USA TODAY International Edition
Luckily for Cavs, James has never looked better
Five keys each for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
Playoff LeBron
The argument can be made that LeBron James — the NBA’s all- time leading playoff scorer and climbing the list in other statistical categories — is performing at the highest level of any of his postseasons. At 32. James continues to do a lot of everything, and he does it better than anyone else, averaging 32.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.4 blocked shots and shooting 56.6% from the field and 42.1% on three- pointers in the playoffs. When he was on the court in the first three rounds, the Cavs scored 122.3 points and allowed 102.2 points per 100 possessions. He presents matchup challenges and is adept at finding mismatches and the right play on most possessions. James is capable of carrying the Cavs to another title.
Three- point shootout
The Warriors have the threepoint reputation, but the Cavaliers lead all playoff teams in three- pointers made per game ( 14.6) and three- point percentage ( 43.5%). Eight players are shooting at least 40% on threes. Golden State has the best defensive rating ( 99.1 points allowed per 100 possessions) and one of the best three- point defenses ( allowing opponents to shoot 32%) in the playoffs. James’ ability to break down defenses and Cleveland’s willingness to move the ball and find open shooters at the three- point line is pivotal.
Defense
So many factors decide an NBA title, but defense is No. 1 for the Cavaliers. Cleveland was average at best in the regular season but has demonstrated in the playoffs it can do better. The Cavs must be even better in the Finals. Cleveland allowed 104.6 points per 100 possessions in the first three rounds, an improvement compared with its regular- season rating ( 108). The Cavs held foes to 45% shooting from the field and 35.3% on three- pointers in the first three rounds. They trapped and blitzed often, forcing opponents’ top scorers to pass. Cleveland won’t be able to do that as much vs. the Warriors, so one- onone defense, timely and effective switching, defending the threepointer and communication are paramount. Tristan Thompson’s versatility enables Cleveland to play aggressive defense. Also, keep an eye on Cleveland’s highscoring second unit and its ability to limit Golden State’s offense.
Irving and Love
Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love did not make any of the three AllNBA teams but have looked like All- NBA players in the playoffs. Irving is averaging 24.5 points and 5.6 assists; Love is averaging 17.2 points and 10.4 rebounds. If both continue that kind of play and contribute on defense, the Cavs have more than a puncher’s chance against the Warriors.
X factor: Smith
J. R. Smith is taking just 4.8 shots per game and averaging 6.6 points during the playoffs. But his presence is felt in other ways. Just the notion of him at the three- point line forces teams to guard him, and Smith can be a dedicated and capable defender. With Smith on the floor in the playoffs, the Cavs have scored 121.4 points and allowed 102.3 points per 100 possessions. Making shots, creating offensive space and his defense on Klay Thompson and other Golden State shooters are other keys to Cleveland’s success.