DOG BAG (6/6)
Finals Edition.
"Down 0-2"
Despite falling just short of a 1-1 split, Cleveland heads back to the Q in an unenviable spot: down 0-2.
Everyone knows Game 1 was the one to get. Poor, late game execution outta George Hill & JR Smith both ruined LeBron's 51-pt. night & the best chance to steal one at Oracle - Game 2 = another typical Warriors W: Cavs kept it close til the Dubs went on a run and broke the game open late.
Back in Cleveland for Game 3, adjustments need to be made. According to Coach Tyronn Lue, Rodney Hood will get a shot to contribute in Game 3 after a string of DNPs. His play's been inconsistent since sporting wine & gold but Hood's a streaky scorer, has size on the perimeter (6'8). He needs early shots to fall for a confidence boost.
In addition, the Kyle Korver-Jeff Green-Jordan Clarkson-JR Smith quartet cannot combine for 14! pts again like they did in Game 2. Role players usually step up in a familiar, home environment. As is the case w/ most Cavs games, the performance LeBron's supporting cast will indictate if there's a chance to win.
"UP 2-0"
After stealing Game 1 (in spectacular fashion) & running away w/ Game 2, the Dubs are right where they want to be. Steve Kerr (finally) inserting JaVale McGee in the starting five was a smart, strategic maneuver - his energy, shot contesting & up top finishing is another element Cleveland struggles to contend with.
McGee's relative (ease of) dominance symbolizes the number of weapons Kerr has at his disposal. Steph Curry's MVP-caliber play (33, 9! triples*, 8 dimes & 7 boards in GM. 2) has propelled Golden State through the first couple contests - Cavs don't have any guards to slow down or match Steph's offensive production.
The Dubs only struggle when the Big 4 provides 90% of the offense & there's few subsidiary contributions. As long as someone outta McGee, Shaun Livingston or Jordan Bell steps up, it's hard to keep up.
*Finals record
QUICK NOTES
Andre Iguodala to make Finals debut in Game 3 • should play limited minutes, depending on necessity
Shaun Livingston = X-Factor • avg. 10 ppg (off bench) thru 2 games, playing versatile role on both ends; role unchanged w/ Iguodala's return?
Kevin Love thru 2 games: 21.5 ppg, 12.5 rpg - aggressive, scoring buckets on a high volume; consistent support for L. James
LeBron Stat Prediction for (must-win) Game 3: 44, 12 dimes, 9 boards & 3 blocks