The Golden State Warriors came into game 4 hoping to close out the series with a sweep to win another NBA title on Cleveland’s home floor, but the Cavaliers had other things in mind. Cleveland came out with incredible energy and determination in Game 4, completely shutting down the Warriors early and winning by a large margin after a record-breaking 24 three-pointers made.
Why were the Cavaliers so sharp in Game 4? What got them so inspired to demoralize what looked like an unbeatable Warriors team? Kyrie Irving has the answer to that.
Draymond Green wanted to celebrate in Cleveland
Before Game 4, Warriors forward Draymond Green made comments about celebrating in Cleveland. “It would be very satisfying to do that [win in Cleveland],” Green said. “Obviously, we’ve won it here before. It’s a good feeling. We’re celebrating on their floor, celebrating in their locker room, quieting their crowd. As an athlete, the best feeling is going into an opponent’s and enemy territory and just silencing the crowd.” (Bleacher Report).
What Green hoped to do in Game 4 obviously did not happen. The Warriors were unable to close out the series and didn’t celebrate in Cleveland, as they instead notched an embarrassing loss.
Kyrie Irving's comments after victory
Irving was of course weary of Green’s comments, which he says fueled the team for Game 4. “You add, of course, some chatter in there, and that adds some extra motivation,” Irving said after the win.
Irving exploded for 40 points, including seven three-pointers made in Game 4 to lead his team to a crucial victory.
His performance in Game 4 was very similar to Game 5 of last year’s Finals when he scored 41 points on 70 percent shooting to keep Cleveland’s hopes alive, which ultimately led to the Cavaliers coming back from a 3-1 series deficit to win the championship.
Irving is fantastic in close out games and when the opposing team talks negatively about him and his team, he comes out fired up with the mentality to destroy his opponents.
“Every game is do or die. We’re ready to live in it,” Irving also added. Kyrie knows what it takes to come back and is aware that it’s not going to be easy.
As far as Game 4 goes, it was clear that the Cavaliers took offense when Green opened his mouth again. They were physical, angry, locked in, and focused. Now that the series is 3-1 again, the Cavaliers look to make history once more. Game 5 is scheduled for Monday, June 12 at 9 pm Eastern Time at Oracle Arena. Can Irving and the Cavaliers live to see another day?
