CLEVELAND. What was anticipated to be a Finals rematch between the heavyweights in the Eastern and Western Conference turned out to be a disappointment as the Golden State Warriors gutted the Cleveland Cavaliers, 132-98, on Monday night at the Quicken Loans Arena.
The Cavs barely avoided their worst home loss in franchise history- a 114- 75 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Jan 10, 2012.
It was like watching another match between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, which turned out to be more sizzle than steak.
The Warriors had an early 12-2 lead before building a 30-point halftime bubble. The Warriors went ahead by as many as 43 points and bounced back nicely after losing to the Pistons in Detroit, 113-95, on January 16.
Reigning MVP Stephen Curry made seven 3-pointers and scored 35 points in three quarters of action. Andre Iguodala added 20 points while Draymond Green fell short of another triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
Lebron James finished with 16 points to lead the Cavs but Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love combined for just 11 points on 4-of-16 shooting.
The expectation was that the Cavaliers, with a healthy Big 3, would put some pressure on the reigning NBA champions. Instead, the Warriors swept the season series and have won the last five games between these teams, dating back to the Finals, where the Warriors hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
The Cavaliers would have their chance to redeem themselves on Wednesday as they play against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclay's Center, in Brooklyn, New York.
Photo: A frustrated LeBron James could only watch as the Warriors gutted the Cavs in Cleveland, 132-98, at the Quicken Loans Arena.
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