Golden State Warriors: 5 takeaways from Game 4 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

2. Previous outcomes are overrated

Entering Game 4, a sweep felt imminent. People were looking at Games 1-3 and seeing one trend: the Warriors winning.

What they were not seeing, or at least not prioritizing, was another trend: Cleveland getting better every game.

Being down 3-0 well could have broken the Cavs. It also could have fired them up. Because they dropped 137 points, the latter is the easy answer. But explaining the game in those terms does a disservice to both teams.

It discredits the Cavaliers, who have, just as last year, arrived late to this series. It may well be too late, but their Game 4 win was more than a statement of pride. It was a statement of what they can be when they control pace, when their role players contribute and when they are at home.

It also ignores what should be the key takeaway for Golden State.