimeter players if forced to. Having one player that can do all three of those things at a high level make him lethal to a small ball teams.

Game 3 was just another reminder of just how special of a player Thompson is. Especially for this team. He fits a role that few people in the league have the skill-set to fulfill. It’s a shame Thompson often times doesn’t get the praise he deserves.