Win or go home

Facing a 3-1 deficit, the Warriors have their backs against the wall in the pursuit of their three-peat title.

From my column last week, I listed three things that both teams need to be doing to win this season.

After watching the last two games played at the Oracle Arena, the keys to winning for them, I shared what have been very evident.

Kawhi's supporting cast - Danny Green, Kyle Lowry, and Marc Gasol have been very terrific for the last two games.

Defense to offense- They were matching up well with the Warriors, staying very active on the defensive end and forcing uncharacteristic turnovers for the Dubs.

Trust- The way they have been distributing the ball the last two games, finding the open man and running in transition has them up 5-1 against the Warriors this season.

The same winning points for the Dubs were unmistakably missing.

KD's return- KD did return for Game 5 but was only there for a while as he got injured again.

Assist to offense- They have become so tentative with their ball movement and their top gunner, Steph Curry, has been hesitating on some possessions.

Championship poise and experience- Where did this go? They look lost.

When this column comes out, we could be heading to Game 6 or we could be crowning a new NBA Champion. Nevertheless, all basketball aficionados seem to be looking forward to draft night and the free-agency drama more than this NBA Finals.

With top prospect Zion Williamson of Duke coming into the NBA and the rumors about Kyrie Irving, KD, Anthony Davis, and Lebron James, these have taken the thunder out of the finals.

Notes from the sidelines:

Wishing our SEA Games organizing teams and delegates a fruitful journey towards unity in sports. They have undertaken the enormous task of seeing everything in place, from the playing venues to the different delegates and their logistical needs.

As a sports community, we wish that everything turns out well and that issues and concerns be settled for a truly worthwhile SEA Games hosting on November 30 to December 11.

The same also goes out to our Team Pilipinas who will participate in the FIBA World Championships in August.

May we redeem ourselves after the infamous incident with the Australian team and instead show our basketball spirit as we go toe to toe against the world's best basketball teams.

Mabuhay ang Malayang Pilipinas!