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Matchup: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors
TV Schedule
Game 1: Thursday, June 4, Cleveland at Golden State, 9:00 p.m. ET, ABC
Game 2: Sunday, June 7, Cleveland at Golden State, 8:00 p.m. ET, ABC
Game 3: Tuesday, June 9, Golden State at Cleveland, 9:00 p.m. ET, ABC
Game 4: Thursday, June 11, Golden State at Cleveland, 9:00 p.m. ET, ABC
Game 5: (If necessary) Sunday, June 14, Cleveland at Golden State, 8:00 p.m. ET, ABC
Game 6: (If necessary) Tuesday, June 16, Golden State at Cleveland, 9:00 p.m. ET, ABC
Game 7: (If necessary) Friday, June 19, Cleveland at Golden State, 9:00 p.m. ET, ABC
And just like that, LeBron James will be playing in his fifth consecutive NBA Finals. The Cleveland Cavaliers will make their first appearance since 2007, when James was riding his first rodeo with the team. The Golden State Warriors will be playing in their first NBA Finals in 40 years (1975).
Who wins? A team that has the very experienced LeBron James, or a team that was considered the best in the sport all season long? A team that has the former MVP, or a team that has the current MVP?
When you look at all the facts — which in this case we will change the word facts to stats — the Warriors are the easy pick. They had the best record in the NBA (67-15 to be exact). The Cavaliers finished in second in the East, but their record (53-29) would have only been good enough for fourth best in the West.
CHECK IT OUT: 5 Bold Predictions For Cavaliers vs. Warriors In 2015 NBA Finals
Golden State also finished first in points per game, sixth in rebounds per game and first in assists per game. In those same statistical categories, the Cavs came in eighth, 18th and 10th — respectable numbers, but not GSW numbers.
On paper, the Splash Brothers (Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry) have this game (better yet, series) in the bag. Needless to say, Cleveland could sure use some (Kevin) Love right about now.
Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith and every other Cavalier are just going to have to be that much better. LeBron can’t do it on his own, as we all saw last season when the San Antonio Spurs handed James another title loss.
In a battle where LeBron’s work seems to be cut out for him yet again, the smart choice would be to go with the Warriors. However, James brings a boatload of experience to the table — and he’s arguably the best player on the planet.
So, who wins this year’s crown?
PREDICTION: Give me Cleveland in 7
Trevor Lowry is a Content Associate at www.RantSports.com. If you’re a tweeter feel free to follow him @TheTrevorLowry, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
