Events like the 2016 NBA Finals underline just how good this rivalry can be.
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MyBookie sportsbook opened the Warriors as -6.5-point favorites versus the Cavaliers, while the game’s total opened at 226. Golden State does not.
Golden State Warriors small forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball as San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Jonathon Simmons (17) defends during the first half in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center.
While LeBron James is the best basketball player on the planet, Cleveland’s older roster can not make enough 3 pointers or play good enough team defense to beat the Warriors 4 times in 7 games. After putting together the greatest three-year stretch in National Basketball Association history, the Warriors will be looking to avenge last year’s devastating loss and validate the Kevin Durant signing that created such an “unfair” super-team.
Not that anyone expected any different.
For me, the most pressure is not LBJ or KD … it’s about Steph.
“I think we played well”, James said.
Finally, the third chapter in this story gets to be written. At the end of the day, I know the way I’m built. After blowing a now-infamous 3-1 lead in last year’s championship round, the Warriors look eager to set the score straight in a rubber match between the NBA’s juggernaut teams.
That series turned when Green was suspended for Game 5 and James and Kyrie Irving took over from there. “Them coming off the championship and being able to be in position to win – everybody doesn’t get the same opportunity”. “But people may want to be careful, because I think right now you’re witnessing greatness”.
It comes at little surprise that the 2017 NBA Finals are a rematch of last year’s championship series. If Durant were to lose in the Finals, even after joining the best team in the National Basketball Association, his legacy may never recover. Here’s why they will come out on top!
James was 22 when he led the Cavs to the finals for the first time.
Mike Brown, who formerly coached the Cavaliers, is still serving as coach of the Warriors while Steve Kerr deals with his back recovery woes.
“We know some of their tendencies and just have a better familiarity with how we’re going to be successful against them”. Handicapped by Pro Bettor Steve Fezzik – with Brad Powers from the Pregame.com Studios in Las Vegas. James has called Golden State a “juggernaut” but the Warriors aren’t buying all that talk. “So as long as I perform at this stage now and play my hardest, that’s all I can ask for”.
And one more thing….the Warriors have DANCE MOM! Thompson’s shot has been off in the postseason, hitting just about 38 per cent from the field, but his defence is probably more important than his offence now anyway as the usual primary defender against Kyrie Irving. “I don’t feel like we’re underdogs”. “Can’t get caught up in your shot falling or not”.
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Cavs entered the playoffs with 23-23 from last 46 games of the regular season which was a disaster considering that they are one of the main candidates for the title. Also, he was asked during his group session with reporters if he still tries to prove doubters wrong – the Warriors are heavily favored in the series – and he said “no, I’m not in that department anymore”.
