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2018 NBA Finals: Now or never for Cleveland Cavaliers against Warriors

By Nick Dudukovich

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 03: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket defended by Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in Game 2 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 3, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 03: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket defended by Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in Game 2 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 3, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Game 3 of the 2018 NBA Finals is do or die for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Catch these four passes as the Cavs fight for their lives against Golden State.

The 2018 NBA Finals heads into a crucial Game 3 for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Either LeBron James and the gang make this a series, or the Warriors cruise to their third Larry O’Brien Trophy in three years.

Why’s tonight so important?

No team in NBA History has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit in the Finals. The fete’s been overcome 10 times in NBA Playoff History. No team has ever come back from an 0-3 hole in The Finals. Only one–the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers–overcame a 3-1 deficit in the championship round.

So, while the trophy might not be awarded tonight, it might as well have been if Golden State wins.

Here’s four passes to digest leading up to tonight’s game.

1. Cavs vs. History

The Cavs haven’t been the best version of themselves. When this team is knocking on all cylinders, they’re making 3-pointers to a tune of 12-per game (during the regular season).

During the conference finals and the championship series, the Cavs have struggled to make at least 10.

If Cleveland makes some shots from downtown, plays the type of defense it did in Game 1, and hopefully Stephen Curry got his insane game  out the way, The Cavs have more than a punchers chance.

2. Who’s that?

The Cavs’ are going to dust off Rodney Hood in Game 3. It’s a good thing, but also a sign of desperation. The current Cavs’ wings aren’t getting the job done, leaving coach Ty Lue no choice but to carve out some minutes for Hood, who’s barely been noticeable since refusing to enter a Cavs’ blowout win over the Raports in the second round.

J.R. Smith looked lost in Game 2 of the The Finals, and it appears his error in Game 1 is weighing on him. Jordan Clarkson has also played poorly.

Hood’s a restricted free agent this offseason. The veteran, who’s averaged 15.3 points per game against the Warriors in his career, can still flip the narrative by offer the help LeBron James’ has craved.

Is it a lnogshot, sure. But I feel a lot better about demanding to see Hood compared to last year, when Cleveland fans were so desperate, we were calling for Joe Harris to enter the rotation.

3. Time to be a superstar

I’m also looking to Kevin Love in Game 3.

Just because your teammates with LeBron, doesn’t mean you can’t takeover, something Love has rarely done ever since joining Cleveland in the trade that sent Andrew Wiggins to the Timberwolves.

Love was assertive in Game 1 down low, but awful from 3-point range.

He was slightly better from deep in Game 2, but still not great.

If he catches fire from downtown, and mixes that with dirty work in the paint, his play could be the difference between winning or defeat.

4. Guarding Korver

Remember when the Cavs smothered Kyle Korver during the 2015 playoffs when he was with the Hawks.

Cleveland defenders absolutely smothered him coming off screens.

Next: Rumors: LeBron to...Portland!?

The Warriors are doing exactly the same thing, and there’s so athletic on the wing, Korver’s having a hard time getting a clean shot.

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