The Cleveland Cavaliers came ever-so-close to a Game 1 victory against the Golden State Warriors, but they certainly haven’t helped themselves throughout these NBA Finals thus far.
The Cavs will be going back home for Games 3 and 4, trying to put these past two games behind them — but they will need to make the most of their opportunities if they hope to make this a series.
According to Dieter Kurtenbach of the San Jose Mercury News, the Cavs are shooting a futile 30 percent in open shots (21-of-71 when a defender is four-feet away or farther), including 15-of-49 from deep (30.5 percent).
Cleveland is also shooting a mere 28 percent from the field in catch-and-shoot opportunities, as the likes of Kyle Korver and J.R. Smith have struggled at the gate.
Korver has only made one shot through two games, while Smith is 5-of-19 from the floor and 3-of-10 from deep, including 2-of-9 on open shots.
Jeff Green, who played outstanding in a Game 7 against the Boston Celtics, starting place of Kevin Love, has only shot 5-of-15 from the field, including 1-of-8 on open shots.
Trade cog Jordan Clarkson has been perhaps the worst of them all, still managing to see playing time despite mustering only six points on 13 shots attempted through the series.
This homecoming should help the role players find some comfort and come out with better performances, but they will have to start by making the most of these opportunities, as LeBron James and Love won’t be able to carry the load in each game as they have been so far.
