The Golden State Warriors are on the verge of doing something never before done: win every NBA Playoff game. Now up 3-0 in their NBA Finals series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Warriors can clinch that historic mark tonight with a win. The Cavs came back from down 3-1 in the series last year. Can they at least pick up a win and avoid the sweep? Here's a preview and prediction for Game 4.
Game Info:
When: 9 p.m. ET
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
TV: ABC
Spread: Warriors by 6
O/U: 228
What They're Saying About The Cleveland Cavaliers:
LeBron James reveals in video that his wife, mother didn't want him to return to Cavs (Akron Beacon Journal)
How Golden State Warriors have negated Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson in NBA Finals (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
James considers it part of ‘his calling’ to compete against dynasties (Akron Beacon Journal)
LeBron James Says He Doesn't Regret Passing to Kyle Korver Late in Game 3 (Bleacher Report)
What They're Saying About The Golden State Warriors:
Kerr mocks those saying Warriors couldn’t beat past great teams (San Francisco Chronicle)
For Kevin Durant, Warriors this is just the beginning (San Jose Mercury News)
Draymond Green Says It Would Be 'Very Satisfying' to Win NBA Finals in Cleveland (Bleacher Report)
If The Warriors Sweep, Are They The Best NBA Team Ever? (ESPN)
Key To The Game: Do The Cavs Put Forth Enough Effort To Compete?
Let's not kid ourselves: this series is over. The Cavs had Game 3, then failed to score in the final three minutes as the Warriors managed to weather the Cavaliers' best punch and still deliver a knockout blow. The Warriors are going to be the 2017 NBA Champions. The question is, do they sweep?
The Cavs have to be deflated after the Game 3 loss. LeBron James, who is averaging a triple-double, has looked tired after carrying his team and keeping them in the mix in the first half. Kyrie Irving and J.R. Smith stepped up in Game 3, but Kevin Love then disappeared. Tristan Thompson has been a complete disaster this year. If the Cavs want to win, they'll need everyone to step up and play well. If the effort is lacking and the Cavs are resigned to their fate, this could be over quickly.
The Warriors will surely come out ready to play. Yes, winning at home would be nice, but the Warriors can do something never done before: go undefeated in the playoffs. They won't lose on purpose, so it'll be up to the Cavs to match their energy level. The Cavs will need to try to win the battle, knowing the war is over. That won't be easy.
Prediction: Warriors win 120-105
LeBron will play great: he'll be angry and will put up big numbers. But the Cavs will play lazy defense and several role player will have off nights. Klay Thompson will have another strong shooting night, while the Stephen Curry-Kevin Durant combo continues to crush it. Hell, Draymond Green might even rack up a triple-double. Kevin Durant takes home Finals MVP.