At 9 p.m. on June 1, the NBA Finals will get underway in Oakland, Calif., featuring the sharp shooting Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Warriors are looking for their first title since 1975, while Cleveland looks to secure its first ever NBA Championship for the state of Ohio. Below I have provided a position-by-position look at the match ups between the two teams.
Center: Timofey Mozgov vs. Andrew Bogut
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The Cavs picked up Mozgov on January 7 of 2015. Since arriving in Cleveland, Mozgov has provided the Cavs with some much needed rim protection. While only averaging 9.1PPG and 7.2 RPG, the numbers don't justify what he brings to the court. Bogut, a former number one pick out of Utah, plays a comparable game to Mozgov. Bogut provides the Warriors with valuable rebounding and defense around the rim. Bogut averaged just 6.3 PPG and 8.1 RPG, but with the high scoring volume of the “splash brothers," Bogut gets the job done.
ADVANTAGE: Cleveland
Power Forward: Tristain Thompson vs. Draymond Green
Thompson has really picked up the slack at the forward position following the injury to Kevin Love. Thompson has provided the Cavs with key put backs, blocks and rebounds this post season and has earned the respect of 4x MVP Lebron James. Thompson averages nearly a double double with 9.4 PPG and 9.8 RPG. Draymond Green finally became a full time starter this season after playing limited minutes behind David Lee since joining the Warriors. Green was the runner up for Defensive Player of the Year and averages a double double with 14 PPG and 10.8 RPG. Green is a jack-of-all-trades and might be the most valuable piece Golden State possesses.
ADVANTAGE: Golden State
Small Forward: Lebron James vs Harrison Barnes
Let's just get this one out of the way and start off by saying Lebron James is the best player on the planet. James is a two-time NBA Champion, 11-time All Star and four-time MVP. If you took Lebron James, and put him on any team in the NBA, that team instantly becomes a contender, there are very few players you can say that about. Harrison Barnes is a valuable defender, however his numbers are down from the regular season, averaging just 7.9 PPG and 4 RPG. Sorry Harrison, this one cant even be debated.
ADVANTAGE: Cleveland
Shooting Guard: Iman Shumpert vs. Klay Thompson
Shumpert is a solid defender who has given key minutes to the Cavs, guarding multiple All Stars and prolific scorers. Shumpert averaged 10.1 PPG this year, and has done well since stepping into a starting role following the suspension of JR Smith. Klay Thompson, if healthy, may be considered the best shooter in the NBA. Thompson shot a ridiculous 43.7 percent from three during the regular season, averaging just over 20 points per game during the regular season. Thompson along with MVP Steph Curry, hold down the title of the “splash brothers" and are in my eyes, the best backcourt in the NBA today.
ADVANTAGE: Golden State
Point Guard: Kyrie Irving vs. Steph Curry
This is the match up that I believe will decide who wins the series. Both are surefire superstars and can score at will no matter who defends them. Both are a bit banged up with injury, but after the long layoff between the Conference Finals and the NBA Finals, they are both on track to come back healthy and ready to go. Irving averaged 21.7 PPG during the regular season, and had the two highest scoring games of the regular season with 55 and 57 points. Steph Curry is nearly unguardable, he has unlimited range and a quick a first step as anyone in the league. Curry is averaging 29.2 points per game during the playoffs and is looking for another piece of hardwear to accompany his 2015 MVP trophy at home. Curry may be the most exciting player in the NBA today.
ADVANTAGE: Golden State
My Prediction: All in all, although Golden State takes the cake with their starters, Cleveland's bench can provide valuable minutes and will make this series interesting. Despite their efforts and a hard fought series, I think Golden State's offense is too high powered and too much for the Cavs to handle. Barring a world class performance from LeBron James and the Cavs, I think the Warriors take home the NBA Championship in six close games.
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