CLEVELAND, OH—The big question coming into game three of the NBA finals was would the Cleveland Cavaliers make a stand and win Game 3 and make for a competitive series. Or would the Golden State Warriors continue to dominate and take a commanding 3-0 lead in this best of seven series? From the onset, the change in scenery invigorated the Cleveland Cavaliers who soundly defeated Golden State, 120-90 at the Quicken Loans arena. The series is now 2-1 in favor of the Warriors.
The home cooking led to a 9-0 start, and a big lead after the first quarter. Much to the delight of the boisterous crowd. Kyrie Irving was on fire- scoring 16 points in the first quarter. In addition, Klay Thompson would hobble to the locker room at the end of the first quarter with a thigh contusion.
The role players were critical in this game, particularly Richard Jefferson and J. R. Smith. Smiths five 3-pointers electrified the crowd. It was an inspired performance minus Forward Kevin Love, who was ruled out due to a concussion. Kyrie Irving had a bounce back game with 30 points.
Golden States big three-Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green accounted for 35 points. Their fewest as a trio tnis season.
But the resillient Warriors would return, as would Klay Thompson. They have faced similar challenges throughout the season, and have always responded. Thompson scored 9 points in the second quarter with nifty drives to the basket, and a 3-pt. field goal to cut the lead to 51-43 at halftime. But in the third quarter the lead would surge to 19 with JR Smith hitting some much needed outside shots. Punctuated by a monster jam by LeBron James, who put the team on his back and finished with 32 points in this must win.
The Cavaliers deserve credit for answering the question by coming out and cruising to an easy victory in front of their home crowd. Game 4 is Friday, June 10 on ABC at 6:00 p.m. Since the road team has yet to win a game this series, Taco Bell gets to keep their free tacos for another day.
