The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors 112-97 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The Warriors have a 3-2 lead in the series with Game 6 on Thursday in Cleveland at Quicken Loans Arena.
NBA Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers Defeat Golden State Warriors With Game 5 Win to Force Game 6
Game 5 was a tight back and forth game with the Cavaliers slowly building a lead in the second half. The Warriors are still in the driver’s seat to repeat as NBA champions as the Cavaliers still have to win the next two games and another game on the road. Teams are 0-32 in coming back from a 3-1 deficit. Cleveland is in the midst of a 52-year title drought.
Warriors Led by Only Three Points After Strong First Quarter by Klay Thompson
Warriors came out strong in the game. No doubt fueled by energy and anger from Draymond Green’s one-game suspension for too many flagrant fouls. However, the Cavaliers withstood the charge and fought back to tie the game with a few minutes left in the quarter. Ultimately, the Warriors led by three points at the end of the first quarter.
James and Irving Became First Teammates to Score 40 points Each in NBA Finals Game
The Cavaliers were able to tie the game at halftime with continued strong play especially from LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. James had 41 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists. Irving matched James with 41 points and six assists. Irving was 17 for 24 and had many of his big shots late in the game. James and Irving became first teammates to score 40 points apiece in an NBA Finals game.
James said “we’re just happy we got another day. That’s all we can ask for.” The win was unusual in that it was only the Warriors’s fourth defeat at home all season.
Warriors Andrew Bogut Left Game With Knee Injury
The Cavaliers were not able to stop Klay Thompson who scored 37 points on 11 for 20 shooting. Stephen Curry also had 25 points and seven rebounds. But, the Warriors overall only shot 36.4 percent from the three-point line. The Warriors also lost center Andrew Bogut who had a tough looking knee injury in the third quarter.
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 6 on Thursday.
