3 things the Cleveland Cavaliers will have to do to win Game 2

By Chad Porto | Apr 17, 2023

Apr 15, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) throws a pass beside New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) and guard RJ Barrett (9) in the second quarter of game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 15, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin (1) defends Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) in the third quarter of game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Create and Hit Your Free Throws

Six missed free throws were the difference between a win and a loss. That’s it. If the Cavs have hit six more free throws, they win. If they hit four more, they tie and we play on into overtime. The Cavs are a very bland offense and have been all year, especially after the team moved on from Kevin Love.

While, yes, Love didn’t play great for the rest of the regular season, he came alive in Game 1 for the Miami Heat. Say whatever you will about Love for the regular season, but the one thing that didn’t fall off from him this year was his ability to hit his shots from the line, shooting nearly 90% on the year.

Now, the team didn’t have that many opportunities, going to the line just 21 times, but clearly, missing six shots was the difference between a win and a loss. Garland was arguably the worst offender, missing two of three.

Though, Evan Mobley has to be pointed out as well, as he didn’t go to the line once. He’s got to be more physical in the low post and draw the fouls. If the Cavs can draw more fouls, and play through more defensive actions, then not only will they get more free throws but they’ll also be able to give the Knicks foul trouble.

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