The Warriors improved their postseason record to an unprecedented 13-0 while the Cavaliers suffered just their second loss since the playoffs began in mid-April.
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Then there’s Kyrie Irving, who scored 18 points in 4:48 in Game 4 vs. Boston and has never met a big shot he was afraid to take. The Cavaliers face the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday.
“He’s pretty sharp”, said player development coach Bruce Fraser, who passes to Curry daily. “[When you] try to do too much or rush”.
The Warriors not only got their 3-point shooting going in the decisive third period, but also their defense. It isn’t just James – everyone in Cleveland has to be better.
Thompson, Smith, Korver, and Williams combined for three points. Shortening up the rotations, given Golden State’s star power, can present plenty of problems for the Cavs. And there is a unique situation on Golden State’s bench.
The Game 5 of the GSW vs. Cavs Game 1 will air on ABC, which means it will be available to live stream online on ABC Live Stream as well as the broadcasting network’s flagship streaming app – ABC GO.
Throughout the night, the Cavs were spooked by the Warriors shooters, sticking closely to Curry and others to prevent open threes.
There are a few things the Cavs can’t do if they hope to beat the Warriors: turn the ball over more, give up fast-break points, and allow second-chance opportunities, all of which they did in Game 1. The vast majority of the Cavaliers’ defensive breakdowns weren’t born from a lack of effort; they only let Durant get two uncontested jams in transition because two defenders frantically ran to Curry away from the ball.
On top of that lethal two-pronged attack of Durant and Curry, the Warriors were ultra protective of the rock throughout the evening.
This is not the start to Game 1 of the NBA Finals that Golden State wanted. They hold a 43.5 three-point percentage as a team. Not only that but Kevin Durant, since he is a 10-year National Basketball Association veteran, is eligible to receive 35 per cent of a team’s cap hit-the NBA’s projected cap for next season is $101 million. That’s what you want. How easy was it for the Dubs to get to the basket? But know this – there’s not even a hint of panic with the Cavaliers. Kyrie going to score, that is what he does and he’s one of the best in the world at it. And the Cavaliers have a special bit of history on their side.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James walks on the floor during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, June 1, 2017.
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Well OK, not exactlythese Warriors. Curry shot just 40 percent in the Finals a year ago and had more turnovers (30) than assists (26) as he nursed injuries to his knee and ankle. Ultimately, the Cavs have been able to play through all of their rotations without any serious pressure.
