Kyle Korver was the unsung hero of Game 2

The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled out a huge victory after a hot start in Game 2, and while LeBron James went off for 46, Kyle Korver will be the unsung hero.

Overall, this was LeBron James’ game. He led the Cleveland Cavaliers to victory with an insane 46 points, including 20 in the first quarter alone. However, Kyle Korver, who finished with 12 points on 4-for-8 from deep, played excellently in his 31 minutes as well.

It wasn’t just Korver’s offensive production that mattered. His defensive with a 1:20 left to strip Myles Turner when isolated in the post could very well be the Cavs best defensive play of the game, a game in which every late-game possession mattered.

As for Korver on the offensive end, he did exactly what he was supposed to do. He spread the floor, draining four triples, double any other player on the Cavs.

Spreading the floor for LeBron James is increasingly important as he continues to age and develop his passing game. LeBron, who had a career-high in assists this season, only had five assists on the night, but his surrounding cast, which included Korver and Smith instead of Green and Hood, created that space in which he used to operate.

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The “bold” changes that Lue made to his starting lineup worked, and I’d expect him to continue to use those starters in Game 3. With four snipers on the court, the Cavs build this team around LeBron, and Korver was certainly the best of the non-all-star players last night.

Korver’s importance in this game should not go unnoticed. Korver ended the game with a plus 19 net rating. With a 121 offensive rating, Korver showcased his value even at age 36. Outside of starting point guard George Hill, Kyle Korver had the team’s best +/- at +15.

While both those stats might not help define other players, Korver’s play style allows others to thrive, so including team-based stats truly define his value.

With key defensive plays, crucial offensive production and an overall phenomenal game, Korver won’t be getting much national media attention, but he certainly contributed significantly to the Cavs Game 2 victory.

However, there are still at least three more games in this series, and LeBron James most likely won’t be going off for 46 in all three of them. With the team’s third most shots, the Cavs will need Korver to continue to be aggressive from deep.

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This is his time to shine.