One win down and the Warriors could have cemented themselves as the greatest team ever. For second straight year, the Golden State Warriors with a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals held history in the palm of their hands. However, once again, lack of emotional control came biting the Golden State down as Cavaliers win Game 4 with 137-116 and end the almost perfect post-season for The Warriors.
The Cleveland Cavaliers made NBA Final Records
Instead of Warriors making history, Cavaliers made history for scoring 86 points in the first half, a Finals record.
Lebron James made history with the most triple-doubles in Finals History, passing Magic Johnson and the most points in Final history passing Michael Jordan with its 31 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists.
Breaking Finals history with its highest-scoring quarter, The Cavaliers after 1996 Seattle SuperSonics became the first team trailing 3-0 to force a fifth game. James said, “We have championship DNA as well.” He added, “We showed that in attack mode.” 1951 New York Knicks were the only finals team down 3-0 to force a seventh game.
Kyrie Irving scored an amazing 40 points while Kevin Love scored 23. Tristan found its rhythm with its 10 rebounds and 36 minutes of aggressive playing. Smith was five out of his nine three-pointers, and 23 points were contributed by the bench.
The intensity of Game 4 between Warriors and Cavaliers is never seen before. As an elimination game for Cavaliers, they only had one mindset. To win and survive another chance for a back to back champion, or to lose and end the game series once and for all. Irving said “It was do–or-die. The job is still far from over. We’re still in a hole.
But this is a good start.”
Defense: The biggest problem of The Warriors
It was obvious that the Warriors were in deep trouble with their defense as they surrendered almost 50 points in the first quarter and gave Cavaliers a 24 3-pointers for the game.
On the first quarter, said: “They blitzed us.”
The Warriors played sloppy basketball all-night turning the ball over 12 times, going 11 of 39 from the 3-point range.
Stephen Curry’s presence vanished while Draymond Green overheated.
According to New York Times, The Warriors had five players score in double figures, had 26 assists, and got 35 points from Kevin Durant. However, it was not nearly enough on a night in which team’s defense fell apart. This year, they were leading all playoff teams in defensive efficiency coming into the game. But the Warriors had no answer for Kevin Love, James or Irving.
Cavaliers win of Game 4 may have stopped The Warriors from their 16-0 run, but Warrior fans know that it is but a matter of time before they claim their glory which they are all hoping, this game 5 in Oracle Arena.