- Joined
- Jul 15, 2008
- Messages
- 34,309
- Reaction score
- 65,119
- Points
- 148
It felt like we saw a lot of clean sets in the first half in particular. Perhaps that's because the Kings weren't putting up a lot of defensive resistance. It came across to me as if the Cavs were running some things we have seen a lot, and taking advantage of a few variations off of other sets (like the backdoor pass from Love to LeBron).
It got to the point where the Cavs were going for touchdowns on some plays that resulted in turnovers once the lead got comfortable, but it felt like they are getting pretty comfortable with each other's capabilities. Love and LeBron, for instance, are finding Mozgov. They all continue to be active in finding open three-point shooters. The team actually found Love around the elbow a few times and let him facilitate. Good signs out there.
Heck, considering the "sets" we saw (or didn't see) last season under MB, and the LeISO "sets" that dominated the first go-round, it is a real pleasure just to see this team consistently run recognizable offensive sets period. I don't recall ever seeing LBJ -- on the Cavs at least -- this willing to play within a particular system. Perhaps it is a function of him knowing Love/KI need to get touches as well, and the best way to get that is within a functioning offense.
Seems there is more or less across-the-board buy-in on running Blatt's offense, and it is great to watch. As hot as Kyrie was against the Blazers, the team was still running plays/sets that got him as many good looks as possible. The Blazers couldn't sell out to shut him down because the offensive structure wouldn't let them.
Anyway, it's really nice to see.