The Cleveland Cavaliers managed to fight past injuries in Game 2 to get the win over the Chicago Bulls. Already without Kevin Love, the team was also playing without JR Smith and LeBron James responded to the absence and stepped up with 33 points for the win. However, with one player returning, another is exiting causing more questions for Cleveland as the series shifts back to Chicago.
Smith will return for Game 3 after serving a two-game suspension. However, Iman Shumpert might not be available after feeling a pop in his hip during Game 2. Head coach David Blatt was uncertain what the guard's status was heading into morning shoot around. Shumpert has put up a total of 37 points including 8 of 17 from beyond the 3-point line. He has been critical in the absence of Love and Smith.
However, with players out others have stepped up. James had 15 points off 13 drives to the basket. He went 7 for 9 from the free throw line after getting their just twice in Game 1. Kyrie Irving had a solid night with 21 points. Tristan Thompson is also earning his new contract in place of Love. He has been on the front court starting in place of Mike Miller which made a big difference against Pau Gasol who only had 11 points.
Drrick Rose is in need of stepping up in Game 3. He has not played well in his last two home games in the playoffs. In Game 2 he finished with 14 points and 10 assists while missing 14 of 20 shots. He barely saw the free throw line along with the rest of his teammates. The Bulls are focused on guarding beyond the arc after the Cavaliers went 12 of 26 there. Chicago had been holding teams to just 29.6 points from long range, but the Cavaliers beat them there.
Jimmy Butler will be another x-factor for Chicago. The NBA's Most Improved Player led the way with 18 points in Game 2, but that was not enough for the win. The Bulls are looking for a major bounce back effort as they get back in front of the home crowd.
