Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Keys To Beating Golden State Warriors
5. Cavs Must Be Able To Execute In Critical Moments
One of the reasons why the Thunder unexpectedly took three of the first four games against the Warriors was because of their stars producing at a respectable level.
This sentiment especially held true in Games 3 and 4, where Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook averaged 29.5 and 33 points per contest, respectively, while shooting 47 percent from the floor.
But with a chance to close out the series on their home court in Game 6, the duo wilted under the pressure in the fourth quarter. Durant shot just 1-for-7 and committed two turnovers.
Meanwhile, Westbrook committed four turnovers in the final 90 seconds, which enabled the Warriors to steal a win and pave the way for an anticlimactic Game 7.
Russell Westbrook has 4 turnovers since 1:29 in the 4th quarter. He had 1 in the game prior to that
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 29, 2016
This will be the sixth straight Finals appearance for LeBron James and his seventh overall. Being that he has successfully climbed the NBA mountaintop twice, he already knows the importance of late-game execution.
But as last year’s matchup between these two teams proved, it will take more than a brilliant individual effort from James to dethrone the champs. In other words, James’ supporting cast will need to find a way to score and defend when the game is on the line.
Next: No. 4