When the playoffs roll around it's usually the time that teams really lean on their veterans for success and a lot of the time that can really shorten up the rotation off the bench.
Channing Frye, the former Cleveland Cavalier who was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. noticed that is exactly what Tyronn Lue was doing with the Cavaliers in Game 1.
Tlue ain’t playing No games going with the Vet group and sticking with them.
— Channing Frye (@channingfrye) May 2, 2018
When someone tweeted out that they wish Frye was out there with them, Channing reminded Twitter that he was traded and sometimes you love something you can't have.
Love you meg, but I got traded I play for the Lakers. You always love everything you don’t have #crystalpepsi #blockbuster #myspace https://t.co/pZLKhmENcL
— Channing Frye (@channingfrye) May 2, 2018
Although the Cavaliers probably could use another veteran presence like Frye coming off the bench, in Game 1 the others around LeBron James really seemed to step up.
For the first time in the playoffs, someone besides James scored 20 points. J.R. Smith finished with 20 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Near the end of the fourth quarter, he hit a huge three-pointer that went a long way in the Cavaliers forcing overtime. Smith ended the game hitting 5-6 from deep and if the Cavaliers want to continue to have success in this series, he's going to need to continue to play a huge role.
In terms of playing times for the Cavaliers, the young guns didn't get a ton of run. Jordan Clarkson only played 12 minutes scoring five points shooting 2-7 from the field. Larry Nance Jr. who played a huge role on the Cavaliers just a few weeks ago didn't even make it off of the bench.
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