Cleveland Cavaliers: Lessons from a pivotal Game 5 victory

Victor Oladipo is still being kept in check.

The Cavs have done a good job of getting Oladipo out of his comfort zone and the results speak for themselves. Oladipo finished Game 5 with just 12 points on two of 15 shooting from the field.

The Cavs’ defense has varied the defensive coverages they’ve shown Oladipo this series, but aggressively double-teaming him has continued to disrupt and take him out of his game.

LeBron provides more Deja Vu moment.

LeBron’s game-winning shot was very reminiscent of his game-winner against the Orlando Magic in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals. Both three-pointers were hit at the buzzer from similar spots on the floor.

But, there’s another moment that this game reminded me of. It was very reminiscent to a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves this February.

Like this game, LeBron first saved them with a block on Jimmy Butler, then followed it up with a fadeaway jump shot at the buzzer. Even the celebration was identical as Cedi Osman was the first to mob him after the buzzer beater.

It’s also impossible to see LeBron pin a layup off the backboard without thinking of one of the most iconic plays in sport’s history.

Hopefully, Andre Iguodala wasn’t watching this game.