NBA 2014-15

What I am concerned is Steph's supposed injury

 

That was exactly the kind of match-up I expected to see if Irving played well. Without him I don't think the Cavs have enough firepower to stay with the Warriors.

On a side note, Lebron, you have to take the rock to the hole and make something happen because you aren't Steph Curry. A 6'-9" half-man, half-monster baller shouldn't be settling for a fade away jumper at the buzzer.

 

Golden State couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat last night. Curry goes 2 of 15 from 3 point land ain't going to get it done. The Warriors don't ask Andrew Bogut to score, but he is getting dominated by Timofey Mosgov . Cleveland dictated tempo and if they can keep doing that combined with the Warriors lack of Finals experience (they look tentative) and the Cavs have the edge. Did they lose a little edge knowing Irving was out? Perhaps, but they better show up in Game 3 because the team that wins the 3rd of the Finals tied 1-1 have gone on to win 84% of the time.

 

With the defense Cleveland is playing combined with how James is controlling the tempo and it's no longer a surprise that the Cavaliers are up in the series. What LeBron is doing is something that is truly remarkable. Bottom line, take him off what is left of the Cavs roster and it would be the worst team in the league. Golden State's front line has been awful, and it's getting close to put up or shut up time. Somehow the Warriors have to bring the same energy and desperation they had in the 4th quarter for the entire 48 minutes or they'll find themselves on the brink.

 

So far Lebron has been everything he is supposed to be and more in this series but I always love a guy willing to carry the water bucket so for me Dellavedova has been nearly as important as Lebron to the Cavs success in this series. His defensive effort has been superb and his ability to hit a shot when the Warriors collapse on Lebron has been critical. The playoff finals history is full of guys like Big Shot Bob who stepped up and made a name for themselves by doing the littles things extremely well under the brightest of lights. Dellavedova is writing that kind of script so far in this series.

I am going to eat my crow early in regard to Cleveland not having enough fire power to stay with the Warriors because with the defense the Cavs are playing they may not need more than Smith and/or Dellavedova chipping in a few extra points to win this thing.

On the Warrior's side of the ball I have to think David Lee is going to see increased minutes for the rest of this series. Golden State looked so much better in the fourth quarter offensively thanks in large part to his passing ability. Inside-out has always been a great way to create open looks for jump shooters and Lee's presence gave the Warriors the ability to play inside-out basketball. I won't be surprised to see Golden State go small for large chunks of game four. Golden State can win this series but they have to find some offensive flow and stop playing dribble and shoot basketball against the Cavs impressive defense.

 

So, Don... lemme get this straight. You're NOT rooting for the 'underdog' the hopelessly outclassed collection of misfits* but rather for the 'Better Team' to win?!
Hell, to me the finals just got interesting. And now I really AM a LeBron fan.

* with a short white Aussie Point Guard, no less.
http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2015/story/_/id/13049783

 

"Delly" is a 6'4" point guard and like the 6'3" guy he's been assigned to follow around and harass had a great career at a smaller Division 1 school. It will be quite interesting tonight to see what kind of performance he can have after having to stay overnight in the hospital with IV's in his arm after Game 3. Fatigue is a huge question mark for the Cavs. They have run out of steam in the 4th quarter and it has to be a big advantage for the Warriors that the series is finally every other day.

As far as Golden State is concerned their heart, guts, and determination have been questioned. If they don't bring full intensity for 48 minutes they don't deserve the title. Throw in how competitive the Western Conference is and that Cleveland will likely be in the same spot next year, and far better talent wise, it should be a now or never mindset for the Warriors.

Where's Emi? Can't just post when it's going easy, got to get behind the team when it get's tough.

 

I paid attention on and off in the fourth last night, my boy watched most of it and I'm glad it wasn't close in the second half b/c the little dude doesn't have any fingernails left to chew off. In celebration, he donned his blue-away #30 shirt today.

I see the Cavs going into early-mid '90s NY Knicks / late 80s Pistons mode and trying to slow down the run and gun with some blood and bruises.

 

Lebron has been the best player in this series but my fears about not having a healthy Kyrie in the Cavs mix are beginning to play out. With no second option Lebron is getting too many minutes and having to force the issue more than he would like offensively. If the Cavs win this I will pin the title of the best basketball player of my lifetime squarely on the chest of Lebron James because Cleveland has been reduced to a one man team on the offensive end of the court. Every single possession has and should run through his hands because the rest of that team is offensively limited at best without him dictating the offense.

Going all the way back to 1980 I would say only Dwayne Wade's Miami Heat or Dirk Nowitzki's Dallas Mavericks were even remotely close to being a one many show that were crowned NBA champions. Outside of the 2006 Heat and 2011 Mavericks you have had at least two guys who could take over portions if not all of any given game. Along with Wade and Nowitzki I have been fortunate enough to see the following offensive partnerships deservedly crowned NBA champions in that time.

Magic and Kareem 5 times
Bird, McHale and the Chief 3 times
Dr. J, Moses Malone, Bobby Jones and Mo Cheeks once
Isaiah, Laimber and the Microwave Vinnie Johnson twice
Jordan and Pippen 6 times
The Dream and Clyde the Glide once
The Dream, Maxwell and Big Shot Bob once
Robinson and Duncan once
Shaq and Kobe 3 times
Billips, Hamilton and Wallace once
Duncan, Ginobili and Parker 3 times
Pierce, Allen and Garnett once
Kobe, Gasol and Fisher twice
Lebron and Wade twice
Leonard, Duncan and Parker once

Even with the Heat Wade had Shaq and Antoine Walker and with the Mavs Nowitzki had Jason Terry and Jason Kidd who were at a minimum regular contributors on the offensive end. Lebron is currently being asked to do what has not been done in the modern era of the NBA. He is being asked to win the title with no second in command. I admire the effort the Cavs are putting forth but it will be and uphill climb for them to win this series.

 

Forgot the NBA went back to the 2-2-1-1-1 format and the game is back in Oakland. Golden State must bring the same energy and desire as last game. While I expect Cleveland to play much better with the extra days' rest.

 

Memo to Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith....for 2 people who have covered hoops forever to think the Cavs are better with Tristan Thompson then Kevin Love...you picked the wrong week to stop sniffling glue

 

I am perfectly fine but I had to go through some personal things. Also I don't want to read all the haters posts

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Haters for me are people who don't support Golden State Warriors and like LeBron James

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I think we have a bunch of neutrals or don't carers (new word). As far as LeBron, this performance even for non-fans of Cleveland or of him is historic and he has my utmost respect. What he has done with this rag tag bunch is amazing.

Golden State forced Cleveland to go to a small lineup thereby keeping Mosgov on the bench. While the Cavs kept it close they can't beat the Warriors with the big guy playing 9 minutes. Would expect this one to be tight late in the fourth, can Golden State put it away?