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2017 NBA Finals: Potential x-factors for the Cavs and Warriors

By Jonathan Macri

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) shoots the the game winning shot during the fourth quarter against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) shoots the the game winning shot during the fourth quarter against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) high fives guard Patrick McCaw (0) as a time out is called against the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) high fives guard Patrick McCaw (0) as a time out is called against the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Ready for Prime Time

Since the playoffs began, McCaw’s minutes have fluctuated, but he has had his moments. He started the two games Durant missed in the Portland series, averaging over 30 minutes. He also logged over 26 minutes in the Game 2 demolition of the Spurs, chipping in 18 points int he process.

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Overall, McCaw has hit 7 of 18 attempts from three in the playoffs, an improvement on his 33 percent clip from the regular season. More importantly, he has rated as the Warriors’ best wing defender in the postseason, with a defensive rating of 102 over 147 minutes.

At 6-foot-7, McCaw is the perfect fit for today’s switch happy NBA defense. The question is whether the coaching staff will trust a rookie in the big spot of a tight game. While at UNLV, McCaw never went to the tournament, so these will be by far the brightest lights he has played under in his short career.

He’ll get his chance to shine. Golden State remembers last year well, when Steph Curry was running on fumes by Game 7. They will go to their bench early and often this time around.

Must Read: 2017 NBA Finals: Power Ranking Every Player On The Warriors And Cavs

16-0 is officially on the table. The Warriors will need all hands on deck to the seize the opportunity.

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