Tristan Thompson’s activity on the glass was a difference-maker for the Cavaliers in Game 7 against the Pacers. After having not played in Games 2, 3, or 5, the battle-tested big man made an immediate impact with his physicality — particularly when wielding it against Myles Turner.
Building a 31-19 lead by the end of the first quarter, Thompson’s insertion into the starting lineup was shrewd, even if also long-overdue. On the season, the Pacers were 21-27 in games when they got outrebounded, a win percentage significantly worse than their overall record.