King James Gospel
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Cleveland Cavaliers win second straight: Lessons from Cavs 17-point victory

By Jackson Flickinger

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers pauses between plays during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Quicken Loans Arena on January 28, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers pauses between plays during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Quicken Loans Arena on January 28, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 28: Channing Frye #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket against the Detroit Pistons on January 28, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 28: Channing Frye #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket against the Detroit Pistons on January 28, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Channing Frye has a role on this team.

One of the underrated aspects of the Cavs’ starting lineup change has been Frye being reinserted into the rotation. The bench has gone back to being one of the most dangerous units in the league because of that.

Frye’s numbers don’t jump off the page. He finished with 7 points and 7 rebounds in just over 20 minutes of play.

However, his effect on the game can’t be overlooked. His shooting ability opened up space for everyone on the floor, especially Korver who was able to knock down four triples on the night. Frye’s shooting ability also opened up driving lanes for bench players like Green, Rose and Crowder who need those lanes to maximize their ability.

There’s been plenty of trade rumors floating around the Cavs recently. Most all of them involve Frye who has an expiring contract that rebuilding teams covet. However, games like this one show just how valuable he can be to the team.

The Cavs can attack in transition.

Integrating Isaiah Thomas and Derrick Rose into the lineup hasn’t gone smoothly. There have been many bumps in the road the last couple weeks. However, their return has sped up the Cavs’ pace. As a result, Cleveland outscored Detroit 20 to 4 in fast break points Sunday evening.

The Cavs have the athletes and shooting to be a devastating team in transition. They’ve always had the tools to do it, but they haven’t always had point guards that were willing to push the pace.

That isn’t the case anymore.

It’ll be interesting to see if the Cavs continue to go with this type of offense with Thomas more often. Cleveland has the tools to be a great offensive team in transition.