This NBA Finals has had everything, Draymond being suspended, Lebron scoring more than 40 points, Curry getting ejected, Love nowhere to be found, Bogut getting injured and now we are finally heading to its ending Sunday when the Cavaliers will face the Warriors at the Oracle Arena. No matter who wins, it will be a historic moment. If the Warriors win, they will conclude their repeat with the best record ever, and if the Cavs win, Lebron will finally bring one to the Land while making Golden State's regular season record go down in the drain. With so much at stake, let's take a look at what must happen at Game 7 for both teams if they want to get the win.
1. Warriors death lineup
The Warriors small ball lineup of Curry-Klay-Barnes-Iguodala-Green started Game 6 and was promptly outplayed in the first quarter, much due to Harrison Barnes who is now 2/22 from the field in the past two games. While the death lineup has been effective, it should not be used whenever Cleveland is starting Tristan Thompson, as it allows the Cavaliers to control the rebounds. With Bogut injured, the best strategy for Kerr would be to start his backup center, Festus Ezeli, and let him play a little less than Bogut did. The presence of a big man allows Golden State to grab more rebounds and stop Kyrie and Lebron from driving to the basket. Remember how Bogut had four blocks in the first quarter against Cleveland on Game 3? That is the importance of starting a true center.
2. Lebron going for 40+ points
Lebron, in the past few games, has done it all – scoring, rebounding and assisting his teammates – therefore, the best chance for the Cavs to get the win is hope he will have another big night. With back to back 40+ point games, the King has reemerged and is ready to put all his best in Game 7. While Kyrie has certainly been a big contributor to the Cavaliers comeback, Lebron will be the one needed to carry the team. Without a starting center for Golden State, Lebron has been able to drive more consistently to the basket, which has made him unstoppable. Lebron's midrange, and even three-point shots, are falling, and that is what Cavs fans hope to continue in Game 7.
3. The Splash Brothers have to step it up
Klay and Curry are the most dominant duo in the NBA, hands down. Their versatility and sharpshooting abilities from the three-point range makes them almost impossible to guard, and they are the major reason the Warriors are still in the fight. However, in these finals, both Klay and Curry don't seem to be firing together. It seems like whenever Curry is having a good game, Klay is having a bad game and vice versa. With the season at a brink in this final gam,e both need to be coming off the gates strong; otherwise, Golden State will not be able to get the win.
