It was a dog fight of epic proportions as the Cleveland Cavaliers hosted the Golden State Warriors on their home court for Game 4 of the NBA Finals. For the Warriors, one win would solidify their place in NBA history as the only undefeated team in NBA History, but for the Cavaliers, it meant survival at all costs.
Right from the start, J.R. Smith and Kyrie Irving set the tone of the game with their scoring for the Cavaliers, making their three-pointers and jumping out to a 14 to 5 lead. Tristan Thompson also helped out the Cavaliers under the rim with the rebounding, followed by more baskets from Irving. The Warriors responded back with scoring from Kevin Durant, Zaza Pachulia (pronounced Pa-choo-lee-ya), and Draymond Green. Throughout the first quarter, the Cavaliers kept the Warriors on their toes, scoring 49 points to their 33 to close out the quarter.
In the second quarter, it was more of the same for the Cavaliers with their unrelenting scoring against Golden State. LeBron James and Irving led the way with the offense, allowing other players to pick up the pace on the defensive end. The Warriors weren’t going to be outdone as Durant, Shaun Livingston, and Klay Thompson looked to get the Warriors back in the game. Despite the Warriors’ efforts, Cleveland led 89 to 69 by the end of the second quarter.
Into the third quarter, things got more than chippy between the two teams, starting with LeBron and Durant arguing at one another and even Draymond Green almost being ejected from the game. Nevertheless, Golden State rallied in the third quarter against the Cavaliers, with Stephen Curry adding his name in the scoreboard. By the end of the third quarter, the Cavaliers still led 116 to 95.
As the fourth quarter commenced, the Warriors continued their rally from the fourth quarter, but the Cavaliers were pushing them back with their offense. Smith and Irving came through for the Cavaliers once more, nailing three-pointers and making tricky layups. The Cavaliers managed to pull off a surprising victory over the Warriors in a thrilling 137 to 116 victory.
Last night’s game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors was nothing short of exciting, drama-filled, and above all else, history making. The Cleveland Cavaliers scored the most points in a single quarter, most points in a half, and even 24 three-pointers made, all of which are the most in NBA Finals history.
LeBron surpassed Michael Jordan yet again, this time, for making the most free throws in the postseason. LeBron would also pass Magic Johnson for the most triple doubles in the postseason with a total of 9.
”We have championship DNA,” said James, who broke Magic Johnson’s record with his ninth triple-double in the Finals. ”We showed that tonight. We just kept our composure. We shared the ball, we moved the ball and defensively we were physical. It’s one game.”
Perhaps, the biggest difference maker for the Cavs was getting back to defense and getting dirty and aggressive in the post. Another thing worth mentioning was Deron Williams, who didn’t score in the first three games of the Finals, made his presence felt from beyond the arc.
For the Golden State Warriors, Kevin Durant had 35 points, Klay Thompson made 13 points, Shaun Livingston scored 10 points, plus Stephen Curry and Draymond Green were in double-double figures. Green had 16 points and 14 rebounds, while Curry had 14 points and 10 assists.
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kyrie Irving led the way with 40 points, Kevin Love made 23 points, J.R. Smith with 15 points, and LeBron with a triple-double of 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.
With the Cavaliers taking Game 4 and the Warriors having a 3-1 lead, could history repeat itself in the Finals? Could Cleveland storm back in the next few games? These questions will be answered Monday for Game 5 at Oracle Arena in Oakland at 9pm (6pm in the West Coast).
The Heat Check Magazine 