Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 takeaways from Game 4 vs. Warriors
By Chris Conner
3. The Warriors smelled blood
Often enough, when a great team feels victory is near, it immediately pounces on the opportunity. The Warriors have gone alternative routes at times. Both series against the New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs went five games and at times looked as if they could have gone to possibly six. But when the Dubs needed to put their foot down, they did.
They exhibited that once again with another signature third quarter performance.
The Warriors finished with 25 third quarter points while holding the Cavaliers to 13. It’s simply what we have come to expect from Golden State after halftime.
The Warriors outscored the Cavaliers by 12 points in the 3rd quarter.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 9, 2018
This postseason, Golden State has outscored its opponents by 153 points in the 3rd quarter, the largest point diff in a single playoff quarter in the Shot-Clock Era (since 1954-55). h/t @EliasSports
At times during Golden State’s stretch, the Cavaliers knew what was coming, and still couldn’t find an answer. The Warriors could have taken a game off, they could have decided to wait to get back to Oakland to celebrate. They ultimately did what three-time champions should do, finishing off the Cavaliers on their home floor — and did it with a smile on their faces.