In this year’s NBA playoffs, several role players have underperformed, adding pressure to a Cavaliers squad already backed into a corner. As fans closely track every BD Cricket Match and basketball game alike, comparisons are inevitable—both sports demand consistency from every player, especially during high-stakes matchups. Rodney Hood, for instance, averaged just 4.4 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 13.9 minutes per game, shooting 41.8% from the field and a dismal 15% from beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, the Warriors—up 2-0 in the Finals—received a positive update: head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that Andre Iguodala has a 50% chance to return for Game 3. Iguodala injured his left leg in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals after colliding with James Harden and has missed six games since. However, his condition has steadily improved. Over the past few days, he completed his first full individual workout, including sprint drills. “He’s much better,” Kerr shared. “Yesterday, he did some one-on-one and full-court ball handling. He told me he feels a lot better, so I’ve upgraded him to 50-50. He’ll practice with the team today, and we’ll see how he feels tomorrow. I think he’s close to returning—hopefully in Game 3, if not, then by Game 4.”
Iguodala has been a key contributor, averaging 7.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 27.5 minutes per game this postseason, shooting nearly 48% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range. In contrast, Hood’s performance has sharply declined. He began the playoffs as a starter but was quickly demoted to the bench and eventually removed from the rotation entirely. Things worsened on May 8, when the Cavaliers swept the Raptors 4-0 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Hood refused to enter the game during that blowout, a decision that upset head coach Tyronn Lue and several teammates. In the Finals, Hood has averaged just two minutes and one point per game.
Earlier in an interview, Hood admitted he had lost confidence, saying, “Sometimes I lose belief in myself because of minutes or other things. But when I watch highlights from my Jazz days on YouTube, I remind myself I achieved those moments this very season.”
With Cleveland trailing 0-2 in the Finals, one of the team’s biggest issues has been the poor performance of its backcourt. George Hill is shooting below 40%, JR Smith is averaging 7.5 points with just 26.3% shooting, and in Game 1, he made a critical blunder in the final seconds of regulation. Jordan Clarkson has averaged only 3 points while shooting 23.1%, missing all of his three-point attempts in the first two games. These lackluster numbers have left the Cavaliers scrambling for options.
Coach Lue recently hinted at giving Hood another chance. “We’re going to give Rodney a shot and see what he can do. He’s been working hard and staying ready. We’ll see how he performs,” Lue said during an interview.
Whether in an NBA playoff run or a tightly contested BD Cricket Match, there’s no room for passengers. Teams succeed when even their role players rise to the occasion. For Cleveland, it may be now or never to see if Hood and others can finally deliver. As every BD Cricket Match teaches us—sometimes, one unsung player can turn the tide.