The Golden State Warriors won 108-97 over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The Cavaliers now have a commanding 3-1 lead in the series with Game 5 on Monday in Oakland at Oracle Arena.
NBA Finals: Golden State Warriors Take 3-1 Lead With Game 4 Win over Cleveland Cavaliers
After the first three games of the series were not close, game 4 turned out to be a back and forth affair. The Warriors are now in the driver’s seat to repeat as NBA champions. The Cavaliers would have to win three straight games (two on the road) to win the series. Cleveland is in the midst of a 52-year title drought. The Cavaliers’s starting power forward Kevin Love returned from a one-game absence due to a concussion. However, Love’s presence didn’t help and the Eastern Conference champions lost for the first time in nine games this postseason. Love came off the bench and scored 11 points and five rebounds.
Cavaliers up by 5 Points at Halftime; Outscored 58-42 in Second Half
The Cavaliers were up by five points at halftime, but were outscored 58-42 in the second half. Warriors point guard Stephen Curry got back to dominating with 38 points and six assists. Klay Thompson added 25 points and four rebounds. Harrison Barnes scored 14 points and had eight rebounds. Kyrie Irving lead the Cavaliers with 34 points. LeBron James added 25 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists. J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson each had ten points each for the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers struggled with their defensive switches in the second half off screens. Kevin Love seemed particularly exposed as the Warriors took advantage. In addition, the Warriors had 14 offensive rebounds, many of which were in the third quarter when the Warriors started to put the game away.
Warriors on Verge to Make More History to Already Historic Season
The Warriors who already made history with 73 regular season wins, can become the seventh franchise with consecutive NBA titles with a victory in game 5 on Monday.
