It has been a rough NBA Finals so far for the Cleveland Cavaliers. After getting demolished in the first two games on the road, the Cavaliers played better in the two games at home and finally managed to get a win this year's Finals. On Friday night, game 4 was played at Quicken Loans Arena as the Cavs hosted the Golden State Warriors in, what would turn out to be, a historic night for the Cavaliers. The Warriors entered Friday's matchup with a 3-0 series lead and they wanted to seal the deal and sweep the Cavs. But the home team had something to say about that.
Led by LeBron James who finished with a triple-double, Cleveland went on to play a near-perfect game as they beat Golden State 137-116 and avoided the sweep. It was a much-needed win for the Cavaliers that gives them confidence heading into Game 5 on Monday night. Cleveland set an all-time record for most made three-pointers in a Finals game, as they made 24 shots from behind the arc in Game 4.
'We look forward to the challenge'
LeBron James led the way for Cleveland in game 4 victory as he notched his ninth career Finals triple-double, passing Magic Johnson for most triple-doubles in the Finals in the NBA history. James was all over the court as he finished with 31 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
After the game was over, he stepped on the podium and talked to the media. When asked about what he thinks how his team performed, James said, "Well, I think in the last two games we've played Cavaliers basketball. We've been physical, we haven't turned the ball over." LeBron also commented on his team being down 3-1 as the series shifts back to Oakland, "They got us where they want us.
Our mindset is try to to go up there and get one. And so we look forward to the challenge and the matchup."
'We're battle tested'
No team has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit in the NBA history, but the Cavaliers have some experience in historic comebacks. Last year, they were down 3-1 to the Warriors in the NBA Finals and they came back to win the title in Game 7.
Heading into Monday's Game 5, the Cavaliers have a 3-1 deficit again, and many are wondering - is a new miracle comeback on the way? LeBron James was asked to comment his team's mentality after Game 4 victory, and this is what he had to say, "We just got some resilient guys. The Warriors have championship DNA, and we do as well. We're battle tested, they're battle tested."
It's going to be interesting to see how Cleveland responds in Game 5 on Monday night. Will Kevin Durant get his first title, or is history going to repeat itself with a new Cavs' comeback? We'll see.