Intensity grows as Warriors on the brink, Cavs on edge
OAKLAND, United States: Emotions are running high in the NBA Finals, with superstars LeBron James and Kevin Durant exchanging heated words while Golden State and Cleveland are locked in a familiar tensionpacked position.
The Warriors lead defending champion Cleveland 3-1 in the best- of- seven series and can capture their second crown in three years by winning Monday before a home crowd.
But the Cavaliers staved off elimination by ripping Golden State 137-116 in game four, sinking a record 24 3-pointers and scoring the most points in any half ( 86) or quarter (49) in finals history.
“That’s part of who we are,” James said. “We set a lot of records since we assembled this team the last couple years.”
Both sides know the history, the Warriors squandering a 3-1 series lead last year as the Cavaliers made the greatest comeback in finals history to win Cleveland’s first major sports title in 52 years.
It’s a bitter memory for the Warriors, who seek redemption. It’s an encouraging one for the Cavaliers, trying to be the first team to rally from 3- 0 down to win a playoff series. No finals team down 3- 0 has even forced a seventh game since 1951.
And it’s all getting to be a bit much for James.
“I don’t like it. It causes too much stress,” James said. “I’m stressed out. Keep doing this every year. We’ve just got some resilient guys.”
James and Durant received technical fouls in the third quarter after yelling at each other, two of seven technicals issued in the game, five in a raucous third quarter.
“The game is supposed to be played physically,” James said. “Both teams were wanting to put themselves in the record books and in basketball history. So try to do whatever it takes to win.”
Durant was concerned abundant foul cal ls were draining the passion from the moment.
“We weren’t coming to blows. We were just talking. That’s a part of basketball,” Durant said. “It’s like the aura of the game created trash talk. “I’m sure it’s going to continue. There’s nothing mal icious. Emotions are what keeps this game alive.”
Altercations are nearing the point of getting out of hand, said Warriors forward Draymond Green, who missed last year’s fifth finals game after a suspension for striking James in the groin.