There aren’t any secrets this time ’round. Here’s my take on four keys to the series.
The best teams in their respective conferences meet again in the NBA Finals — for the fourth straight year.
Both teams faced challenges getting here. The Warriors forced a Game 7 in the series against the Rockets. The Cavs did the same against the Celtics. Both teams won the finale on the road.
Now they face each other in the Finals. For reference, the Warriors took the regular season series 2-0.
What might happen now?
Golden State Warriors
Courtesy: Otgbasketball.com
Warriors setting the pace: Golden State has been unpredictable, finding its groove in the second half of games– especially in the third quarter. That’s when they average 31.2 points and outscore opponents by 7.5 points (in the playoffs). Expect the Cavs to be ready for the third quarter. That’s why the Warriors can’t keep banking on a second-half surge. They need to set the pace early and take control of games.
Durant taking over: Durant is averaging 29.2 ppg, 7.1 rebs, and 0.94 blks in the postseason. He needs to maintain that production against the Cavs and avoid taking bad shots (as he did against the Rockets). His shot selection is a key in this series.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Courtesy: The Inquisitr
Consistent bench production: Cleveland has become a one-man team. That’s because the Cavs’ bench averaged under 30 ppg against the Celtics. That’s just not enough to beat the Warriors. LeBron needs help! The talent is there. It’s a matter of that talent producing on the court.
Convert more three’s: The Cavs have been inconsistent from beyond the arc. More ball movement is needed to get good, open shots. That’s vital because Cleveland lacks an inside presence. Hitting from three (or not) will figure prominently in determining the series’ outcome.
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Game 1 in Oakland: Thursday, May 31, 9 p.m.
Game 2 in Oakland: Sunday, June 3, 8 p.m.
Game 3 in Cleveland: Wednesday, June 6, 9 p.m.
Game 4 in Cleveland: Friday, June 8, 9 p.m.
*Game 5 in Oakland: Monday, June 11, 9 p.m.
*Game 6 in Cleveland: Thursday, June 14, 9 p.m.
*Game 7 in Oakland: Sunday, June 17, 8 p.m.
* if necessary (All times Eastern)
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Updated data as of May 30, 2018. Sources: MSN Sport, Basketball-Reference.com
