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The Cleveland Cavaliers are up 2-1 on the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, and a lot of people are trying to figure out how. Grit? Toughness? Determination? Witchcraft?
Any one of those could probably explain how this is happening in some way or another. The Warriors are supposed to be blitzing the Cavs with an endless array of three-pointers. A hobbled Cleveland team is supposed to be giving a “God bless ‘em, they’re trying” effort while getting run off the court.
However, the Cavs and their rag-tag band made up of LeBron James and a bunch of guys who are playing mainly just because they’re actually physically able to do so are within two games of achieving the unthinkable.
As exciting as this is for Cleveland fans everywhere, there’s still work to be done. Golden State is hardly the team to write off, regardless of the situation. And, if there’s any key takeaway that should keep the Cavs focused on the task at hand, it’s the fact the Warriors appeared to finally find their game during last night’s furious comeback.
At one point in Game 3, Golden State looked completely lost. They were down big, and had registered back-to-back quarters in which they failed to score over 20 points. Steph Curry, known around the league as one of the most prolific shooters to ever play the game, couldn’t hit a bucket to save his life.
However, things eventually changed in the fourth quarter. Curry began raining threes and looking like his old self. The Warriors started ferociously chipping away at Cleveland’s lead. David Lee, who I’d like to think a few people forgot was still in the NBA, came off the bench and provided and offensive spark. Suddenly, Golden State looked like it was finally back to normal.
Yes, the Cavs ended up winning anyway. Still, they can’t disregard the fact the Warriors found their rhythm when things looked the most desperate. For a team having to fight its way back into this series, such a thing can be a significant confidence boost.
This alone would be something Cleveland needs to be more than a little cautious about. Another thing which may factor into this, though, is the energy the Cavs are expending on defense.
It’s been no secret Cleveland is utilizing relentless defense in order to keep Golden State so stifled. Due to the fact the team is so short on bodies, such a strategy has also resulted in some significant exhaustion. Matthew Dellavedova, after adding another chapter to his playoff legend last night, had to be taken to the Cleveland Clinic after the game because of “severe cramping.”
This has led many to think the Cavs’ defensive effort may not be sustainable. And, if it’s not, if the pure fatigue starts wearing on Cleveland, now would be a bad time to couple it with Golden State rediscovering what got them to the Finals.
If anything, though, it should give the Cavs plenty to think about as they prep for Game 4. To his credit, James said as much in his post-game interview, noting the team had a lot to learn from their fourth quarter lapse. The team no doubt saw what can happen if you let Curry get hot, and is likely going to continue focusing on the relentless defense which kept him in a slump for most of the night.
It was ridiculous to think the Warriors could be in an offensive drought for long, so the fact they found success in the fourth quarter last night should really surprise no one. This includes the Cavs, who, despite taking a series lead, know the Finals doesn’t end after you net two wins.
Golden State is highly dangerous, and late in Game 3, they proved just that. Because of this, Cleveland needs to ensure they don’t allow any momentum to build for the Warriors. Otherwise, this series could flip in a heartbeat.
Casey Drottar is the Cleveland Beat Writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter or “Like” him on Facebook
