The Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-113 in a classic Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals. The Warriors have taken firm command of this matchup through a combination of talent, tactics and teamwork.
Following the Golden State Warriors‘ thrilling comeback win in Game 3, Kevin Durant told ABC’s Doris Burke that his team had watched film of last year’s blitzing in Cleveland.
Much is different now, and the addition of Durant is just one of those things. The Warriors are mentally tougher, hungrier and more in-sync. They have seen the Cavaliers come back from a series deficit before, and they were more prepared for the best Cleveland had to offer.
For the third straight year, the Cavs came out strong in Game 3. They were up 5-0, then 17-13. This time, the Warriors were resilient, and the Cleveland never punched in the signature run that defined its home wins in Finals past. Even as the Cavs went up seven late (102-95), and six later (113-107), the separation never came. That opened the door for what was a fantastic closing stretch, giving the Warriors 118-113 win and a 3-0 lead in the series.
Our Game 3 takeaways focus heavily on the strategic adjustments, and non-adjustments, that are contributing to the Warriors’ dominance thus far.