Roar Guru
The Cleveland Cavaliers have falled at home to the Golden State Warriors by 11 points, allowing the Warriors to take a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals series.
REPORT: WARRIORS WIN ON THE ROAD
Final score
Cleveland Cavaliers 97
Golden State Warriors 108
Finally, we have a series on our hands! The Cleveland Cavaliers served up a 30-point drubbing of the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 and if they want to have a legitimate shot in these Finals they’ll need a similar performance in Game 4. Join The Roar from 11am (AEST) for live scores and coverage.
After allowing Golden State to walk all over them in Games 1 and 2, Cleveland finally came to life in Game 3 to remain undefeated at home during the post-season.
LeBron James was the catalyst for the Cavs’ performance. His 32 points, 11 rebounds and six assists were impressive, but it was the way he achieved them that really made the difference.
James was aggressive from the outset, with an intensity that was missing in the first two games of the series.
This was matched by Kyrie Irving, who had 16 points in the first quarter, and after that start Golden State never looked like coming back.
The Warriors shot the three ball poorly (27.3%), and – as I’ve said all season – if they insist on living by the three then on some nights they will die by the three.
There is every possibility that they will turn up and shoot lights out, but if they don’t then they need a contingency; something clearly lacking in Game 3. Even though three pointers were clearly failing them, the Warriors appeared determined to shoot their way out of the slump, registering 33 attempts on the night.
This is particularly disappointing as their best basketball in Game 3 happened in the second quarter when they attacked the ring rather than settling for outside shots.
THey outscored the Cavaliers 27-18 in this quarter, shooting 66.7 per cent from the field, and only attempting four 3s. Driving into the paint and looking for layups clearly worked; why they abandoned this in the second half is unclear.
However, if their struggles from three continue, it is a tactic they would be wise to revert to, or Cleveland’s defensive job becomes much easier.
Prediction
The Cavaliers are a different team at home, and they should get over the line in this one again.
Cavaliers by 9