NBA Finals: Cavs Have History On Their Side In Game Two
By Ryan Rosko
The Cleveland Cavaliers dropped the first game of the NBA Finals, but with the Cavs being a LeBron James-led team, success is sure to follow in game two.
In game one of the NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers were able to shut down Golden State Warriors guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Yet, that did not lead to a Cavaliers win as the play from the Warriors bench was too much to overcome.
Despite the frustration many Cleveland fans expressed as the Cavs’ play went downhill, it was only one game and there is still plenty of basketball to be played. In fact, following a game one loss in a series by a LeBron James-led team, wins have followed.
Over the last 10 games in which a James-led team lost game one, every game two led to a win. Those 10 games dated back to 2009, just prior to when James left Cleveland for the Miami Heat. Even though this statistic is only affiliated with four Cleveland Cavaliers teams, the stat is very impressive.
Cleveland’s fourth instance of a James-led team’s started last night and their success in game two will be determined Sunday night. However game two plays out, I am confident this weekend. There is no reason not to be and fans and members of the Cavaliers organization should feel the way.
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The discussion of adjusting playing time and lineups has already started, but that is premature. If the Cavaliers still have the same issues following the second game, then make some changes. Should no changes be made but are obviously needed, then that is Cleveland’s head coach Tyronn Lue‘s fault.
The city of Cleveland and its fans have been eager for a champion for years. This is the Cleveland Cavaliers best team to have reached the NBA Finals. James knows what it would mean for a championship to be brought back to northeast Ohio.
He does not have to feel like he has to do everything. However, he must take over games when appropriate more often.
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Plus, the thought of being 2-5 in the NBA Finals is something James cannot afford to have happen. He may not say anything about that, but he had to have pondered that possibility.
The previously mentioned downhill play of the Cavaliers occurred in the second half of game one. During the first half, Cleveland was in striking distance. Had the wheels not fallen off, we could be looking at a 1-0 Cavs lead.
Yes, Cleveland lost the first game, but their play during the first half is 24 minutes of action that the team can feel good about heading into game two. Golden State and its fans may be very confident right now, but they could be biting off more than they can chew.
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That is because of James’ history in game twos following a game one loss, the series heading to Cleveland very soon, and the persistence/competitiveness James leads with. Game one was disappointing, but no one should write off James and the Cleveland Cavaliers when it comes to the NBA Finals yet.