The first three quarters were tight, with neither team leading by more than seven points. Both teams scored 22 points in the 1st quarter. The Warriors led 51-50 at halftime, then built on that lead, heading into the 4th quarter leading 73-67. The Cavaliers opened the 4th quarter on a 13-6 run. LeBron's deep three pointer gave the Cavaliers a 80-79 lead with just over 7:30 remaining in the ballgame. However, the Warriors responded with a huge run, closing out the game on a 25-11 run. Stephen Curry scored 37 points, going 13 of 23 shooting from the floor in the victory. In fact, 17 of his 37 points came in the 4th quarter.
LeBron James had his second triple double of this NBA Finals series, posting 40 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. It was his sixth career finals triple double, placing him second all-time behind only Magic Johnson (8). James also became the second player in NBA Finals history to score 40 points in an NBA Triple Double after Jerry West in 1969 NBA Finals. The Cavaliers lost consecutive playoff games for the first time this postseason. They had been 3-0 in playoff games following a loss.
A few interesting notes about game five last night. I give Lebron all the credit in the world. Dropping yet another triple double in the finals and another 40 point game are you kidding me!?!?! This guy is playing out of his mind and carrying this basketball team on his shoulders. Lebron has kept Cleveland in this series, and to make this more impressive, there's no Kevin Love or Kyrie Irving. Outside of Lebron, J.R. Smith (14 points), Iman Shumpert (10 points) and Tristan Thompson (19 points) were the only Cavs players to hit double digits in points. Timofey Mozgov played only nine minutes total in the game and didn't score a single point. Matthew Dellavedova, who had been a solid complementary scorer to Lebron, was held to just five points in the game. It doesn't help when you go two for nine from the floor, including one for five from three point range. That's what sets the Cavs and Warriors apart.
Cleveland has to rely on Lebron to do most of the work. He's the best player in the game today, there's no arguing that fact. What is being disputed is how deep the Cavs are. Cleveland just has no support for Lebron. Look at what the Warriors have been able to do. Stephen Curry led the way with 37 points. Besidse Curry, there were three other starters, Klay Thompson (12 points), Andre Iguodala (14 points) and Draymond Green (16 points), hit double digits. The only starter who failed to hit double digits was Harrison Barnes who had eight points. In fact, the Warriors also got 13 points from Leandro Barbosa off the bench. That's the biggest difference. There's way more depth and a supporting cast behind Curry than their is Lebron.
Golden State can close out the series, and win their first NBA title since 1975, tomorrow night in Cleveland!
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