Kevin Durant powers the Warriors to a commanding 3-0 series lead
If there was one word that can sum up Game 3 of the 2018 NBA Finals, it would be predictable.
It was expected that the Cleveland Cavaliers would come out swinging in from the opening tip and they did. Cleveland, powered by LeBron James, Kevin Love, Rodney Hood and Jeff Green, built a 12-point lead in the first quarter.
It was expected that Stephen Curry would be subjected to various traps by the Cavs’ defense, and it happened. The Cavs’ defense blitzed Curry, knocking him out of any offensive rhythm for the most part. Expected and noted.
The only thing that was unpredictable was the outcome and how the Warriors took a commanding 3-0 series lead with a 110-102 win tonight. The conditions were perfect for the Cavs to get a win, but then Kevin Durant happened. While Curry and Thompson struggled with their shot all night, KD exploded for a playoff career high of 43 points off of 15-for-23 shooting.
Durant having a big night wasn’t really a surprise honestly because the pressure on Curry opened up opportunities for the Warriors to exploit mismatches and they did. Granted, there are many fans that complain about how an heavy ISO offense stifles ball movement, and they are right. However, what really stifles the ball movement in the situations is when the rest of the team stands around after passing the ball to Durant. Like I said before, it isn’t what you do, it’s how you do it. But for Game 3, those points were immensely appreciated regardless of how they came.
As far as Curry’s night is concerned, you have to give the Cavs’ defense some credit. On the other hand, I can’t really say they deserved much credit. Granted, they did stick with the program of pressing Curry, and it worked. However, there were some instances where Curry escaped the traps by relocating, but just clanked shots that he normally makes from the paint to the three. Likewise with Klay Thompson, he too missed many shots he normally make.
Ironically Curry’s only three of the night proved to be clutch. With 2:38 left in the fourth quarter, Curry nailed a triple to put the Dubs up 101-97. He iced the game with two last minute free throws-finishing the game with 11 points.
The Warriors also had huge contributions by JaVale McGee, Jordan Bell, and Draymond Greenscoring 10 points each and making key stops on the defensive end.
FINAL SCORE- WARRIORS 110-CAVS 102
Warriors lead series 3-0
Game 4 Friday at 9