The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers put together a great battle in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
After three straight blowouts to begin the NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors finally played a competitive game and began to get physical with each other on the court on Friday night.
Next: Legendary Boxer and Sports Icon Muhammad Ali Dies at 74
In the first half, the Warriors kept things close as both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson struggled to hit their shot early. The two teams would go into the tunnel at the half with a great battle on their hands.
Kevin Love would begin the game off the bench for the Cavaliers, but he struggled going up against the Warriors’ big men and allowed them to get second chances over and over.
In a battle of strategies between the two coaches, Steve Kerr would insert Anderson Varajeo and James Michael McAdoo into the rotation. Those two would make key plays early and it was clear the better strategy was going to win.
While Love struggled, Kyrie Irving was hot shooting once again. Irving kept the Cavaliers in front for most of the first half, which kept the Cleveland offense rolling. LeBron James wasn’t much of a factor scoring the ball, as he deferred to Irving.
In the second half, Curry and Thompson began to find their shot. This allowed the Warriors to finally take the lead in a close game.
The fourth quarter started to turn the Warriors’ way, as Curry began heating up and Harrison Barnes hit yet another huge three to extend the Warriors’ lead even more. The Warriors would end up making 17 three-point field goals on the night.
Emotions would also boil over in separate instances, as James would have words with both Curry and Draymond Green.
The Cavaliers, who had once again been playing physical and giving Golden State everything they handled, look tired in the final minute.
However, down eight with a minute left, the Cavaliers would try to make a comeback. James would however miss a free throw and a Curry layup would give Golden State a nine-point lead with less than a minute remaining.
The Warriors would complete the rally and pick up a huge road win in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, as they took a 3-1 series lead.
Full Highlights
Three Stars
3. Andre Iguodala
Iguodala was once again huge off the bench for the Cavaliers. Big defensive possessions set up other big shots on the other end for the Warriors.
2. Klay Thompson
Thompson began finding his stroke on the floor again for the Warriors. He had four three-point field goals.
1. Stephen Curry
The MVP once again did what he had to do on the floor for the Warriors. He had seven threes and 38 points.
Betting Odds
The Cavaliers came into the game as 2.5-point favorites. By losing, they did not cover the spread.
What’s Next?
The two teams will meet in Oakland for Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night.
For more NBA Finals coverage, be sure to visit our hub page.