Kyle Korver, both offensively and defensively, will play an integral role in the Eastern Conference Finals
The Cleveland Cavaliers have figured out a way to fully utilize Kyle Korver, and this postseason, it has reaped and will continue to reap benefits.
This past offseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers signed a then 36-year-old Kyle Korver to a three-year contract. A contract that won’t end till he’s nearing 40.
While his value wasn’t as clear then, it’s certainly clear now, and as the Cavaliers prepare to take on the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Kyle Korver effect will be at an all-time high.
Korver’s production is severely overlooked. As a whole, the Cavaliers might not have made it out of the first round of the playoffs without Korver being the only consistent scorer aside from LeBron James. In three of the Cavs four first-round victories, Korver hit at least four triples.
When Korver connects at least four times from deep, the Cavs are undefeated a perfect 6-0. Remember that for the remainder of the postseason.
Getting Korver open looks and wearing down defenses is key in Cavs gameplan. For this series, they should look to exploit whoever the Celtics decide to defend Korver with. If it’s Smart, Tatum, or Brown, eventually these young players will slip up.
During the regular season, the only Celtic to defend Korver for a significant period of time and not give up a three-point make was Jaylen Brown. Brown, who is 6-foot-7 and just 21-years-old, will certainly have the ability and energy to run around with Korver, but with an ailing hamstring, will he be able to do it successfully?
Offensively, Korver should have his most productive series yet against Boston.
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It’s all about getting Korver open, regardless of who ends up guarding him. According to NBA.com, Korver shoots over 50% from deep on shots that they consider “open” or “wide open.” These are easy buckets mainly because it’s all about the play. Lue must design these sets for Korver.
While James is the key to the Cavs fluid offense, running plays to get both Korver and Love open looks would be a great way to set the tempo offensively.
However, for Korver, this series will be more than just the offensive end.
The Celtics boast several young and athletic guards and forwards. Korver must prove his worth defensively as well. It’s not necessarily that Korver needs to prove he’s valuable on that end of the court, but he moreso must prove that he’s not a defensive liability.
Obviously, Korver isn’t as athletic as he used to be, although the sharpshooter never boasted any true athleticism. However, he’s smart. Korver’s arguably one of the most intelligent basketball minds on the Cavs. The only concerning part is that Korver thrives when he can guard a player that is just a pure shooter, and Boston doesn’t consistently play any player of that nature.
He knows how the plays work and how to come off screens easily. Without that option, can he guard a more athletic player that will post him up and shoot over him? If he can’t, are you forced to bench one of your most consistent scoring options?
Tyronn Lue will have his work cut out for him in this series as he decides to find what works and what doesn’t for Cleveland.
If I’m Lue, Korver being an integral part of both the offense and defensive is already a done deal. If anything, he’ll have to learn how to disguise his unathletic defense.
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With tip in just a few hours, watch for Korver.
Because if he hits four triples in Game 1, either his aforementioned streak is being lost or the Celtics, who are 7-0 at home, will finally have to re-teach their fans how to lose in the postseason.