Cavaliers role players stepping up at the right time

Jeff Green’s contributions are icing on top of the cake

When Green came to Cleveland in the offseason, it was a rather under-the-radar move. All season long Green continued to be a solid contributor for the Cleveland Cavaliers, playing well alongside LeBron.

But Green, like many other Cavaliers, disappeared in the Indiana series. In the seven-game first round bout, Jeff managed to score over eight points just one time.  Through two games in Toronto, Green has found new life, which is bad news for Cleveland’s opponents.

LeBron is going to get his, even Love and J.R. will get their buckets.  Green’s emergence this round makes it nearly impossible to slow down the Cavaliers.

Throughout the season Green has shown his ability to play well during stretches but has not always been consistent.  Though it is only a two-game sample, Green’s confidence has to be sky high following two solid performances. More importantly, it has to make James feel good that other players are contributing at a high clip.

Green can also be a decent defender, his ability to match up with multiple positions make him versatile. Defense is all about effort, and when Green gives the effort the Cavaliers defense as a whole gets better.

Next: Should the Cavs pursue Kawhi or George this offseason?

With LeBron playing the best basketball of his career, it is safe to say the rest of the Eastern Conference is in trouble if Cleveland’s role players continue to provide the King with the support we have seen the last two games.