The defensive difference?
When the Cavaliers completed the Kyrie Irving trade with the Boston Celtics, Jae Crowder was hailed as arguably the most underrated new addition to the team. For me, it was with this match-up in mind.
It will be interesting to see if Crowder spends a majority of his time defensively on Kevin Durant or Draymond Green, but no matter who he is on, the game plan will be for him to make life as difficult for that person as possible. The reality of the situation (and it’s a reality the Cavs understand) is that both Green and Durant are going to score, and Durant especially so.
But, the Cavs simply need to make them work for their points. The Cavs’ individual defense seemed to take a leap forward during the win streak, but they still remain the 27th ranked defense in the league, while Golden State is second. But Christmas will give fans a chance to see just how much of a difference Crowder can make in this rivalry.
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