Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers: NBA Finals Roundtable
The Warriors will win if…
MS: Stephen Curry is healthy. There were whispers that he wasn’t anywhere near 100 percent in their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. If that doesn’t change, I’m not sure the Warriors can beat the Cavs. They need a healthy Curry.
WG: The Warriors will win if they keep doing what they did in the last two games against the Thunder. The three ball is their biggest weapon and the Cavs don’t have the shooters to match the Warriors.
EG: The Warriors will win if the Splash Brothers can remain consistent.
CM: They can get back to their game, defense turning to offense. The Cavs have more offense this year, so if the Warriors get stops, they should be fine.
JA: The Warriors will win if they rebound and significantly cut down on their turnovers. We saw the Thunder run them off the court when those two issues were prevalent. They need to play to the same game they’ve been playing all year, but more in control.
Fortunately, they aren’t facing the three-headed rebounding monster of Serge Ibaka, Steven Adams and Enes Kanter this series. But there are Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love.
GG: They stick to their identity. Their ability to make the extra pass and count on several players to space the floor gives them an advantage. If the game is close, I feel that the Cavs are more likely to make bad decisions and play “hero ball.” That could cost them if the Warriors stay disciplined.
NB: They can win the “small ball” matchups. Specifically, Draymond Green vs Channing Frye.
ND: If Cleveland tires to match their perimeter shooting.
JR: They reach their regular season assist average (28.9) rather than their playoff assist average (25). Cleveland’s Defensive Rating has dropped in the playoffs and the Dubs are capable of making them pay.
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