If Game 1 is an indication of the type of series the NBA Finals will be, then we’re in for a treat. The Golden State Warriors found themselves in an early 14-point deficit, but eventually walked away with the 108-100 win in overtime. But it’s hard to discount the Cavaliers, especially when they have the consensus best player on the planet in LeBron James.
Don’t be left scratching your head thinking about who will win the next game. Read on as we break down the tantalizing Game 2 action to come. You can also check out a collection of experts picks here to aid you in your own picks.
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors Game 2 Preview
Series Scores and Schedule
Game 1 – June 4 – Cleveland Cavaliers 100 at Golden State Warriors 108 (OT)
Game 2 – June 7, 8:00 PM ET – Cleveland Cavaliers (+6.5) at Golden State Warriors (-6.5); total 202.0 – view all NBA lines
Game 3 – June 9, 9:00 PM ET – Golden State Warriors at Cleveland Cavaliers
Game 4 – June 11, 9:00 PM ET – Golden State Warriors at Cleveland Cavaliers
Game 5* – June 14, 8:00 PM ET – Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden State Warriors
Game 6* – June 16, 9:00 PM ET – Golden State Warriors at Cleveland Cavaliers
Game 7* – June 19, 9:00 PM ET – Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden State Warriors
*If necessary
Betting on the Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James had a kingly performance in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. He finished with 44 points to lead all scorers on the floor and added eight rebounds and six assists. But his contributions weren’t enough as the Cavaliers fell 108-100 in overtime. If his own words and Game 1 performance are to be believed, James will be very difficult to stop in this series. Expect him to continue being a scoring threat to carry his team.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Only six players scored for Cleveland. That figure may even go lower for Game 2 after Kyrie Irving aggravated his left knee injury in the overtime period. Irving scored 23 points on 10 of 22 shooting and had six assists and seven rebounds. He was also pivotal on the other side of the floor with four steals and two blocks (one on a potential game-winner) on reigning MVP Stephen Curry.
If Irving can’t suit up, then expect to see more of Matthew Dellavedova. He’s a terrific player at hustling for loose balls, but doesn’t offer the same offensive output at Irving. Dellavedova is scoring just seven points on 39 percent shooting in these playoffs.
But the Cavs can still do well if their role players can step up. The Cavs bench was outscored by Golden State’s 34-9 in Game 1. It’ll be crucial for J.R. Smith to find his shot for Game 2 off the bench. Smith shot just 3 of 13 in Game 1, (3 of 10 from three-point range). Don’t expect him to continue misfiring. He’s been an excellent three-point shooter this postseason, making three three-pointers per game on 40 percent shooting.
The Cavs have won six of their eight road games this postseason, going 4-4 against the spread.
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Betting on the Golden State Warriors
With James dominating in Game 1, Stephen Curry had to go to work. The reigning MVP had 26 points and eight assists to lead the Dubs to a crucial Game 1 win. The last seven times an NBA MVP led his team to victory in Game 1 of the Finals at home, his team went on to win it all.
Unlike James, Curry had plenty of teammates to work with. 10 players scored for the Dubs (five in double digits). Curry’s Splash Brother, Klay Thompson was also in excellent form. Thompson had 21 points and made three three-pointers.
Andre Iguodala and Harrison Barnes were also instrumental in the win, nailing crucial three-pointers to either keep Golden State in the game or extend its lead. Barnes made 3 of 5 from downtown, while Iguodala made 2 of 3.
In order to avoid another close game—Game 1 featured 13 lead changes and 11 ties—the Dubs will need Curry to be the amazing three-point shooter he is. He made just two three-pointers in Game 1, tying the lowest marks he’s made in these playoffs (Games 2 and 3 vs. Memphis).
If Curry can get going from downtown (he’s averaging about five three-pointers per game on 44 percent shooting), then the Dubs should be very difficult to stop.
Golden State improved to 47-3 at home this season.
Writer’s Prediction
The Dubs (-6.5) put Cleveland in a 2-0 hole in blowout fashion.
