To no one’s surprise – the Cavaliers and Warriors are meeting again in the Finals for the fourth straight year. Although both Conference Finals went to a Game 7 against the Celtics and Rockets respectively, I think everyone knew that the inevitable was still coming. This will be LeBron James’ eighth year in a row making a Finals appearance – the last three being against the Warriors with the Cavaliers winning their first title in franchise history in 2016 after coming back from a 3-1 deficit.
The Cavs are looking to make that two against arguably the best team in NBA history with four All-Stars included in the starting five. James’ tenacity on and off the court and ongoing rivalry against the Warriors squad overall, but also with individuals like Draymond Green, who has been an opposing force known to butt heads with James on the court, will make this an interesting series to watch despite this being the fourth time we’re seeing it.
Already two games into the series with the Warriors taking a dominating 2-0 lead at home, they will be heading to Cleveland on Wednesday, which will give the Cavs a chance to even it out - or give the Dubs the chance to sweep.
Sunday night's game was a suprising blowout by the Warriors with Curry putting down nine 3-pointers - a Finals record.
The Warriors have been holding their breath with the invaluable Andre Iguodala, who was out for most of the Conference Finals and was out for both Game 1 and 2. Kevin Love of the Cavs has also been out with a concussion he got in the Eastern Conference Finals, however returned for Game 1 and is expected to play in the remainder of the Finals. With James already lacking in the area of support from other players, Love is desperately needed since they’ll need all the help they can get. Kay Thompson is also still battling the ankle injury he got in Game 1, the Warriors do not think it will keep him from playing the rest of the series.
The Warriors are favored -1000 in the Las Vegas Westgate Superbook and will be facing their third Championship win over the Cavs and the sixth in their franchise history.
The Cavs have a tough road ahead if they want to conquer the historic superteam, but with debatably the best player in NBA history in James, they can definitely do it, as they have proven in 2016. On the other end, the Warriors have proven their resilience and extensive talent in the first two games and are carrying over momentum to Cleveland.