Golden State has won each of its first two contests with Cleveland by double digits; in Game 2, the Warriors straight-up embarrassed the Cavs to the tune of 110-77.
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Jefferson had 12 points and five rebounds in that game. But in order to do it, he thinks they’re going to need LeBron James to perform like Michael Jordan did back in 1993 when the Bulls faced an 0-2 deficit heading into Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks. “So our depth has shown so far, and I’m sure we’ll have different players continue to step up as the series goes on”. “You never know. But we’ll be prepared”. “But it will be a lot harder here because they really feed off this crowd”.
Asked if he felt a sense of redemption given his strong play in the NBA Finals, Andrew Bogut shook his head and said not yet. Especially, when they are coming back home. He’s made savvy moves, kept his players focused despite a few lengthy breaks between series and handled the daily circus surrounding any team James plays on with a steadying hand.
“It’s going to be the next man up”, James said. Even if one player can display a great shooting performance, the way the Warriors supporting cast is playing, it will be enough to send the series to 3-0. That is the opportunity in front of us.
“People probably thought our energy was low in Game 1 and 2, but we’ve got to flush it. It’s a new day”. Jefferson typically replaces James when the Cavs star gets a breather during games, so if he starts, another adjustment to the rotation would be required.
Love, who wasn’t on the floor with his teammates when the media was allowed inside at the end of Cleveland’s shootaround, is averaging 16.5 points and a team-leading 9.4 rebounds in 16 post-season games. “We’ve just got to come out and play better”. “It’s Game 3, can’t keep looking in the rear-view, you have to look forward at what can put us in a position to win”, he said.
And increase the pace they did through the second half of the regular season and first three rounds of the playoffs.
On the other hand, LeBron James stated that the series’ Game Three will be a do-or-die match for them.
The Warriors are 3-4 on the road in the playoffs this season. With the Warriors’ potent line-up, many teams find themselves trying to play the Warriors brand of basketball, which is up tempo. It doesn’t always work that way. He has the best handle in the NBA, so he’s able to play iso (isolation) basketball. “After that, everyone will adjust and be fine”.
Also, the Cavs could be without Kevin Love, who entered the NBA’s concussion protocol following Sunday’s Game 2 loss. James is calling it “a must win” and “a do-or-die” game. When we get open shots, we’ve got to take advantage of open shots. “Myself and Kyrie and hopefully Kevin, we can attract some more defenders and get some bodies off some of our shooters”. The Cavs have yet to see Steph Curry and Klay Thompson at their best.
“That’s the most ridiculous thing”, a fiery West said while surrounded by more than a dozen reporters at Warriors practice.
“We know they’re going to come out with a sense of urgency”, Curry said.
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“We just expect Cleveland to play well regardless of which individual players we’re talking about”, Kerr said.
