The Golden State Warriors evened the NBA Finals with a dominating Game 4 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, adding to the importance of this extremely crucial Game 5. Which team will grab control of the series with a win?
Projected Starting Lineups
(1) Golden State Warriors (67-15)
G Stephen Curry – 23.8 ppg, 7.7 apg, 2.1 spg
G Klay Thompson – 21.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg
F Harrison Barnes – 10.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg
F Andre Iguodala - 7.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg
F Draymond Green – 11.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg
(2) Cleveland Cavaliers (53-29)
G Kyrie Irving – 21.7 ppg, 5.2 apg
G Iman Shumpert – 8.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg
F LeBron James – 25.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 7.4 apg
F Tristan Thompson – 7.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg
C Timofey Mozgov– 10.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg
What to watch for:
Can Andre Iguodala continue to contain LeBron James?
James’ historic Games 1, 2, 3 were the stuff nightmares are made of, but the use of Andre Iguodala as an in-pocket defender turned the tide in Thursday’s Game 4. Even before he bashed his head into a camera, LeBron was forced to settle for Dirk Nowitzki-light fadeaways and contested jumpers that had no business going up. If Iggy can continue to blanket James and the Warriors give timely help on switches and double teams, the Warriors will have Game 5 in hand.
Will Cleveland be more effective from three-point range?
You want a surefire way to lose against the Warriors? Engage them in a volume 3-pointer battle while missing on a ton of contested looks. Cleveland took 27 triple attempts to Golden State’s 30, but they hit just four while the Warriors hit 12. That -24 margin on a comparable amount of downtown shots was the difference in Game 4. Either the Cavs need to find better looks off the aforementioned extra pass (or two) or they need to work the Warriors even more from the free throw line on in.
Prediction: Warriors win 106-94
The first half of this game will be close as both sides battle for control, but Golden State's small-ball lineup will push the tempo and wear out the fatigued, shorthanded Cavs in the second half.
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