Cleveland's dominant performance in Game 4 was certainly unexpected, even though it came after a close Game 3 that almost swung their way and altered the course of the series.
Well, he was right. Whether they can keep that mojo and that anger going is another matter.
Why is this relevant?
Rather than completing a ideal 16-0 postseason and winning a second NBA title in three years, the Warriors instead saw the Cleveland Cavaliers shoot the lights out in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, winning 137-116 to send the series back to Oakland for Game 5 on Monday night. "So we might as well come back with a win". However, the Cavs had a masterful performance which allowed them to blowout the Warriors and pull within two games from tying the series and forcing a Game 7 for the second consecutive year. Cleveland came back Friday night and broke the record for 3-pointers in a Finals game with 24 to keep the series going.
OAKLAND, Calif. - Pushing, shoving, trash talk, a general disdain for the opponent: Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue can't get enough of it. LeBron James and Cleveland, looking down and out only days ago in an 0-3 hole, now have some momentum after winning Game 4 and they will try to stave off elimination once more. You've seen what LeBron is capable of in do-or-die situations. They will be able to hoist a trophy that can, at least in part, make up for their disappointing defeat last season. Durant was ineffective from beyond the arc (matching Curry's two for nine mark from deep); however, he made up for it by relentlessly attacking the rim to the tune of a game-high 16 free throw attempts and 35 points on just 22 shots. He showed his killer instinct as he singlehandedly took game 3 from Cleveland, but he needs to take the championship to silence the haters. At this point I'm not mad or anything, but I'm just saying at this point in The Finals, I'm trying to stay where we are. It's why Green had no problem letting everyone know inside Quicken Loans Arena now how he felt during the game, and why he had no problem explaining that to the media afterward.
All it took was one Cleveland victory to evoke memories of last season's Finals and generate a flicker of an idea that maybe - just maybe - the Cavaliers can turn this into a series. I don't even care how many Hall of Famers are on the other bench. LeBron James involvement is crucial for the Cavaliers. "Going home is a good feeling, but it has to go with playing better". He returned from a thumb injury before the end of the regular season, but hadn't found his rhythm in the 2017 Playoffs - netting double-figures just twice in the lead-up to the Finals.
President Trump to face journalists in news conference following explosive Comey testimony
Comey leaked his own memos to the press (well, technically, he asked his friend, Columbia Law Professor Daniel Richman to do it). Trump also saluted the United States' relationship with Romania and praised its contribution to the global fight against terror.
On Friday night, Irving was almost unstoppable in the second quarter, netting 17 points in the period and finishing 15-of-27 overall, including 7-of-12 from long-range to go with seven boards and four assists. Earlier this week, he referred to Cavs fans as "rude" after an altercation between his mother and some Q spectators after Game 3 of the NBA Finals. In that Game 6, James had 32 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.
Go ahead, back them into a corner.
Watch a preview of what could be the decisive NBA Finals Game 5 with the NBA TV panel, in the video below.
In your average 7 games series, a 3-1 lead for a team is the equivalent to a finished series.
The two teams have differing opinions as to why the Cavs are still alive in this series. The Sox did it. That doesn't matter if Cleveland wins tonight. But if they make history after climbing out of this one, it'll truly be one for the ages - in any professional sport.
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