You too, Kyrie Irving.
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Each put 41 points next to their names.
“Some of them were attack turnovers”, James said. But it was clear from the start that they missed him badly, especially on the defensive end. He had the stare.
National Basketball Association rules prevent suspended players from being in the stadium where the game will be played.
Mind games are a fascinating thing and a part of this league. Who went on to yell at him about something.
Now, in Game 5, with the Warriors on the brink of a second straight championship, Thompson delivered again in the first half, knocking down six three-pointers en route to 26 points. Now, Curry and his teammates must try to win on the road just the way the Warriors did previous year in Cleveland.
Irving hit 17 of his 24 shots from the field, including 10-of-15 when he brought the ball up the floor and didn’t pass at all, per ESPN Stats & Info. The Cavs had fallen flat in eight of their nine previously scheduled nationally televised appearances against the Warriors, so why not go out on a trifle?
The Warriors crowd began booing James during warmups and never stopped. Fans chanted “Free Draymond, free Draymond”.
The magic word that set off a nasty scuffle between Draymond Green and LeBron James and ultimately led to Green’s suspension for Game Five of the NBA Finals? So why did Green not receive the same, but a flagrant instead, a foul meant to legislate against excessive contact?
The absences clearly hurt the Warriors’ defense.
When James’ legs got exhausted as his minutes soared north of 40, Irving took over, dribbling past Curry and any other defender in front of him. Kevin Love also had a miserable time trying to score when matched up with Green.
When you shorten the rotation and toss out an All-Star that makes an MVP look like a mere All-Star, and that All-Star responds with an MVP performance? Golden State recently did just that though against the Oklahoma City Thunder just to get to the NBA Finals so they absolutely know it is still possible as well as anybody. The Warriors now lead the series, 3-2. Since 2000, there have been seven teams in the same position as the Cavs were Monday night (down 3-1).
Check out the slideshow for photos from Game 5.
It was exactly the kind of game James needed to have after a controversial past few days.
James hadn’t hit five shots outside the paint in any game of these playoffs, either. Tristan Thompson was limited to 10 points and seven rebounds. Add in three steals, three blocks.
“Our backs are against the wall”, coach Lue said before the game. “They are the champions so we’ve got to be ready”.
And the Cavs did just that. That’s how we’ve got to play. “They deserved to win. I like it better than theirs”.
And if Irving and James continue to play like they did tonight – well, Cleveland just may have a chance.
Bogut left the game clutching his left knee.
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Golden State’s most effective lineup all season long the “Death Lineup” with Green at center, Harrison Barnes at power forward, Iguodala at small forward and the Splash Brothers in the backcourt made life miserable for its opponents with its ability to switch on defense and get out in transition on offense.
