CLEVELAND: The Cavaliers cooled off a tad in the second quarter, but still played solid enough to lead 64-45 at halftime. Trying to follow up 38 points in the first quarter is hard, but the Cavs continued to play solid offensively and defensively. Timofey Mozgov missed a dunk early in the quarter, but the Cavs secured an offensive rebound and seconds later Matthew Dellavedova buried a 3-pointer. Dellavedova and Shumpert each swished key 3-pointers in the quarter. The quarter also included a big dunk by LeBron James and several notable athletes with ties to Cleveland and Ohio on the jumbotron scoreboard that fired up the crowd at Quicken Loans Arena. During a timeout with 5:13 to go in the quarter, the Cavs camera crew showed Kevin Love on the jumbotron scoreboard and Cleveland fans erupted and gave the injured forward a standing ovation. Love, out for the rest of the playoffs due to a dislocated left shoulder, torn ligaments and a torn labrum that required surgery, stood up from his seat behind the bench and waved to the crowd. Members of the Ohio State Buckeyes national championship football team were also showed during a timeout moments later and quarterback Cardale Jones took to the microphone and said “Let’s bring another championship to Ohio. Let’s go Cavs!” as spectators roared. Former OSU receiver Cris Carter also waved to the crowd on the big board just a few moments later during a stoppage in play. Cleveland made 23-of-47 shots from the field in the first half and 9-of-13 free throws. Chicago converted 15-of-37 shots from the field and 12-of-17 free throws. The Cavs also made 9-of-15 from beyond the 3-point arc and the Bulls were just 3-of-7. James had 22 points at halftime with five rebounds and three assists. Iman Shumpert had 13 points, Kyrie Irving had 11 points and Dellavedova had eight points. Jimmy Butler had 11 points at the break and Taj Gibson had nine points. The Cavs defense limited Mike Dunleavy to eight points, Derrick Rose seven points and Pau Gasol five points. …
Continue Reading: NBA Playoffs: Cavaliers lead Bulls 64-45 at halftime of Game 2
