5 reasons Andrew Bogut injury changes NBA Finals

6 of 6

April 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23, left) and guard Stephen Curry (30) look on against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Celtics defeated the Warriors 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Golden State loses its front court toughness.

Can Golden State close out Cleveland in Game 6 on Thursday with historically great jump shooting to win back-to-back NBA Finals? That’s absolutely a realistic possibility, but most often NBA Finals are won and lost within six feet of the basket.

While the three-pointer has given smaller players an opportunity to dominate what has usually been a big man’s game in the NBA, when the game slows down and the shots aren’t falling, whoever is winning in the paint will probably come out on top.

Cleveland is an elite rebounding team and in the Western Conference Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder gave the Warriors all they could handle on the boards. Keep in mind that Golden State was at full strength in that exciting series that went to a seventh game.

Without Bogut’s unparalleled support in the Warriors front court, it leaves Golden State a bit vulnerable in an area where Cleveland is strong. If Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue can design two straight game plans where Cleveland exploits Golden State’s depleted front court, there might be a new NBA Champion to crown in Oracle Arena on Sunday.

For more NBA Finals coverage, please check out our NBA Finals category page.

Home/Cleveland Cavaliers