Tag Archives: Klay Thompson

NBA Finals: It’s Over

LeBron's joyful weeping made the Dubs loss less painful. A huge weight is lifted off this man's shoulders.

LeBron’s joyful weeping made the Dubs loss less painful. A huge weight is lifted off this man’s shoulders.

That was a great finish. Unfortunately for me, the wrong team won. But both teams came out and for the first time in these Finals, we had a close game. I remember the moment I knew the Warriors just didn’t have it. When LeBron chased down Andre Iguodola’s lay-up, I texted a friend of mine, “that’s game.” The score was still tied but you could see the writing on the wall. A few minutes later, LeBron was crying on the floor, celebrating the Cavs’ first NBA championship. How did the Cavs take down the 73-9 juggernaut, here are what I think are key elements to the Cavs historic comeback: Continue reading

NBA Finals: How LeBron Gained Control of the Finals

20593077-mmmainLeBron is amazing to watch. Even when he’s killing my team I can’t help but marvel at how good a basketball player he is. His shooting is better, his passes are on point, and his defense is intimidating. But it’s how smart he is, how aware, that sets him apart from his peers. Continue reading

NBA Finals: Your Finals MVP is LeBron James

2016-NBA-Finals-678x381At this point in the NBA Finals, it should be obvious: LeBron James is the MVP. Steph Curry was the best player during the regular season but a locked-in LeBron James is still the most dominant force in the NBA. The Cavs have an uphill climb to win their first title but even if they come up short (but count a LeBron-led team out at your peril) LeBron should be declared the MVP. He should have been MVP last year and he should be even more so this year. Last year is said and done but let’s build the argument for this year: Continue reading

NBA Finals: Thoughts from Game 5

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with teammate Kyrie Irving #2 after defeating the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals with a score of 112 to 97 at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The head was right, the heart was wrong. The Cavs, riding two of the most exhilarating Finals performances in NBA history from LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, stole the game and the celebration from Oracle Arena last night. However, if I’m the Warriors, I don’t start panicking. They are still up 3-2 and have won convincingly in Cleveland as recently as last Friday. Also, as poorly as they played, they were still down only six points with an opportunity to win late in the fourth. Here are some observations from game 5 and what they mean for game 6. Continue reading

NBA Finals: Thoughts after Game 3

2016.06.09 Finals Game 3

That’s just nuts right there… he dunked that.

The Cavs turned in a dominant performance and throttled the Warriors to the tune of a 30-point victory in Cleveland last night. As good as the Warriors have been, it’s incredible to think that the Warriors are 2-6 in game 3s during the Kerr era. They lost Game 3s to the: Grizzlies, Rockets, Cavs (twice), Blazers, and the Thunder. They have now lost five straight game 3s. This is all to say that as a Warriors fan I am not too concerned. The problems in last night’s game are easily fixed by stronger rotations (Kerr… DEATH LINEUP) and even more so, better effort and execution. Much will be talked about the scoring efforts of the Cavs but the more interesting adjustments happened on the defensive side of the ball. Here are some quick thoughts on how the Cavs put the hurt on the Warriors: Continue reading

NBA Finals: Preview and Predictions

20160531_finalspreview_760We’re finally here. The NBA Finals. Two number one seeds. The NBA got its wish – a rematch of the 2015 Finals. LeBron and his fully healthy Cavs against the 73-9 juggernaut, the Warriors. If the Cavs win, they ruin the Warriors bid for the greatest team of all time while also making the argument that, if healthy, they would have won last year. If the Warriors win, they can quiet all the naysayers who doubted their 2015 run as a product of fortunate health circumstances, not their play. Let’s jump in and see how both teams made it this far. Continue reading