We all know that it's not entertaining to choose a defensive minded player.... that's why we go with the leading scorer of the finals... or pick the player with incredible offensive stats...
But let's take this into consideration....
Kyrie Irving has been SHUTDOWN. Absolutely SHUTDOWN. I'm so surprised at Klay's defense on Kyrie... it blows my mind. Whether this was Golden State's game plan to begin with... or something that just happened? I mean... James played the BEST losing game of his life... James was absolutely SPENT energy wise. Absolutely exhausted. Kyrie doing everything in his power to get an open look... it's just not there... and once it is there... he becomes exhausted and spent.... misses the shot.
If you give Kyrie about 30 points... in both games... while the game is close and reachable... you may have different outcomes for Game 1 and Game 2.
I really can't believe Klay is bothering Kyrie the way he is... but he's playing outstanding defense.
You also wish Cleveland could get some scoring from some bench players... but nothing doing. They all look old out there. Maybe there should retire?
I don't know what else you could do? Somehow you have to give Kyrie more time without Thompson on the floor. Change a different rotation for a few extra minutes? Make Kerr think a little? Because if Cleveland's game plan was for Kyrie to score... clearly... it's not working.
But damn... Klay is clearly concentrating on his defense... and giving up his offense. Guy is absolutely impressive. Certainly surprised me.
But let's take this into consideration....
Kyrie Irving has been SHUTDOWN. Absolutely SHUTDOWN. I'm so surprised at Klay's defense on Kyrie... it blows my mind. Whether this was Golden State's game plan to begin with... or something that just happened? I mean... James played the BEST losing game of his life... James was absolutely SPENT energy wise. Absolutely exhausted. Kyrie doing everything in his power to get an open look... it's just not there... and once it is there... he becomes exhausted and spent.... misses the shot.
If you give Kyrie about 30 points... in both games... while the game is close and reachable... you may have different outcomes for Game 1 and Game 2.
I really can't believe Klay is bothering Kyrie the way he is... but he's playing outstanding defense.
You also wish Cleveland could get some scoring from some bench players... but nothing doing. They all look old out there. Maybe there should retire?
I don't know what else you could do? Somehow you have to give Kyrie more time without Thompson on the floor. Change a different rotation for a few extra minutes? Make Kerr think a little? Because if Cleveland's game plan was for Kyrie to score... clearly... it's not working.
But damn... Klay is clearly concentrating on his defense... and giving up his offense. Guy is absolutely impressive. Certainly surprised me.