Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from Game 4 vs. Cavaliers

3. Depth shows up in Cleveland

Having two of the greatest offensive players in NBA history is enough to contend for titles with. Add in another all-time great shooter, and you have a nearly unstoppable trio.

Without support, however, even a team with Curry, Durant and Klay Thompson is beatable. The Houston Rockets almost did it in the Western Conference Finals, as did the Cavs in Game 1 of this series. If the Warriors depth continued to struggle in Games 3 and 4, this series might be 2-2.

Instead, it’s over. After getting 46 points from “the others” in Game 3, they got 41 in Game 4. Andre Iguodala led the way with 11, while Draymond Green added nine (both on 4-of-8 shooting). JaVale McGee was efficient around the rim once again, going 3-of-4 for six points. All but one active player scored (Patrick McCaw), and Cleveland could not keep up.

Much of the depth scoring came in garbage time late, but it was the work that Iguodala and Green did early that set the tone for this blowout. The Cavs — like any team — tried to make these less-detrimental options beat them, and quite simply, they did. The two forwards combined for three 3s in the first quarter, after hitting a total of two in the series entering Game 4.

Of course, Golden State’s depth does more than score. Iguodala and Green are more leaders than role players defensively, while guys like Jordan Bell and David West are key rebounders, screeners and playmakers. Shaun Livingston, Kevon Looney and McGee all play different roles, but have each had their moments this postseason. Steve Kerr deserves credit for keeping his guys ready and putting them in the best position to succeed.

Still, depth had been an issue for this team leading up to the Finals. Had it not shown up like it did in Games 3 and 4, it would have been hard to see the Warriors leaving Cleveland with the crown.