The Cleveland Cavaliers came out with a vengeance in Game 3 of the 2016 NBA Finals, giving the Golden State Warriors a taste of their own medicine. LeBron James led the Cavaliers to a 120-90 wire-to-wire victory, with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. On the other end, the Warriors' deadly offense was quiet, to say the least. Stephen Curry was the leading scorer for the Warriors with 19 points and with minimal help on the offensive end. With Game 4 on Friday, here is how the Cavaliers can keep it rolling and how the Warriors can adjust.
The Cavaliers need to be Aggressive in Game 4 to Tie the Series
What was a huge improvement in Game 3 for the Cavaliers from Games 1 and 2 was that they came out aggressive right from the tip. A quick 9-0 run in the first quarter had the Cavaliers rolling. Kyrie Irving of the Cavaliers took matters into his own hands early and drained shot after shot. He finished with 30 points on 12 for 25 from the field and eight assists. As James and Irving took over the game, the others rallied behind them. J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson finally broke-out in the Finals with Smith scoring 20 points on 5 for 10 from deep and Thompson with 14 points and 13 rebounds. For Game 4, the Cavaliers must have their offense firing on all cylinders. We know what to expect from James and Irving but it is up to Smith and Thompson to step up.
With the absence of Kevin Love, who was ruled of Game 3 due to a concussion he suffered in Game 2, the Cavaliers made a statement in this game. They came out strong to take it to the Warriors offensively and defensively. What seemed as the biggest change from Game 2 to Game 3 was the pace. The Cavaliers got into their offense quickly and executed with efficiency. They shot 52.7 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range. That is the brand of basketball the Cavaliers play and that is how they got to the Finals, getting into the offense quick and executing efficiently. They need to continue this aggressive approach on the offensive end to Game 4.
On the defensive end, the Cavaliers were just as good. They forced the Warriors to take bad shots and often coming up empty with their possessions. The Cavaliers held the Warriors to 42.1 percent from the field. The Cavaliers also did a great job of containing the Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. The three were held to a combined 35 points, which was their lowest total all season. If the Cavaliers can keep these three limited on the offensive end, Game 4 will likely have the same result as Game 3.
What the Warriors Need to do Adjust for Game 4
Coming off an impressive 33-point victory in Game 2, the Warriors seemed deflated in Game 3. Curry got into early foul trouble, picking three fouls in the first half and was held to two points. With Curry limited on the floor, Klay Thompson and Green both struggled. Thompson who collided with Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov's knee in the second quarter, injured his thigh but was able to return back to the game. Thompson was able to put 10 points and struggled from the field, shooting 4 for 13. Green, on the other hand, was no different. He put up six points and shot 2 for 8 from the field. It was clear that the Warriors relied heavily on Curry, Thompson, and Green. However, the one bright spot for the Warriors was Harrison Barnes. He put 18 points on 7 for 11 from the field. With an expected performance from Barnes, the Warriors learned that they can go to him on offense in Game 4. With Curry, Thompson and Green struggling, the Warriors must find a way to get Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston and Leandro Barbosa going in Game 4 just like in Games 1 and 2.
At times, the ball was sticking too much on offense. The Warriors play an up-tempo style of play and that was not happening in Game 3. The Warriors must keep the pace going as well as moving the ball around to find the open man. What also hurt the Warriors was the amount of turnovers they had. They had 18 turnovers which led the Cavaliers with 15 easy fast-break points on the other end. For Game 4, the Warriors must take care of the ball better to keep the Cavaliers limited on fast break points.
On the defensive end, the Warriors were having trouble containing James and Irving. Defensive anchors Green, Iguodala, and Andrew Bogut didn't do much to protect the paint like they did in Games 1 and 2. the Cavaliers bullied their way to the paint, scoring 54 points. This is uncharacteristic from the Warriors as they are the ones who make it harder for the opponent to score on them. Green, Iguodala, and Bogut must lead by example on defense in Game 4 so that the others can follow their lead. If the Warriors can hold James and Irving to limited roles on offense, the Warriors chance in winning Game 4 will be high.
If the Warriors seek these adjustments and Cavaliers stick to their aggressive mindset in Game 3, Game 4 will be a close one. Kevin Love's status is still up in the air but he could be a huge boost if he plays. Game 4 is set to tip-off at 9 p.m. ET on June 10, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
