NBA Finals 2017: 5 reasons the Cavaliers can repeat as champions

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June 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Kyrie Irving (2) react during a press conference following the 112-97 victory against the Golden State Warriors in game five of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

1. LeBron and Kyrie, the Warriors’ worst nightmare

The Warriors have Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. Okay, let me one up that, the Cavaliers have Kyrie Irving and LeBron James. For the Cavaliers to repeat, this duo will have to outplay the Warriors’ duo.

Let’s take a look at Games 5-7 of last year’s NBA Finals. Obviously, Kevin Durant wasn’t a part of the Warriors at this time, but let’s see the damage that Irving and James were able to inflict on Golden State. In Game 5, each of them dropped 41 points on the Warriors. In Game 6, LeBron dropped another 41 spot on Golden State, while Irving had 23 points. In Game 7, LeBron had a 27-point triple-double, while Kyrie Irving hit the shot that drove a stake through the Warriors’ heart.

When these two players are balling out together, the Cavaliers become that much more unstoppable. Kyrie Irving has an uncanny ability to use his handles to get to the rim. LeBron does the same in a much different manner. He muscles his way to the rim and forces the ball into the basket.

In the Cavaliers’ first matchup against Golden State this year on Christmas Day, Irving bested Curry and hit the game-winning shot over Thompson. Three weeks later, Curry won the matchup and the Warriors handed the Cavaliers the business.

LeBron has the psychological advantage on Kevin Durant. In Durant’s career, he’s 5-18 against the best player in the world, with one of those five wins coming this year. From his young days with the Thunder in the Finals to now, James always shows who the better player between the two is.

Not only that, LeBron and Kyrie are absolutely rolling right now coming into these NBA Finals. The pair is averaging 57 points during these playoffs, and 12.6 rebounds per game. They’ve also been efficient in the process. Irving was deferring to LeBron during the early part of the playoffs, but has come on strong as of late.

Next: Finals -- 5 reasons the Warriors can find redemption

The Cavaliers-Warriors III is set to start on Thursday, June 1. LeBron and Kyrie will bring their talents to Oracle for a third-straight Game 1 in Oracle Arena. They’ve been bested two times in a row, but for them to repeat, this duo playing well and taking Game 1 will be important. The Cavaliers chances in this series are low, but if they’re going to repeat, these will be the five reasons why.

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