The Cleveland Cavaliers need to improve their physicality in order to win Game 2.
The Golden State Warriors committed only four turnovers in Game 1, tying an NBA Finals record for the fewest in a single game. To make matters worse, most of Golden State’s mistakes were unforced turnovers. The Cavaliers finished the game with 0 steals, becoming the first team in NBA history to do so.
In Game 2, the Cavaliers need to be more aggressive defensively. Kevin Love stated that they need to make offense tough on the Warriors, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
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"“They were really good on both sides, being in attack mode — whether it was playing downhill [on offense] or on the defensive end pushing us out, making the catches tough for us. I think at certain points we did that, but we have to do that throughout. That’s how you have to play against a team like them, because if they’re able to move freely and set good screens, the guys are able to just get a little bit of space or a little bit of breathing room [and] be so effective. That’s what makes them tough.”"
The Cavaliers really need to focus on getting a hand in the passing lanes and keeping the Warriors out of the paint. Golden State had 31 assists on 45 made field goals, and the players were able to get to any spot on the court that they pleased. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are too talented to be shut down by one defender, so Cleveland will have to bring forth a team effort defensively.
Cavaliers must score in transition.
According to Head Coach Tyronn Lue, the Cavs will also need to push the pace and score in transition, per USA Today.
"“When we get stops, we have to get out. We have to play with pace. We’ve got to play in transition. They’re a great team in the half court, as far as loading up and taking away what they want to take away.”"
Not only are the Warriors the best defensive team in the NBA, they also make you pay for turning the ball over. The Warriors are number one in the postseason in fast break points per game (21.2), while Cleveland sits at ninth in the league (11.0).
LeBron James will look to give the Warriors a little taste of their own medicine in Game 2, from USA Today.
"“We all have to just run out, create space, create opportunity early in the offense before the defense gets set, where they’re really good.”"
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Game 2 would be a huge momentum swing for the Cavaliers if they can find a way to pull out a victory.