Golden State Warriors: 3 keys for Game 4 vs. Cavaliers

Having taken a 3-0 lead and on the verge of back-to-back titles, here are three keys for the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of the 2018 NBA Finals.

It was a case of same spot, same shot, same result.

For Kevin Durant, the ending to Game 3 of the 2018 NBA Finals was almost a carbon copy of the year prior. In both instances, Durant nailed a huge 3-pointer from the left side of the floor to give the Golden State Warriors the lead for good.

In defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 110-102 Wednesday night, the Warriors have taken a nearly unassailable 3-0 lead in the series, with the chance to wrap up the series on Friday.

Just like Game 3 last year, Durant was clearly the best player on the floor, this time pouring in 43 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists while shooting a sizzling 15-of-23 from the field. Hitting from virtually anywhere on the floor, Durant was simply unstoppable, and covered for the fact that Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined to go just 7-of-27 from the field, including 3-of-15 from long distance.

Trailing 58-52 at the main break, the Warriors exploded out of the gates in the third quarter, as is their custom, outscoring the Cavaliers 31-23 for the period to take an 83-82 lead heading in the final quarter.

However, it was Durant who took the game away from the Cavaliers, scoring nine points in the final period, including the dagger with 49 seconds remaining to give the Warriors a 106-100 lead.

With a 3-0 series lead, the Warriors have the chance to become the first team since 2007 to sweep in the NBA Finals, when the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Cavaliers 4-0.

So before the series continues on Friday, here are three keys for the Warriors to consider in preparation for Game 4.