In game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors 137-116. The Cavs were at risk of being swept away by the Warriors coming into the game but the Cavs weren't having any of it. The Warriors did not come out with the same energy they had in the previous three games. The Cavs, on the other hand, came out swinging and delivered some heavy blows that made it very difficult for the Warriors to bounce back.
Cavs set the tone early
In the first quarter of game 4, the Cavs played outstanding team basketball. Everyone that stepped on the floor for the team came out with high energy.
As a team, the Cavs scored the most 1st quarter points in NBA Finals history by putting up 49 points. By the end of the quarter, they held a 16 point lead.
Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, and J.R. Smith all stepped their games up to help LeBron James out much more than they did in the previous three games. J.R. Smith seemed to finally find his rhythm, while Love and Irving shot the ball with much more confidence.
Making history
In the second quarter of game 4, the Cavs did not let up on their assault. Lebron James did his usual numbers in the first half by posting 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Coming into the game he was tied with Magic Johnson for the most career playoff triple-doubles with 8.
Kyrie Irving led the Cavs in scoring by the end of the half with 28 points while only missing three of his 14 attempts. Kevin Love added 17 points to what would be a record-breaking first half in points for the NBA Finals for a team. The Cavs led the Warriors by 18 at the half with a score of 86-68.
Staying alive
In the second half, the Cavs continued to play like a team trying to stave elimination.
The Warriors were seemingly frustrated and it showed by the many verbal altercations and lashing out at the officials throughout the second half. Kevin Durant and Lebron James got into a heated argument at one point and the two superstars had to be separated by teammates and officials. Both were hit with double technicals to solve the matter.
Draymond Green who continues to be the emotional leader of the Warriors picked up a tech as well and was assumed to be ejected from the game as he allegedly picked one up in the first half as well. The refs then confirmed that the first-half technical foul was indeed called on head coach Steve Kerr instead of Green which brought a sigh of relief for the struggling Warriors.
Green remaining in the game in such a bizarre manner only seemed to make the Cavs play even more urgently. Kevin Durant hit a few shots that seemed to get the Warriors back into it but every time they showed signs of a comeback, Kyrie Irving would quickly diminish any of those plans. Irving led the Cavs to victory behind a 40 point effort while shooting 15-27 from the floor.
Lebron James broke the playoff record for triple-doubles by posting his 9th of his career finishing with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Game five preview
If the Warriors want to close out the series in game 5, they have to receive help on the scoring end from their star guys. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined for only 27 points in game four and were seemingly taken out of the game emotionally and physically early in the game. Game 5 will be back in Golden State at the Oracle Arena. The Cavs look to stave off elimination and force a game 6 with a win. Game 5 will be held on Monday, June 12 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern on ABC. Don't forget to tune in!
