Golden State Warriors 110 - 102 Cleveland Cavaliers
In a crucial Game 3, Kevin Durant leads the Warriors to the win, driving the proverbial nail into the Cavs. Dropping 43 points and 13 boards, he took over when it mattered the most. Lebron tried to keep the team in it, but just couldn’t overcome the role players inability to score. This was a critical game and now the Warriors are looking to sweep it out Friday Night.
Durant Leads Warriors
On an off night from the Splash Brothers, combining to go 3-15 from deep. Kevin Durant came up clutch tonight. Dropping 43 on 15-23 shooting, including 6-9 from 3. The rest of the starting lineup all scored 10, except Curry with 11. Jordan Bell came off the bench with 10 as well. Durant hit the big shots time and time again, including a dagger from deep (from the same spot that he hit one last year). He carried the team when it was needed late in the first half.
Down 6 going into the half, thanks to big shots from Durant, the second half was when the team started to be able to score around Durant. Outscoring the Cavs 31-23 in the 3rd, he was hitting everything. Step backs and fadeaways, the Warriors began to just run the offense through him instead of Steph. Taking the blow of Thompson and Curry under performing, they took the lead and just kept Lebron and the Cavs at arms length the rest of the game.
The Warriors really have to shoot themselves in the foot to lose this series. They are easily the most complete team, and now with Iggy back they have someone to contain Lebron, especially if they go all in for game 4. I would look for the Warriors to step on the Cavs necks and not let them up in game 4. Curry and Durant will be coming for blood.
Lebron’s Offseason Journey Starts Soon
Different night, same results. Lebron dropped a triple double, but once the second half hit the role players all stopped hitting shots. Lebron finished with 33/11/10 and still couldn’t pull out a win. Love contributed again with 20 points and 13 boards, but again no one else came out. J.R Smith and Rodney Hood came out in the first, but cooled off in the second. Hood came off the bench and finished with 15, while J.R finished with 13.
Coming out with the right energy, and defensive efficiency, the Cavs kept holding the Warriors in check, but Durant started rolling. Hitting a 3 over Larry Nance to pull it to 6 going into the half, they just never decided to double team, and it killed them. No matter what they did, the Cavs couldn’t get close. Durant just kept scoring over everyone, never having to rush. It was a show and the Cavs never adjusted defensively. The Lebron Era is on life support.
Honestly, it could be a sweep. The game 1 flub will live in infamy, just like the Orlando Magic’s missed free throws in 95. Ty Lue hasn’t proved himself worthy of coaching this group, and probably shouldn’t of ever had the job long term. But, Lebron gets what Lebron wants, and all signs point to Lebron leaving.
Hopefully the Cavs get in front of this and trade Love and whoever else they think is too expensive for the talent level they get. Should look to rebuild with the 8th pick, Nance and whichever younger guards they decide to keep. Getting Michael Porter Jr. would be a god send, since he would plug into the Lebron role, but they would need even more scoring options until he proves he can drop 30 a night.
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