Chapter 323: Welcome Home.
The Cavaliers had not only won Game 1 on the road, but they did it with ease—something no one saw coming.
Historically, teams that survived the Western Conference were usually a lock to win the title. The last time an Eastern Conference team won it all? The 2008 Celtics.
And now, Cleveland had stolen a game in Los Angeles, putting the Lakers on the edge of a cliff.
Because if the Lakers dropped Game 2, heading to Cleveland down 0-2? They might not win a single game in enemy territory.
That made Game 2 an absolute must-win.
Even Byron Scott knew this was no time to play favorites.
Deron Williams was out of the starting lineup.
Matthew Dellavedova was in.
The adjustment paid off immediately.
With Delly starting, the Lakers' defensive issues in the backcourt disappeared. And with Deron leading the second unit, their bench depth improved.
More importantly?