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Barbacoa and basketball: George Hill is the catalyst for Cavaliers in Game 7

By Evan Dammarell

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: George Hill #3 and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate after a play in the second half against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: George Hill #3 and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate after a play in the second half against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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With Kevin Love going down, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers need help. George Hill, with a little help from Chipotle and aggressiveness, may be able to step up for the team.

After a high-intensity win over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers need to be locked in to clinch the series.

Of course, LeBron James will be ready, as the King’s legacy will be on the ropes. After James though, things start to get a little murky.

To be frank, the Cavs’ supporting cast has been pretty lackluster against the Celtics. It has at times been the LeBron James show, and others have faltered in the spotlight. Now, with All-Star forward Kevin Love out with a concussion, the rest of the role players need to be on notice.

The first and most logical spot to look at is starting point guard George Hill. Hill has been a mystery in this series. At home, he has been sensational, including stepping up in Game 6 when Love went down:

But on the road, Hill has vanished.

In the Cavs’ three road games in the Eastern Finals, Hill has been averaging 5.0 points on 31.6% shooting, along with 1.0 rebound, and 1.0 assist. If the Cavaliers are going to head to their fourth consecutive NBA Finals trip, they need Hill to step up on the road.

Hill has acknowledged that his numbers have been lackluster in Boston and may have found the solution:

First off, Hill is spot on about barbacoa.

Without a doubt, it is the best option protein-wise on the Chipotle menu. Add some brown rice, pinto beans, corn salsa, pico de gallo, cheese, lettuce, and guac and baby, you got yourself a stew going.

Thankfully, Chipotle seems to be on the Cavaliers side in the matter:

Chipotle aside, Hill does need to step up in a major way in Game 7. There a few things that he can do to get going like he does at home. All of which are staples of his game, to begin with.

When he came to Cleveland, Hill was touted as a defensive-minded point guard. And in this series against the Celtics, he has showcased it throughout the series.

Hill’s primary defensive target has been Celtics guard Terry Rozier. Rozier’s numbers are down compared to his last series against the Philadelphia 76ers (19.0 points on 43.2% shooting to 15.3 points on 41.7% shooting) and besides Game 6, has been kept in check by Hill.

But, Hill will still have the tall task of defender Rozier at home, where he has played his best throughout the playoffs. In ten home games, Rozier has averaged 18.8 points, and the Cavs cannot afford to allow him to have another big night.

Rozier appears to be ready, and shared this with Celtics fans:

Hill needs to shut down Rozier and play a part in shutting up the most annoying fans in sports. As long as he has his barbacoa, he should have the energy to contain the young guard.

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On offense, Hill was also touted as a three-point specialist. While he is only shooting 26.3% from beyond the arc, the majority of his makes came at home.

With Love out, the only reliable three-point shooter on the roster is Kyle Korver. Naturally, the Celtics will try to disrupt Korver’s three-point shooting motion and Hill needs to step up if they do. The tandem of Korver and Hill will be vital in the Cavaliers’ three-point assault.

Besides three-point shooting, Hill just needs to be more aggressive on offense. As seen in Game 6, when Hill is more aggressive, he gets into a proper rhythm.

With James being the Celtics’ primary defensive focus, it will help get Hill involved. It will create openings in the paint, especially if the Celtics dare to double-team James, and will give Hill plenty of options to attack the basket. After finding confidence in his shot, he can then help relieve some of the defensive pressure on James.

He does not need to have a 30-point night, but if the Cavs can get 16 points from Hill they should be alright against the Celtics.

In the end, the Cavaliers’ title hopes fall squarely on LeBron James shoulders. This is not his first time heading into Boston facing elimination, and he should again have another big game.

Beyond James, other members of the team need to step up. The one they need to the most is George Hill. Hill, full of barbacoa from fans, will need to continue the aggressiveness on both offense and defense from Game 6.

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If he is, the team will need to pack their bags for either Oakland or Houston.