2015 NBA Finals: 5 Reasons The Golden State Warriors Scare The Cleveland Cavaliers
The 2015 NBA Finals promise to be a memorable event, with reigning MVP Stephen Curry clashing heads with four-time MVP LeBron James. Both squads are trying to end a stench of futility that stems back to the 1970s, with the Golden State Warriors winning their last title in 1975, while Cleveland has never won the Larry O’Brien trophy.
On paper, the matchup favors the Warriors, despite the presence of James in a Wine & Gold uniform.
Here’s why Golden State should scare the Cavs:
1. The Warriors are more popular in the United States, than they are in their media market for one reason: Chicks dig the long ball–and Golden State has two of the most exciting shooters in the NBA in Curry and Klay Thompson.
When playing Golden State, no lead is really safe, because when the Warriors get the 3-ball going, they’re hard to beat. They went 67-15 for a reason: They shoot the lights out.
In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, the Warriors overcame a 16-point deficit and won. Against New Orleans in the first round, Golden State came back from 20 down entering the fourth quarter by scoring 39 in the final period to force overtime.
May 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) looks to shoot as Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) defends during the game in game three of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
2. Golden State is deep–like the middle of Lake Erie deep. Just take a look at their roster. At one time, Andre Iguodala was viewed as an asset a franchise could build a team around. He’s made two all-NBA defensive teams, with his latest coming as recently as last season. And he comes of the bench. David Lee 10-year NBA veteran who’s been named an All-Star twice. Shaun Livingston is a long point guard who could cause defensive matchup fits for David Blatt.
The Warriors depth may also play into their strategy of how to guard LeBron James. When LeBron played his one game against Golden State at Oracle toward the end of the regular season, he torched the “guard LeBron by committee” approach for 42 points. Kerr used Draymond Green, Harrison Barnes, Iguodala and Klay Thompson.
It didn’t work before, but having the option of trying this approach is something the Warriors will probably still consider.
3. Golden State is healthier than the Cavs. When you look at teams that go on to win championships, the victors usually catch a little luck, and that includes the team that accrues the least among of injuries.
Although it didn’t look like it in the Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron is still troubled by an ankle sprain, no one really knows what to expect from Kyrie Irving, and in a series where scoring is a premium, the Cavs and the basketball world may see how much Kevin Love is missed. And don’t forget, Iman Shumpert is still battling a groin injury that stems back to the Chicago series.
Klay Thompson has concussion issues, but Kerr expects his guard to be ready for Game 1.
4. The Warriors can be active in the paint. For all the of the acclaim Curry and company get for their amazing shots, Golden State can take it to the rack.
They ranked No. 8 in the NBA in the points in the paint category (44.8), and averaged 50 points per contest in the last three games of the Houston series.
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5. There’s no where to hide Kyrie Irving on defense. If Klay Thompson plays–and it looks like he will–David Blatt faces a huge problem. Who guards Curry and who guards Thompson? Thompson is 6-foot-7 and active. That’s a matchup nightmare for the injured Irving.
Curry is Curry, and despite his 6-foot-3 frame, he’s longer than most people give him credit for. Considering Irving’s problematic knee and foot, it’s not something Cavs fans will want to watch.
Is Curry going to be put on Harrison Barnes or Draymond Green? Those match-up don’t bode well for Uncle Drew, either.
Thompson’s concussion is the game changer. If he can’t play, the Cavs will catch a huge break. But remember, the FoS wants Klay to play, for two reasons: 1: Karma. 2: To be the best, you got to beat the best, and with Thompson at full strength, the Warriors are the best.