According to a report from Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue spoke with Larry Nance Jr. prior to Game 1 to let him know that he will be temporarily out of the rotation due to the emergence of Tristan Thompson.
Thompson, now 27 years of age, had a solid outing in Cleveland’s closeout win over the Indiana Pacers in round 1, scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds in a starting role. The Brampton, Ontario native played well in Tuesday night’s Game 1 victory over the Toronto Raptors as well, racking up 14 points and 12 rebounds (nine offensive) off the bench, marking his second consecutive double-double performance.
According to Cleveland.com, Thompson’s nine offensive rebounds in Game 1 were a playoff career high and one short of tying the franchise’s playoff mark, set by Zydrunas Ilgauskas in the 2007 Finals.
Nance, 25, did not play in Tuesday’s game. The former University of Wyoming standout is currently averaging 5.1 points and 4.4 rebounds off the bench.
“We talked and discussed it,” Lue told Cleveland.com. “Just said he has to be ready, understand what we’re trying to do. From Tristan’s performance in Game 7, I thought he earned the right to play and he produced in Game 1. Everyone’s got to be ready. You never know when your name is going to be called, foul trouble, anything.
“(Nance) understood and he’s good with it.”
Following Thursday morning’s shootaround in Toronto, coach Lue noted that Kevin Love will once again start at center, which means he’ll be matched up against Raptors big man Jonas Valanciunas (21 points and 21 rebounds in Game 1).
“Whatever is good for the team is what we’re going to do,” Lue told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I think it spreads the floor out for us. Valanciunas is going to go to help and try to block shots. Kevin is going to have open shots all night, so, whatever is best for the team is what we’re going to do.”
Game 2 is set to tip inside the Air Canada Centre at 6:00 p.m. EST with ESPN having live broadcast coverage.