

A game
plan devised to run the Warriors off the 3 PT line, exploited Cleveland getting
outscored in the paint (56-30). While both teams shot around (35-36%) from the
3PT line, Golden State took (20) more shots while shooting a combined (42.5%)
from the field. The Cavaliers barely outrebounded the Warriors largely due in
part to Kevin Love’s 21 boards, because Tristian Thompson who was averaging
double figures in rebounding provided the Cavs with a low (0 points and 4 rebounds)
in just 22 minutes of play. GSW was beneficial on the offensive glass unlike
Cleveland scoring (18) points off second chance points while taking advantage
of a sloppy Cavaliers team with a (21 - 6) run off turnovers. The Warriors also
got Cleveland off their game playing fast. That is when the turnovers reigned
for Cleveland as Golden State led the game (27 – 8) in fast break points. The
JaVale McGee/Zaza Pachulia combo only had 12 points/11boards; however, the
Warriors have excelled more on the offensive end with a true center on the
floor alongside their core 4. The Cavs
bench only had (21) points and must be more efficient per game if Cleveland has
a chance in the world. Both teams started off slow and a side of rust you could
tell was with both teams. However, the Warriors took advantage of (9) 2nd
quarter turnovers to take an (8) point lead into the half. Then their stellar
defense held Cleveland scoreless for the first 5 minutes of the 3rd
quarter and GSW took a commanding (21) point lead. Even when the Cavs cut the
deficit to (12), but with LeBron James off the floor the offense became stagnant,
one and done on the offensive end, and no type of transition nor half-court
defense as Durant, Curry and company took full advantage and never looked back.
Durant and Curry combined for (66 points, 18 assists, 14 rebounds, and a low 2
turnovers). LeBron James is now (1-7) in NBA Finals games 1 and (70%) of teams
that win game 1 win the series, but don’t tell Cleveland that after last year’s
NBA Finals results. Kevin Durant has averaged over (30) points per game in the
NBA Finals dating back to 2012 in his OKC days. Even with Klay Thompson
struggling from the floor shooting (3-16), his defense made up for it.
Cleveland players were (1/12) when Thompson was the primary defender. The Cavs
won the rebound battle and free throws attempt, however lost the turnover and
shooting battles. The Warriors had 31 assists in route to their 113 points
which ultimately alongside the Cavs turnovers and lights out shooting from
their Superstars (Durant/Curry) proved to be the difference. LeBron James will
have to score at least, at least (35) points per and as a team they will have
to cut down on the turnovers. Stopping Durant is easier said than done but they
must chase Golden State’s three-point shooters off the line and force them into
contested and difficult jumpers unlike their parting the red sea for layup drills in game 1. The
Warriors having only 4 turnovers the next game is a stretch but I am sure Ty
Lue will make the necessary adjustments to stay discipline on defense, limit
second chance points while getting a more balanced scoring attack or this
series will be over before it shifts to Quicken Loans Arena for games 3 and 4.
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