Second-unit surge erases 12-point deficit, sets tone for second-quarter outburst
With Gasol shooting a perfect 5-of-5 from the field and Evans dishing out five assists in the first nine minutes alone, the Cavs would have to find a spark off the bench if they wanted to take a bite out of a 12-point deficit.
“Gasol came out (strong) and he’s a great player,” Love said. “Came out and made fadeaway shots, he was 5-of-5 to start. Tyreke Evans did the same thing, hitting threes. They were just playing free. They were shooting a very high percentage.”
“We were picking and choosing between Gasol and Tyreke,” said head coach Tyronn Lue. “(Evans) played great and he made some threes.”
Wade, Jeff Green and Kyle Korver provided the needed boost with ease.
The trio totaled 25 first-half points on 64.3% (9-of-14) shooting, mixing trademark moves in the paint with monster slam dunks in transition with quick-release treys across the perimeter. Channing Frye drove to the hoop and laid it off the backboard to take a 37-36 lead, the second of the contest. Cleveland closed out the first quarter on a 12-2 run, despite being outrebounded by the Grizzlies, 10-3.
“You can bring a different kind of energy to the game,” Wade said. “That’s what we try to bring. This is a team. Whether it’s the first unit or second unit, we’re all in this together. We have to do our job.”
“Bench came in and played extremely well,” said Love. “D-Wade’s been so effective in that unit. Jeff Green was great for us. Just different guys sticking up from the bench. They were huge for us tonight.”
More of the same up-tempo, efficient offense propelled the Wine and Gold to a 20-4 run, headlined by James’ eight points. His mid-range jumper at the buzzer splashed through the net, giving Lue and company a 66-52 advantage – the largest of the first half – heading into the intermission.
“I want to play well in my role,” Wade said. “I’m on a great team. The second unit is a great team. I want to be the leader of that. With this team winning and having success from there, we take whatever comes with it.”
Memphis allowed 38 points in the second quarter, the most it has surrendered in a period this season.
Recent Comments