While there will be positive shooting regression, it was clear that the pressure Boston placed on Young, Hunter, Saddiq Bey, and Bogdan Bogdanovic will be an issue in this series.
Brown said his hand laceration split open during Game 1, and his shooting could have been affected as he shot two-for-six from downtown.
Additionally, Randle’s athletic movements appeared to be largely unaffected by his ankle injury as he reclaimed his typical role in Game 1.
Mobley and Allen combined for 22 points on 10-for-21 shooting in Cleveland’s 101-97 series-opening loss and could continue playing reduced roles against New York’s robust interior defense.
Leonard appeared the be the best player on the court in Los Angeles’ 115-110 series-opening victory, finishing with 38 points on 29.5% usage, five rebounds, and five assists in 41.6 minutes.
Landry Shamet played 23.7 minutes with Payne inactive for Game 1, and none of Phoenix’s reserves are assured of clearing 14 minutes if Payne suits up Tuesday.
