One game that all NBA fans around the league make sure to circle on the calendar each season is the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day, and the following game which lies midway through January. Both games usually bring millions of basketball viewers worldwide to their television screens, computer screens, tablet screens or even mobile phone screens as they watch some of the best players in the world including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Isaiah Thomas, Klay Thompson and Kevin Love do battle.
So far this season, the defending Eastern and Western conference champions have faced off just once, and that was on Christmas Day when the Golden State Warriors got the controversial 99-92 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. A few plays down the stretch caused a lot of controversy in the media after the game with LeBron James being fouled by Kevin Durant, but with no whistle. The Cavs will look to get their redemption on their Western Conference foes though on the 16th, but the King knows it’s no easy task.
LeBron knows what he’s in for
The Cleveland Cavaliers have not had a very good start to 2018 at all. They have won just 2 of their six games to start the year, and have lost their last three.
This is certainly not the kind of basketball they want to be playing, with games against top-tier opponents including the Warriors, Spurs, and Thunder in the coming days.
LeBron James was asked about the Cavaliers recent play, and if they will make any major adjustments to try and defeat the Warriors while being in a bad state.
But the King had a simple response, saying:
“It doesn’t change, you could win 100 straight games then face the Warriors, it’s still a challenge.”
The man known as “the Chosen One” has a fair point, it doesn’t matter if the Cavaliers are playing terrible or terrific basketball at this stage in the season. A game against Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors will always be a challenge, and the Cavs better come ready on Sunday night?
LeBron needs a big game
The Cavaliers have been playing very poor basketball recently, and as expected not at the fault of LeBron James. However, an average performance just isn’t going to cut it if LeBron expects his team to overcome the Warriors. With the return of Isaiah Thomas, who has yet to find his rhythm, the Cavs have been in an awkward state, and the King has been relying on his teammates too much.
LeBron had his highest scoring game since 2014 this season against the Washington Wizards this season, and he is still showing he is playing prime basketball. But the King needs to be more aggressive scoring wise because recently the only success the Cavs have had is when James goes ball hog mode and attacks the rim. He will, of course, need help from teammates also, but it all starts with his leadership.
