The Cleveland Cavaliers need to be ready for what’s next.
They had plenty of time to dig deep into the tape, dive headfirst into the scouting report, and get their bodies in shape for this series.
When asked about that, Jarrett Allen revealed that the team had put an emphasis on stopping the Indiana Pacers’ high-octane transition offense:
“They’re like apparently the fastest transition team in the league,” Allen explained. “I don’t know the numbers personally, but that’s been the whole thing this whole training camp week, it feels like, is to try to prepare for their transition offense.”
The Pacers will look to push the break over and over, and the Cavs will need to get back on transition and not be overly-aggressive crashing the offensive glass.
Granted, they could have a size advantage and a solid matchup in the paint with Allen and Evan Mobley, but the defensive matchup will also be a big part of the chess match.
Myles Turner can drive Allen away from the rim and all the way to the top of the key, and while he can hold his ground there every once in a while, he’s not used to being that far away from the restricted area.
That might force Kenny Atkinson’s hand to roll with a smaller lineup and play De’Andre Hunter on Turner or Pascal Siakam, with Mobley playing the five spot.
The Cavs can match the Pacers’ speed, athleticism, and depth, but going toe-to-toe for a seven-game series can also be extremely taxing.
If anything, they will be better off trying to mess with their rhythm and slowing down the pace to turn this series into a half-court matchup.
It will be easier said than done, and this should be a very exciting series to watch.
NEXT: Kenny Atkinson Reveals Cavs' Defensive Plan To Stop Pacers
