Cleveland Cavaliers News: LeBron, Irving Need A Win in Chicago to Continue

By David Robertson, Christian Post Contributor Friday, May 08, 2015

After giving away Game 1 to the Bulls, LeBron James and the Cavaliers bounced back big as they took Game 2 from Chicago who were aiming for a 2-0 lead coming to their home court for Game 3.

However, now that the series is tied, 1-1, we'll expect both Bulls and the Cavs to aim at least a win in order to prepare for the latter stretch of the series.

James was phenomenal in their second matchup, scoring 33 points and not minding the sticky defense by the recently crowned Jimmy Butler, NBA's Most Improved Player this season. But the Cavs forward was not alone in carrying the load. Kyrie Irving had 21 points and played a major role in splitting defenses throughout the game.

Now that Cleveland is going to Chicago, LeBron and company should expect a highly physical game on both ends of the floor, especially that Derrick Rose and the Bulls want to end James' streak of eliminating Chicago in the last three times that they faced each other in the playoffs.

Fortunately for the Cavs, J.R. Smith will be suiting up once more after serving a two-game suspension as penalty for an unsportsmanlike foul in the team's final game against the Celtics.

Giving the team enough boost is reserve forward Iman Shumpert, who has played extremely well for coach David Blatt, providing quality minutes.

It is up to James whether he'll retain the aggressiveness he showed in Game 2 or focus more on team play. In just a matter of hours, we'll know.