The Cleveland Cavaliers will defeat Warriors in game 2 of the Finals if…

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Jun 1, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13, center) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and center Zaza Pachulia (27) during the third quarter in game one of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Tristan Thompson fills his role

Tristan Thompson cannot afford another terrible performance in game two. He isn’t a star like LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, or Kevin Love, but he’s one of the most important players on the Cavaliers. He’s an animal on the offensive glass, but wasn’t his usual self in game one.

Thompson was limited to zero points and four rebounds in 22 minutes. That’s not nearly good enough. He’s also a great defender with the ability to switch the pick and roll and defend smaller guards on the perimeter. This skill set is extremely valuable for Cleveland because of the prevalence of the Warriors’ pick and roll offense.

Stephen Curry is extremely hard to guard on the perimeter, but Thompson does an admirable job for a big. He can’t defend Curry full-time, but he’s able to stay in front of him well enough to make Curry work hard to get an open shot for himself or his teammates.

Thompson needs to be the star role player that the Cavaliers depended on all season if they are going to even the series at one game apiece.