3-2 Warriors – Cavs Facing Elimination
First off, what a year for these two teams. The Warriors completed a dominant regular season with an unorthodox style led by their shooting, often times quick hit 3’s early in the shot clock. They played defense, they mowed through the West, and they are 1 game away from their first title in 40 years.
The Cavs were the story this year in the NBA, and they didn’t fail to deliver some drama. Much of it was little more than hype by the press but there’s no denying that a first year coach, 3 all-stars that had never played together before, and the feel-good retribution story of Lebron and his hometown of Cleveland/Akron was compelling.
Driving this outfit of undermanned misfits to a ring might be too much even for Lebron. But it’s been a fun ride. If the Cavs succumb he will take an unfair hit for his overall finals record and not given the credit he deserves for this season.
My prediction of Cavs in 6 is out the window, and unless Kyrie’s broken kneecap heals by Tuesday it’s tough to see them winning 2 straight in the condition they are in now.
Tough but not impossible though — if the Cavs can hold home court Tuesday night I’ll take my chances in Game 7 with Lebron, no matter where it’s played. Cleveland equals tough, so don’t get overconfident Dubs fans!
I say Cavs in 7 with at least 1 more 40/15/15 game from LBJ. Or Cavs are out of juice and Warriors in 6. If so it will be sad to see them celebrate in the Q.
Either way, good finals, hard fought, the Warriors are a little dirtier than I thought they’d be (not a bad thing), and it does have the feel of the first of several future Finals matchups. It’s a testament to Lebron and Blatt that the Cavs are here at all, missing 2 all-stars.