After a less-than-impressive performance against the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, the Cleveland Cavaliers have made a lineup change for Game 2.
On Wednesday afternoon, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reported that Kyle Korver, who has been dealing with a bout of foot soreness, is “going.” Coach Lue also noted that Rodney Hood, who missed Wednesday’s practice session due to the birth of twins, is available as well.
As Withers speculated, the Cavs went small with J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver inserted into the starting lineup.
Korver logged just four minutes in Sunday’s 98-80 loss, registering an 0-of-3 mark from the field. Hood played 21 minutes as a starter, scoring nine points on 4-8 shooting from the field (1-4 from beyond the arc), two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Following Game 1, coach Lue noted that Korver’s low usage rate was simply due to matchups. As most hoops fans know, Korver is one of the best three-point shooters of all time. Opposing sides know they can’t leave him open, lest they pay the price in rapid-release buckets. Maybe he’ll see a few more minutes on Wednesday night.
Cavs forward Jeff Green went scoreless on Sunday, going 0-for-7 from the field with four rebounds, one assist and one block. Needless to say, the Cavs will need more from Green going forward.
Game 2 is set to tip inside Quicken Loans Arena at 7:00 p.m. EST with TNT, FOX Sports Ohio and FOX Sports Indiana having live broadcast coverage. Let’s see if the Cavs can put up a bounce-back performance.