Cavs' aching LeBron James calls for support from reserves in game five of NBA Finals
Cavaliers' go-to guy says making more use of bench players could be key to finding extra zest against Golden State Warriors
LeBron James says the weary Cleveland Cavaliers could use more playing time for reserves who have seldom seen play-off action now that the NBA Finals are at a crucial stage.
The best-of-seven series against Golden State is level at 2-2 with game five tomorrow morning (Hong Kong time) at Oakland, where the Cavaliers dealt the Warriors only their fourth home defeat of the season and play-offs in game two.
Cavs coach Dave Blatt has mainly used only two players off the bench, leaving five to sit and watch as four-time NBA Most Valuable Player James and other starters wear down, fighting cramp and fatigue late in games.
As far as line-up changes, we don't have many different line-up changes we can actually go to
"That's the coach's decision if he decides he wants to go deeper in the bench. We haven't played many guys throughout this playoff run," James said.
"I think it would help some of the guys that are playing some high minutes for sure, just give guys a couple minutes here, a couple minutes there. But I think the coaching staff will try to do what's best to help us be physically and mentally prepared."
Shawn Marion, a 37-year-old forward, helped Dallas to a 2011 title by beating a James-led Miami team in the finals. Brendan Haywood is a 35-year-old centre. And 35-year-old swingman Mike Miller has struggled with his shot much of the season.
But in short stints, they could offer vital rest without allowing Golden State to score at will.