The NBA Finals series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors now shifts to Cleveland for game 3. The Warriors defended home court and won the first two games of the series. Golden State blew out the Cavs in game 2, winning 122-103, in a game that featured a record setting performance from Stephen Curry.
The Cavaliers, after blowing a terrific chance to steal game 1, looked tired and outclassed in their game two loss. Coach Tyronn Lue will be tasked with trying to make the proper adjustments to give his team a chance to get back into the series. The Golden State Warriors are -5 over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.
Cavs Need Another Monster Game From James
LeBron James has been a monster in these playoffs, but had a modest game for the Cavs in game 2. James had a near triple-double, but finished with just 29 points after pouring in 51 in the game 1 overtime loss. James must find a way to get to the rim to set up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Look for King James to be extra aggressive early in game 3 to set the tone for the Cavs.
George Hill and Kevin Love are doing their best to support LeBron, but the Cavs continue to get no help from their bench. Love and Hill combined to score 37 points in the loss, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Cavs close. Jeff Green came off the bench to lead all reserves with just 6 points in game 2, but that won’t be enough to beat the Warriors in game 3.
Warriors Get Look to Stay Hot From Deep
The Warriors combined to make 15 three pointers in their game 2 win, and shot at an impressive 41% from deep. Stephen Curry led the way, knocking down an NBA Finals record 9 three point shots in the victory. The Warriors are capable of getting hot from deep at anytime, and used their offensive barrage to blow out the Cavs in game 2.
Coach Steve Kerr made defensive adjustments in game 2, and it gave his team a much better chance of slowing down James. The Warriors will continue to run extra defenders at LeBron in an attempt to get the ball out of his hands. Look for the Warriors to continue to make someone other than LeBron beat them in game 3.
Cavs Win Game 3 at Home
The Warriors proved in game two why they are the favorites in this series, but were lucky to win the series opener. Golden State lives and dies by the three point shot, and they could go cold at anytime. The Warriors are usually deadly at home, but playing on the road has given them trouble in the past.
Cleveland hopes that playing in front of their home fans will give them the edge that they need to beat the Warriors. Cleveland proved that they can compete with the Warriors in game 1, and should have confidence heading back home. LeBron is too good to let his team get swept, and will have his team ready to win game 3 to sneak back into the series. Take the Cleveland Cavaliers +5 over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.
