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2017 NBA Finals -- Eight-point underdogs in Game 5, Cavs continue uphill climb
By Mehmet Bugra Balaban
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 12 Jun 2017
OAKLAND, California. After avoiding a humiliating sweep with an impressive 136-117 Game 4 win at the Quicken Loans Arena two days ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to face long odds in defending their NBA title against the powerhouse Golden State Warriors.
According to business reporter Darren Rovell of ESPN, the Warriors are 8-point favorites to win tomorrow's Game 5 at the Oracle Arena, where Golden State could capture their second championship in three years.
But the Cavaliers remain unfazed. Last season, they established a Finals record as the first team to ever come back from a 3-1 deficit and shock the Warriors in seven games. After Game 4's emotional triumph, one filled with animosity and technical fouls, the Cavs have thrust themselves in a familiar spot in which they need three more victories for all the marbles.
Obviously, coming back from an 0-3 hole is more difficult than overhauling a 3-1 disadvantage. And here's why.
The Warriors are unbeaten at the "Roaracle" in these playoffs, an immaculate 8-0. Golden State handily won Games 1 and 2 of the Finals, beating the Cavaliers by a combined 41 points.
With blood in the water and the potential of winning the Larry O'Brien trophy in front of their loyal and boisterous fans, expect the Warriors' Big 4 of Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson to light up their home floor. Hounded by foul trouble, Green was a non-factor in Game 4, so were Curry and Thompson who missed a combined 16 shots to score only 27 points between them. It's hard to image those three All-Stars producing a dud in two straight Finals games.
Still, the Cavaliers are a tough group to vanquish, what with LeBron James averaging a triple-double and Kyrie erupting for 40 in Game 4. Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith, who sank five triples on Friday night, seem to have re-discovered their confidence heading into Game 5, giving Cleveland more weapons to combat a juggernaut such as Golden State.
Bench play is also key for Cleveland, whose reserves are playing inconsistently in these Finals.
The tension builds, which makes Game 5 must-see TV.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Mehmet Bugra Balaban.
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