In the second edition of Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, who will emerge triumphant? Here is a complete 2016 NBA Finals preview.
The stage for the 2016 NBA Finals is set, and despite a few unexpected twists and turns along the way, the matchup most people were expecting is finally here: Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, Part 2.
The Warriors are the defending champs and a 73-win juggernaut coming off a historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.
The Cavaliers are coming off a relatively breezy trip through the East, including two sweeps and a dominant closeout victory in Game 6 on the road against the Toronto Raptors in the conference finals.
The Warriors have long been the title favorites, and even with Curry missing two weeks in the middle of the playoffs due to an MCL sprain, the Dubs seem to finally be rounding back into deadly form.
The Cavs have had major problems with this team over the past two years, but they’re playing terrific basketball right now and, unlike last year, will have a healthy Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.
@cavs and @warriors represent the 14th back-2-back #NBAFinals matchup in 70 years. The defending champs are 6-7. pic.twitter.com/cvmi7duIPf
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 31, 2016
So who should be favored in this star-studded matchup? Will reigning MVP Stephen Curry and the Warriors cap off their historic season with a championship? Or is it finally time for LeBron James to bring one home to The Land?
Here’s a complete 2016 NBA Finals preview, with breakdowns for each starting position, the bench, coaching, key matchups and what it will take for each team to emerge with this year’s Larry O’Brien trophy.
Next: Point Guard Matchup