The Warriors are playing like the champions they are. They beat the Cavaliers by 19 points to take a commanding 2-0. They beat the Cavs 122-103.
The NBA Finals started on Thursday. The Cleveland Cavaliers won the Eastern Conference after a 7-Game series against the Boston Celtics. The Cavs were on the verge of elimination, but they prevailed. In order for the Cavs to advance to the NBA Finals, they had to beat the Boston Celtics in Boston. The Celtics were previously 10-0 at home before their Game 7 loss. They had a chance to get to the NBA Finals, but for the second straight year, the Cavs beat them in the Conference Finals.
The Golden State Warriors were in a similar position. They were fresh off of a 7-Game series against the Houston Rockets. The Rockets were arguably the favorites in this series, but they showed their playoff inexperience. The Warriors are the defending champs, and have won NBA championships in the last 2 out of 3 years. The Rockets had a better regular season, but the Warriors still managed to beat them. But, the Rockets were also shorthanded. They played the final two games without their star point guard in Chris Paul. Paul suffered a strained right hamstring in Game 5. Despite around the clock treatment, his injury did not heal in time for Game 7. His presence and contribution could have changed the dynamic of the final two games against the Warriors. However, the Warriors won the series and advanced to the NBA Finals.
In the first game, the Warriors won in overtime. Game 1 was admittedly one of the weirdest games I have seen in a long time. The calls by the referees, J.R Smith's blunder at the end of regulation, and the small scuffle at the end made this game weird.
If you didn't watch the game, you may not have seen J.R Smith's crucial mistake at the end of the game. J.R Smith gained possession of the ball and ran behind the three-point line. But, rather than take a shot or pass, he held onto the ball and let the clock run out. The game was tied, and a shot or pass could have gave the Cavs the lead. LeBron James demanded the ball, but J.R Smith did not pay attention. Smith thought the Cavs had the lead, but they didn't. His mistake caused the game to go into overtime, where the Warriors went on a run against the Cavaliers. J.R Smith's mistake has been the topic of (Sports) social media all weekend. Smith even received cheers and MVP chants from the Warrior fans, since the Warriors benefited from his mistake. J.R Smith messed up, but he still has all series to redeem himself.
In tonight's game, the Warriors took charge. Steph Curry led the Warriors with 33 points. Curry shot 9-of-17 from three-point range. He made 9 three-pointers, and broke a finals record. Curry became the player with the most made three-pointers in a single NBA Finals game. The record was previously held by former NBA star and three-point specialist Ray Allen. Curry also is on the verge of another record, which is the most three-pointers made in the playoffs. Ray Allen has the most three-pointers in the playoffs with 385. Steph Curry is 16 three's away from breaking that record. It is likely that he will break it in this series.
The other Warriors also had great games. Kevin Durant had 26 points after a rough Game 1. Klay Thompson had 20 points. JaVale Mcgee had 12 points shot 6-of-6 from the field. Shaun Livingston scored 10 points off the bench.
The series continues on Wednesday. The series will resume, but this time in Cleveland. The Cavs will be back on their homecourt, where they play best. The Cavs were down 0-2 against the Celtics, but once they came home, they tied the series. This series could have a similar outcome.
The Cavaliers are down but not out. If they tie the series, we will have a competitive series on our hands. As a basketball fan, I want this series to go to Game 6 or 7. In order for that to happen, the Cavs must win in Cleveland. The fate of this series lies in their hands.