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Golden State Warriors: 5 keys to beating the Cavaliers in the 2017 NBA Finals

By Gerald Bourguet

January 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates in front of Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates in front of Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Golden State Warriors
January 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 126-91. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Curry vs. Kyrie

Foul trouble and an injury early on in the playoffs held Stephen Curry back in the Finals, and the Warriors were still one Draymond Green suspension away from probably winning the series in five games. But there’s no denying that the two-time MVP was absolutely punked by Kyrie Irving when it mattered most, and that can’t happen again in 2017.

In last year’s Finals, Curry averaged 22.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 0.9 steals per game on .403/.400/.929 shooting splits. Those numbers paled in comparison to Kyrie’s 27.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.1 steals per game on .468/.405/.939 shooting splits.

Oh, and Irving just so happened to drill the Game 7 go-ahead three right in Steph’s face too.

So far this postseason, Curry has been superb, averaging 28.6 points, 5.6 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game on .502/.431/.907 shooting splits. He looks far more comfortable than last year’s playoffs, and should be a man on a mission in a rematch with Cleveland. If the Warriors get this Curry in the Finals, they should be fine.

However, the two-time MVP has not always been at his best once the championship series rolls around. And as last year’s Finals — or even his recent 42-point detonation against the Boston Celtics — shows, Kyrie is a ticking time bomb.

Next: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery edition

Klay Thompson will probably spend more time on Kyrie than Steph, but when it comes down to the battle of these elite point guards, Golden State needs its favorite chef to cook up a hearty dish of revenge. I hear it’s one that’s best served cold.

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