The Cleveland Cavaliers won 120-90 over the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The Warriors now lead the series 2-1 with Game 4 on Friday in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won despite the absence of their starting power forward Kevin Love who was held out with a concussion. The Eastern Conference champions are now 8-0 at home this postseason.
NBA Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers win Game 3 Convincingly over Golden State Warriors
The Cavaliers moved LeBron James over to the power forward position and inserted Richard Jefferson into the starting lineup. According to the Associated Press’ Tom Withers, James told his teammates to “follow my lead and do your job.”
Cavaliers Used More Ball Movement on Offense
The Cavaliers brought a very intense active defense with a strong offensive effort that was too much for the Warriors to match. The Cavaliers offense was much improved by moving the ball around and avoiding the stagnant isolation plays that had dominated their play in the first two games.
The veteran Jefferson had not started an NBA Finals since June 15 2003 when he played for the New Jersey Nets. Ironically, in that game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr played his last game of his career as a member of the San Antonio Spurs.
LeBron James Had a Strong Game
James scored 32 points, had 11 rebounds and six assists in a very strong game on both offense and defense. Most impressive was that James was able to shoot 14 for 26 and seemed to regain his outside shooting touch that had eluded him the last two series. James stated that “we finally got our pace.”
Point guard Kyrie Irving also had a strong game with 30 points. J.R. Smith reappeared in the playoffs with 20 points. Tristan Thompson scored 14 points and had 13 rebounds. Jefferson also made the most of his rare start by scoring nine points and grabbing eight rebounds.
Warriors Had 18 Turnovers; Curry 19 points
Stephen Curry struggled with 19 points on 6 of 13 shooting. Curry was up and down and at times appeared to be ready to go on an offensive roll. However, it was not to be. Harrison Barnes added 18 points and eight rebounds in the losing effort. The Warriors committed 18 turnovers which led to 34 Cavaliers’ points.
The pressure is still on Cleveland to win game 4 Friday night to avoid returning to California down 3-1. The Cavaliers will need another stellar, team effort.
