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Cleveland Cavaliers: Is Kyle Korver to blame for three-game losing streak?

By Nathan Beighle

PHILADELPHIA,PA - NOVEMBER 27: LeBron James #23 and Kyle Korver #26 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shake hands against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - NOVEMBER 27: LeBron James #23 and Kyle Korver #26 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shake hands against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers have struggled, dropping three straight, and sharpshooter Kyle Korver could be partially to blame for that.

After a 5-7 start, the Cleveland Cavaliers rebounded nicely, winning 19 of their 21. The Cavaliers then went out for a road trip which was dubbed the “trash trip” by LeBron James. They ended that road trip 0-3 which included a primetime Christmas Day loss to Golden State and two heartbreaking losses to the Kings and Jazz.

One constant throughout those three games was the non-existent play of Kyle Korver.

Kyle Korver, who is a renown sharpshooter, has averaged 2.4 threes per game and is the Cavs second highest fourth-quarter scorer. To add to that, he has the Cavs highest average +/- of 5.4, over double LBJ’s 2.5. The Cavaliers, over the course of the last 30+ games, have gotten used to significant production from Kyle Korver.

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The Cavaliers, just like Kyle Korver, have hit a brick wall over the past few games, losing two of the Western Conference’s worst teams. As for Korver, who normally shoots 43% from deep, he has shot just 31% from deep over his last three and just 24% from the field. His struggles from deep made him and the Cavs struggle when he’s on the court. Like stated above, Korver has averaged a +5.4 +/-, and on this road trip, he averaged -10.

While many players have struggled over the last few games, none have hit a brick wall quite like Korver. However, when this team starts to struggle, the questions and ensuing answers seem to all be pointed to LeBron James. James, who turned 33 this past week, record one triple-double and had two games with over 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Although his numbers were down this road trip, James will never be the sole reason for the Cavs struggles.

This time, the finger can be pointed at Kyle Kover. When he’s not connected from deep, defenders jump screens quicker and either make him rush hit already quick shot or force him to put the ball on the ground. In this example, he rushes his shot a bit, and while makeable, this is the shot he has been missing over the past few games.

While that shot was certainly one that Korver can take and make, the bottom line is that he isn’t a big threat if he isn’t connecting on those shots. The Cavs recent struggles can be pointed to an array of different reasons, and part of it can be blamed on LeBron James’ struggles. However, the majority of the struggles associated with these recent losses should be put on Kyle Korver.

Must Read: Counting down the Cavs best moments of 2017

Just a few weeks ago, Korver awed us all with three straight games of over 4 or more threes, solidifying victories in those games. But, these three past games have been the exact opposite. The Cleveland Cavaliers will start winning when Korver can regain his rhythm and knock down his long shots!