Strategy gets assist
Irving injury boosts Warriors’ plan vs. James
OAKLAND, Calif. — The Warriors surrendered 44 points to LeBron James to open the NBA Finals and won.
Content in conceding that James would at times make difficult shots, the Warriors had at least succeeded in executing their strategy of making sure other Cavaliers didn’t have huge nights.
James’ production ultimately tailed off in overtime, and the Warriors took the lead in the series.
“The biggest thing that we try to do is limit everybody else,” Warriors forward Harrison Barnes said Friday. “It’s OK if LeBron goes out and gets 50, but if his teammates are also getting 15, 15, 20, that’s when it becomes a problem.”
Kyrie Irving won’t be a problem for the Warriors after he suffered an injury in overtime. The Cavaliers point guard scored 23 points in Game 1, but due to a fractured left kneecap, he will be unable to play for the rest of the series after undergoing surgery Saturday.
The injury-riddled Cavaliers, who already were without Kevin Love, are left with even fewer options besides James after only eight players saw time on the court in Game 1.
James wasn’t even particularly efficient in scoring 44 points. He was 18-for-38 from the field, including 2-for-8 from 3-point range.
“He’s making tough shots, and you have to live with it,” Warriors forward Draymond Green said.
Considering he had the ball in his hands so often, James’ six assists weren’t a significant amount. The Warriors continued to use single coverage on James, and over time, it worked as the four-time MVP was left in isolation situations and appeared worn down in the end after having faced Barnes, Green, Andre Iguodala and Klay Thompson.
James’ supporting cast had trouble capitalizing when given the ball. J.R. Smith came off the bench to score nine points on three 3-pointers, but he missed seven other 3s.
“They’ve given me different matchups ... trying to keep me off balance,” James said. “But I’ve seen it all, and I’ve got to do a better job as well getting my guys involved. I’m OK with getting big numbers, but I feel much better when I’m able to get my guys in rhythm and get some guys some more looks.”
Irving’s absence didn’t hurt the Cavaliers in their Eastern Conference finals sweep of the Hawks, but going back to Matthew Dellavedova in the starting lineup gives the Warriors a clear backcourt advantage.
For the Cavaliers the pressure, as it always does, falls upon James.
“I’m going to continue to mix it up,” James said. “Whatever the defense or the game presents itself, I’ll be ready to adjust.”
The Warriors know heading into Game 2 no Irving doesn’t mean no problem.
“We can’t assume with Kyrie (not playing) that it’s going to be a cakewalk for us to get a championship,” Warriors guard Stephen Curry said. “It’s still going to be a challenge. It’s still going to be tough. We have to control what we control and do what we do.”