One of the difference-making factors in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 112-102 win over the Orlando Magic in Game 5 was the ability of the role-players, namely Mo Williams, Delonte West, and Daniel Gibson, to make the open shots that they had missed in prior games. The trio combined for 48 points on 16-of-32 from the field, and 9-of-15 from three-point range. They were largely dependent on LeBron James to get the ball to them on the perimeter, as he assisted on 6 of their 9 three-point makes. Will that drive-and-kick success in Game 5 carryover in tonight's Game 6 in Orlando?
If history is any indication, the answer is no. Neither of those three players has enjoyed much success in Amway Arena throughout their career.
| Player | FG | FGA | FG% | 3FG | 3FGA | 3FG% | eFG% | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gibson | 7 | 20 | 35.0% | 4 | 10 | 40.0% | 45.0% | 4.8 |
| West | 39 | 104 | 37.5% | 9 | 28 | 32.1% | 41.8% | 12.0 |
| Williams | 49 | 132 | 37.1% | 12 | 32 | 37.5% | 41.7% | 11.2 |
| TOTAL | 95 | 256 | 37.1% | 25 | 70 | 35.7% | 41.9% | 28.0 |
The Cavaliers figure to employ a three-guard backcourt for much of Game 6, likely with those three players, according to John Schuhmann of NBA.com. They'll certainly have plenty of chances to knock down open shots, as it's highly likely the Magic will send an extra defender at James when he handles the ball at the top of the key. It's all part of playing the percentages, which are in this case very skewed in Orlando's favor.