The 2016 NBA Finals aren’t going too well for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. If the fifteen-point loss in game one with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson combining for 20 points wasn’t enough for the Cavs to wake up then maybe Sunday’s 33-point loss will be. Everything up to this point is playing out to become a second straight championship for Golden State by way of a sweep to complete a historic season.
Much of the Cavs struggles are due to the cutthroat defense Golden State has been playing. They’ve shot a mere 38% from the field so far and averaging 83 points in these Finals. They look lost taking bad shots and carelessly giving the ball away. The stagnant offense is portrayed by their inability to score in the paint even with the Warriors playing without a true center in the game for long stretches at a time. With the questionable health of Kevin Love after suffering a possible concussion in game 2, the Cavaliers offensive woes show no signs of improving.
The truth is that Cleveland is playing a much more inspired and well-rounded team. Golden State is trying to lay the groundwork for a potential dynasty after doubts of lasts year’s championship being due to injuries to teams like Cleveland and Houston. We have yet to see the best from Curry and Thompson so far this series as neither has led the Warriors in scoring in either game. Their ability to move without the ball has led to open shots on seemingly every possession. They certainly have the Cavs number so far this season as they haven’t loss to them yet but it’s hard to believe LeBron will go quietly.
You’d have to think that a loss in these Finals would put a huge set back in LeBron’s legacy. He would be 2-5 all time in the Finals with neither of those two coming in Cleveland, which, as we all know, is the ultimate goal. After all, he did say, “you know it’s all about getting one for the Land” in a recent Samsung commercial. In his defense, all the pressure is on him and his inexperienced entourage. You can tell simply by the way the Warriors play. They’re having fun and have been since they were on the brink of elimination against Oklahoma City. The Cavs are playing uptight; forcing both passes and shots. While LeBron is trying to fulfill a legacy, the Warriors are just too much all around.
The shift from Oracle Arena to Quicken Loan’s Arena may just be what the Cavs need. There’s no chance that LeBron will give up but the question lies within his teammates. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love were on the bench during their first Finals appearance. Each of the next two games are a must win for the Cavaliers if they want any chance of winning this series. A game 5 elimination game in Golden State would likely end up just as ugly as Sunday’s 33-point rout.
