Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Takeaways From Game 7 vs. Warriors
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors 93-89 in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, becoming the first team to overcome a 3-1 deficit in a championship series. Here are the main takeaways from this victory.
The Cleveland Cavaliers came into Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors with a chance to avenge last year’s loss, a series in which they were defeated in six games.
Despite having seized the momentum over the last two outings, home teams were 15-3 in Game 7 of the Finals, so history was not on Cleveland’s side heading into the final game of the season.
However, each team scored a total of 610 points through the first six games. With each team posting an average margin of victory of 19.7 points in their three wins.
That being said, despite the blowout victories that we had witnessed, the teams were more evenly matched than we thought. In other words, anything could happen in Game 7 regardless of the venue.
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The two teams went back and forth for three quarters, with the Warriors clinging to a one-point lead (76-75) heading into the final frame. After watching six consecutive blowouts, the sports world was finally treated to a game that came down to the final moments.
With the game tied at 89 and both teams struggling to create separation, Kyrie Irving nailed a three-pointer to give the Cavaliers a 92-89 lead with 53 seconds left to play.
James would later add a free throw to provide the final score, as the Cavaliers knocked off the defending champs 93-89, becoming the first team to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the Finals and just the fourth team in NBA history to win an NBA Finals Game 7 on the road.
Here are the main takeaways from this victory.
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