The Cleveland Cavaliers need Jeff Green to shine in Game 3

Jeff Green has disappointed in the first few games of the 2018 NBA Finals, and if the Cleveland Cavaliers are to win Game 3, they need him to shine.

The Cleveland Cavaliers won Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals because of Jeff Green. He dropped 19 points and, besides LeBron, was the only effective Cav. They won that game, and in order to get back in this series, they’ll need a game like that from Jeff Green in Game 3.

Part of Green’s effectiveness comes from spreading the floor. However, in the Finals, he’s been unable to connect from deep, shooting just 12.5%. He’s a combined 1-for-8 from deep in Games 1 and 2.

It’s not from deep where Green has struggled, it’s all around. Green is shooting just 31% from the field which is only better than the Cavs two most inconsistent players, Jordan Clarkson and JR Smith.

The ten-year veteran has contributed just 13 points in the first two games of the 2018 NBA Finals.

This postseason, the Cavs are 5-1 when Green scores 10 or more in a game, and they are just 7-7 when he failed to hit double figures. Right there shows how crucial Green’s play is to the Cavs success as a whole.

As many might think, it’s not how the defense is guarding Green either. Green has actually excelled with the defense on top of him. In the first two games, Green has shot over 50% when tightly guarded or very tightly guarded and just under 32% when he’s open or wide open.

While that trend might not continue, it’s certain a testament to how and where Green might want to consider taking his shots.

More from King James Gospel

Obviously, James controls the offense for Cleveland. It seems like he has the ball on a yo-yo, so when he passes it, it immediately comes back to him.

Does that impact a player like Green?

Green, among other Cavaliers, haven’t played their careers as spot-up shooters. Transitioning to standing around, setting screens, and shooting threes is new to many of them. For Green, he’s far more experienced than a player like Clarkson who just adjusts to James’ presence by forcing the issue and dishing out turnovers like their candy.

For Green, he sits back and shoots when he’s open. Well, Green, who has shot over 50% when he has the ball for 2+ seconds, should look to be assertive. Instead of shooting 50% of his shots from deep, Green needs to be aggressive in Game 3.

That’s where he’ll shine.

This postseason, Green hasn’t shot well at home, which, while surprising, should change in Game 3. For James and co., it must change.

Green is a vital part to the Cavs rotation, and with limited offensive weapons, James needs him to shine.

A career 87% free throw shooter, Green must get it in his head to assert himself from the very tip. He’s thrived during his career off being a unique blend of size and speed. One could compare him to a mini LeBron.

James arguably wouldn’t be as good of a player and teammate if he played off the ball more often. That’s basically what the Cavs have done to Green.

Next: Cleveland Cavaliers: Top 30 all-time greatest players

With just under 14 hours before the tip, it’s clear. Jeff Green must be willing to lay it all out and get to the hoop.

That’s how he’ll shine.