Cleveland Cavaliers: The postseason run has fallen short of another championship
By Ryan Rosko
The Cleveland Cavaliers had their chances, but the Golden State Warriors were simply too much for them during the 2017 NBA Finals.
Games four and five were the best the Cleveland Cavaliers played in during the 2017 NBA Finals. Unfortunately, their lack of success sent them home much earlier than expected, and as a result forcing them to think over what could have been.
From the start of the finals, Cleveland could not stop Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant. He simply took over games when needed and the Cavs could not limit his game at any time.
According to ESPN’s box score, Durant had 39 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Watching KD play tonight, I am surprised Cleveland did not give into him more. He easily could have had a triple double.
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The good thing for Cleveland is that such a stat line did not happen. However, the most painful part of tonight’s game was the obvious elephant in the room: With tonight’s 129-120 loss, Cleveland is no longer the champion.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers’ big three did not disappoint. They were not the reasons Cleveland lost this series. Forward LeBron James accumulated 41 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists. Point guard Kyrie Irving 26 points and 6 assists. Power forward/center Kevin Love had a poor shooting night (2-8), but he was once again dominate on the boards with 10 rebounds.
Why can’t there be a fourth consecutive season of Warriors/Cavaliers in the finals? It could happen, but changes by Cleveland are a must.
James needs to take less money first and foremost. Taking X cents on the dollar could bring in another difference maker. Added talent is a key, but Cleveland is going to be challenged to do so given their current roster layout.
The big three must stay together. With that in mind, power forward/center Tristan Thompson needs to be dealt away. To do that however, Cleveland will likely need to include prized overseas asset Cedi Osman, who is currently playing in Turkey.
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In addition, compare Cleveland’s and Golden State’s benches. Some veterans are needed, but there was and still is no good reason to have players like guards Deron Williams and Dahntay Jones on the roster.
Neither did really anything all postseason. The difference between the two benches is that Golden State’s actually put up stats. Into the fourth quarter of game five, Cleveland’s bench had just four points! They finished with seven.
I know it is hard watching Golden State win again. The good news is that Cleveland is in position to be right back where they were next season. They are the best team in the east, and now hopefully the franchise understands what it takes to beat and eventually stay one step ahead of the Warriors.
Adjustments are needed and such changes should happen quickly. Some could occur as soon as June 22. That is the night of the draft. Could Thompson and filler be on their way out of NE Ohio? Perhaps a trade out of left field?
Even though the Cavaliers lost the series, and it will be awhile before one can accept the result, remember the dominance they had this season. Cleveland had a great run leading up to the finals.
Once they make wiser moves to defeat Golden State more cheering will happen. The Cavs and their fans must keep their heads up as the future is still extremely bright!