Game 4 was a sight for the sore eyes of Cavaliers fans. After a tough loss in Game 3 by failing to score in the last 3 minutes of the game and down 3-0 in the series, this was a make or break game. Would the Warriors have their revenge for 2016 or would Cleveland live to play another day? Our Chris Manning was there to take in all the action and share his insights.
Final Score:
Cleveland 137 Warriors 116
Let’s start with the amazing. This one really had it all including 4 NBA records.
- 49 first quarter points by Cleveland
- 89 points in the first half by Cleveland
- 24 three pointers by Cleveland
- LeBron James had his 9th triple double in the Finals surpassing Magic Johnson. No one else has more than 2. 2!
Draymond Green continues to play the villain. After be tossed after receiving two technical fouls, he was allowed to remain in the game after the officials changed the first technical foul to coach, Steve Kerr. Has anyone ever seen that before? We sure hadn’t.
The stadium erupted 3 separate times with chants of, “Draymond Sucks”. He seemed to take it well until in the post game he said the people of Cleveland are, “Not the sharpest tools in the shed”. Ouch.
There was also this exchange by LeBron and Kevin Durant. Unexpected.
Kyrie Irving was the star of this one for Cleveland. He showed the difference he can make for the Cavs. 7-3 pointers and 40 points total. His defense, usually a weakness, was excellent.
With the series on it’s way back to Oakland and the Oracle Arena, there are some similarities between this NBA Finals and last years. For starters, the Warriors were up 3-1 heading back to Oakland in Game 5 last year. While Cleveland amazing went on to win that won, I don’t think anyone foresees a repeat. This is a VERY different Golden State Warriors and the addition of Kevin Durant all but cements a win. Maybe it’ll take 5 games, maybe 6. 5 if you ask us.
Weigh in! Is there hope for the Cavaliers? Will the Warriors finish at home? Who will be the MVP? We want to hear from you.
