Kevin Love's double-double of 31 points and 18 rebounds ended in a pit after losing against a Curry-less Warriors.
It would indeed hurt a lot for the Cavs to be beaten by their rival in the last Finals in three years. What made this defeat more painful is the fact that Steph Curry was unable to play. They were beaten despite the Warriors being handicapped.
What could've happened in the match that the Cavs weren't able to capitalize on a short handed Warriors?
1. Worst Shooting Night for Both Squads, But Warriors did a little bit better.
Imagine two of the best teams in the league shooting so bad. That explains the low scoring ball game relatively speaking to both squads considering they are both offensive.
Cavs made 28 out of 88 (31.8 %) while Warriors were 38 out of 82 (46.3) from the field. It is not usual for these squads to miss a lot. 60 shots missed by Cavs. Their offense were way too inefficient.
2. LeBron wasn't the offensive focus
Kevin Love became the main man of the Cavs when it should've been a great chance for James to go all out.
3. No Pachulia for Warriors, Better Inside Production and Faster Pace in Transition
Warriors without a center severely outscored Cavs inside, 44 - 20 in terms of points in the paint. Not just that but also in terms of defense, Warriors blocked Cavs 8 times while Cleveland? Not even once.
Cleveland may have not let the Warriors win the rebounds but still Warriors had the control.
Another thing is that Warriors dominate the transition game, scoring 33 fast break points but Cavs with only 9.
Conclusion
It is worse for the Warriors but way even more for Cavs. They failed to take advantage of Curry's absence. Set up a wrong offensive focus and became inefficient on the field.
.jpg)
.jpg)
0 Comments