Perimeter shooting proves deadly
A disoriented Lakers defense yielded a number of open assignments in transition and in the half-court offense, including Calderon, who shot 62.5% (5-for-8) from beyond the arc for 17 points, his highest level of production since he dropped 20 points at Indiana on February 24, 2016.
“I think getting more consistent minutes, getting more comfortable with the offense,” Lue said of Calderon’s latest scoring surge. “Just taking his shots, being aggressive and opening up everything else for us tonight.”2
“First of all, he’s a true professional,” said James. “That’s what we have around here, guys that show up no matter when they’re number is called. They’re just ready to go.”
The back-and-forth affair included spotty defense from both sides, as Los Angeles once found itself swarming Cedi Osman in the post while Kyle Korver routinely sunk a trey from the wing.
From missed coverage to a number of heads on a swivel, the Cavaliers’ ball movement was enough to free up space for the backcourt tandem comprised of Calderon and J.R. Smith (combined 70%, 7-for-10), and Love (80%, 4-for-5). Smith surpassed Chauncey Billups (1,830 career three-point field goals) for sole possession of 11th place on the NBA’s all-time three-point field goal list.
“I think just taking my time,” Love said of his 13 points in the third. “Whether it was myself and Jose, or ‘Bron in the pick-and-roll that I was in, they were switching a lot. So, that was either freeing me up at the three-point line for an open shot or I was rolling to the post.”
Cleveland ended up shooting 41.7% (15-for-36) from deep, using the tempo of the game to outrun a team at the culmination of a lengthy, four-game road trip.
“We kind of space and pop,” said Lue of his offensive schemes. “We become more of a catch-and-shoot, pick-the-picker and post team. Posting LeBron a lot more, posting Kevin a lot more. Working on weak-side action for us, keeping guys honest and the spacing.”
James and Jae Crowder registered a combined 15.4% (2-for-13) three-point clip, but the wide array of contributions overshadowed the three-point struggles of both.
“Huge,” Love said of the collective effort. “We have a lot of guys contributing.”
“It’s great to have a number of scorers out there that can give you a lot on both ends.”
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