Chapter 307: LeBron Joins the Dunk Contest.
After the opening tip-off, the Cavaliers launched an 8-0 run, forcing Lakers coach Byron Scott to call a timeout.
If he didn't, the game could spiral out of control quickly.
When play resumed, Scott adjusted by bringing in Channing Frye.
The Lakers now had a full spacing lineup on the court — LeBron's favorite kind.
LeBron initiated a pick-and-roll with Kevin Love, barreling toward the rim and drawing in defenders. Once the Cavs collapsed on him, he kicked it out to Frye on the perimeter.
Frye didn't disappoint. Fresh off the bench, he drained a smooth three-pointer.
If you couldn't make shots around LeBron, you wouldn't last long on his team. Players like Frye survived because they delivered.
The three was crucial, but on the other end, the Lakers faced a new problem.
With Mozgov off the floor, the Cavs shifted their strategy. Nikola Jokić took advantage, posting up Love in the low block.
Sure, if Cleveland just needed a stretch big, they could've played Spencer Hawes. But Jokić brought more to the table. He had a post game.
Against strong defenders, Jokić still struggled at times. But Love, having slimmed down to increase mobility, lacked the heft to hold his ground in the post.