Cleveland Cavaliers: Lessons from the Cavs dominant victory over Boston

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CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 11: Jordan Clarkson #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 11, 2018 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Jordan Clarkson showed why the Cavs’ paid a high price for him.

Many people criticized the Lakers for giving Clarkson the massive deal that they did. It appeared that LA was going to have to move a large asset to get his contract off the books. It also appeared to be a win for the Lakers when the Cavs traded a first round pick and expiring contracts for Nance Jr. and Clarkson.

While it’s okay to be skeptical of Clarkson’s fit with the Cavs, he showed just how good he can be on Sunday afternoon. Clarkson finished the game with 17 points on three of four shooting from deep and two steals.

Clarkson provided a spark off the bench and brought the entire team to their feet with his play on Sunday night. While he has developed a reputation as a gunslinger, it’s clear that he has the ability to greatly influence the game when his shot is on.

We’ll see how Clarkson continues to adjust to being in Cleveland. He showed Sunday afternoon just how good he can be. Moving forward, expect Clarkson to take Wade’s role as the second unit’s main playmaker.

Clarkson’s role will continue to grow, and he’ll soon be on a platform that he’s never been able to reach elsewhere. The question now is: How will he perform when the postseason rolls around?