Cleveland Cavaliers: A guide to coming back from a 3-1 deficit

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Jun 9, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) is defended by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second half in game four of the 2017 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Leak Kyrie Irving out in transition, not LeBron

Everyone loves a thunderous monster jam from James in transition, but he’s too valuable defensively to leak out.

On a Warriors jump-shot, Irving should break down the court. Down 3-1 at Oakland, I would take this gamble. You don’t have to become the cherry-picking Ball Brothers of Chino Hills, just an occasional freebie here and there would benefit the team. Even on a made basket, Love should be looking to bomb a trademark outlet pass for Irving to score on.

Leave James to collect rebounds and carry a short outlet pass up the court. Even if they aren’t cherry-picking, Irving’s handling and vision in transition have proven to be top-notch this series, so it might be beneficial having him leak up the court.

At one point in Game 4, the Cavaliers played five smaller players thereby making James rebound more. If Lue decides to go back to that, we might see more Irving in transition since James would more-than-likely push following a rebound.