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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 25, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; The Cleveland Cavaliers bench reacts after a score against the Boston Celtics in game five of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; The Cleveland Cavaliers bench reacts after a score against the Boston Celtics in game five of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bench

In the battle of the benches, it will likely be David West, Javale McGee, Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston and Ian Clark vs. Iman Shumpert, Kyle Korver, Deron Williams and a bit of Richard Jefferson. Each bench features x-factors, potential weaknesses and interesting rotation decisions for each head coach.

As a whole, I like Golden State’s bench slightly more because of its versatility and defense. Specifically, Andre Iguodala will be important for the Warriors. Even at 33 he is still one of the best perimeter defenders in the game, and in the past two Finals he has played some great defense on James. His injury last year was a big part of Golden State collapse.

In this year’s playoffs, though, he’s shooting 11 percent from three. Yikes. Iggy is still bothered by some knee soreness, and his health will be crucial in this series.

Speaking of good defense and needing to make shots, Iman Shumpert is Cleveland’s x-factor off the bench. They will need his defensive versatility, but like Iguodala, Golden Sate will dare him to hit shots. Shumpert is shooting 47 percent from three and 48 percent overall, but he has only attempted 17 threes in the playoffs, so the sample size is limited.

Another thing, will the Cavs be able to hide Deron Williams and Kyle Korver on defense? And can the Warriors play McGee and Clark for extended periods?

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