As the NBA season unfolds and we await to see who will be the new NBA champion, the tension is growing between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors have a 3-1 series lead in this year's NBA Finals, with Game 5 to be played at their Oracle Arena on Monday night. It will be the biggest game of the season for both teams, as the loss for the Cavaliers would mean that the Warriors are the new NBA champions. Victory for Golden State in Game 5 would give them their second title in three years and it would also mean that the addition of Kevin Durant has paid off.
But let's not write off the Cavaliers so fast. After all, they are the defending champions and what they've been able to do over the past three years has been remarkable. In last year's Finals, they became the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit and win the title. This time around, they face the same obstacle and the same opponent. Will history repeat itself? LeBron James thinks the Cavaliers should take one game at a time, starting with Game 5 on Monday, as they try to get back in this series.
'Win or go home' for LeBron James
After finishing with 31 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in Game 4 against the Warriors, LeBron appears to be focused and ready for the task ahead of him in Game 5.
Prior to Monday's crucial game, James talked to the media and commented on what needs to be done in order for his team to get the win. "If we don't protect the three-point line and if we turn the ball over, then we don't stand a chance." James said. He also added, "We know what our keys to victory is. And if we don't stick to that game plan, then we'll be going back home."
LeBron added that he's prepared and that his mind and body are 'ready for these games.' James has surely proven on the court so far that he's ready, as he's averaging a triple-double throughout the four games of the Finals.
His back is against the wall once again, and no doubt he'll show up ready to play. James has the highest scoring average when facing elimination in NBA history - 32.5 points per game. There are many reasons why the fans call him "The King", and his ability to perform under the pressure is just one of them.
Season on the line
James also commented on whether or not the Warriors have more pressure than the Cavaliers to win the next game.
This is what he said, "I feel like this is the game we got to get. Or it's over with. I think everybody's feeling that way." He's obviously aware of the moment and the task ahead of him. All odds are against the Cavs and LeBron James once again, can they respond? LeBron wants that fourth championship ring, and he's proven over the years he should never be written off. Let's wait and see what happens as Game 5 of the NBA Finals tips off on Monday night at Oracle Arena.
