Game 5: Indiana Pacers 95-98 Cleveland Cavaliers - 5 Talking Points

#3 Victor Oladipo has gone missing since Cavaliers' defensive adjustments

MIP Award frontrunner.

Games 1 & 2: 27.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists on 54.0% shooting and 47.1% on 3s

Games 3, 4 & 5: 15.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists on 24.0% shooting on 21.7% on 3s

Games 3, 4 & 5 have shown us a different Victor Oladipo. He went from the guy that showed up in the first two games in Cleveland to a player that put up sub-par numbers in the remaining games. The numbers paint quite a clear picture with the only real measurable positive change being his rebounding.

Getting more rebounds is a good sign, as he can then push the pace and make plays in transition but he's ruining those fastbreaks too, by trying to push the pace far too much and often times rushing himself into a layup in traffic.

All through the regular season, the Cavaliers weren't necessarily known for their defense but their trapping schemes on Oladipo, which they began from Game 3 during pick-and-roll, has really got him confused, and it really removes the flow and rhythm of the Pacers' offense.

What's more surprising is that Cleveland has been doing it for three straight games, and the Pacers haven't been able to come up with a good counter. In addition, when they don't go for pick-and-rolls, Oladipo, if he doesn't have his shot early, tends to go shot hunting by shooting pull-up 3s. They look good when they go in (Games 1 & 2) but they look rushed and unnecessary when they don't (Games 3, 4 & 5).

The shooting numbers in Games 3, 4 & 5 are very disappointing. At some point, when it's not going in, Oladipo needs to start driving to the rim and get to the free-throw line. If you look at Game 5 alone, he shot 2-of-15 (13.3%) from the field and 1-of-7 (14.3%) on 3s.