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2017 NBA Finals: 5 things to watch for ahead of Game 1

By Evan Dyal

June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) defends during the fourth quarter in the second round of game four of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) defends during the fourth quarter in the second round of game four of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

LeBron’s Defense

Yes, his defense. In the regular season, LeBron James basically just rested on that end. This year in the playoffs, he has played like a roaming safety. Playing the passing lane, being the help defender, quarterbacking the defense. He has guarded guys like Jae Crowder, DeMarre Carroll and CJ Miles. In the first round, JR Smith took Paul George for most of it.

However, he can’t play center fielder against the Warriors. LeBron will likely get the Kevin Durant assignment from the jump.

That means expending lots of energy on that end, which may take away from his amazing offense. LeBron is a very good defender when engaged; he has been a Defensive Player of the Year candidate before. His energy expended on defense will be critical, because I expect LeBron to play the entire game; if he does rest its 2-3 minutes max. LeBron is obviously in incredible shape, but more energy expended than normal can prove costly late.

Now the Cavs will throw Shumpert and Jefferson on Durant at times too, but LeBron will get the most time on KD. James totally ignored Harrison Barnes last year; he can’t do the same this year obviously. He has averaged 32 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists on 56 percent shooting in this year’s playoffs. James will have to average that if not more, plus play great defense on KD, to win this year’s NBA Finals. Even for the greatest player on earth, that is a lot to ask.

On a side note, James has owned Durant in head-to-head matches (18-5). However, that does not mean Durant has not gotten buckets on him. Durant dropped 35 on him on Christmas this year. In the 2012 NBA Finals, Durant averaged 30 on 55 percent shooting. I think it’s overblown that Durant is “afraid” of Lebron. LeBron better be ready on both ends.

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