No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a best of seven series. Here are five reasons the Cleveland Cavaliers can change that.
The Warriors are heading back to the Bay Area for Game 5 of the NBA Finals with a 3-1 series lead over the Cavaliers.
Uh oh, we’ve heard that one before.
Had Kyle Korver just made that 3-pointer in Game 3, the series would likely be 2-2. However, the Cavs put on a 3-point clinic in Game 4 to avoid a sweep and get the Warriors right where they want them, 3-1.
No team in NBA history has come back from 3-0 down. None. Zero. Zilch. Teams who find themselves down 3-0 in a best of seven series are 0-126 all-time in the NBA Playoffs. Can Cleveland rewrite history once again? We have reason to believe they can. Actually, we have five. Let’s take a look at five reasons Cleveland can pull off the impossible and win the 2017 NBA Finals.
5. Tempers of select individuals
The Warriors have a few hot-heads who have been known to erupt in crucial moments.
Draymond Green should have been ejected in Game 4. Plain and simple. The refs screwed up, failing to clarify who received a first-half technical, Green or Steve Kerr. But that’s behind us. No one can deny Green’s suspension was a pivotal moment in the 2016 Finals, a kick in the groin to the Warriors chances. Too soon?
Green’s ill-considered behavior may cost the Warriors down the stretch. It might’ve in Game 4, had the score been closer. Green does the “dirty work” for the Warriors; he can score, rebound and even take over a game with his shooting when needed. He’s also arguably the best defender in the NBA. However, when Green’s temper takes over, he’s unpredictable. Playing with energy is one thing, playing reckless is another. Green often leans toward the latter.
Yes, the Warriors set a record with their15-0 playoff run before losing Game 4. However, that record will (or should) always have a Zaza Pachulia-shaped asterisk next to it. You know what I’m talking about. Don’t act like they would’ve made that comeback in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals without Pachulia injuring Kawhi Leonard.
My point is: Pachulia does the actual dirty work for Golden State. The center isn’t afraid to take out the opposing team’s superstar with a slide or attempted groin punch (what is it with this team and groins?). Oh, and he also adds depth. Tristan Thompson finally decided to show up in Game 4 and if he continues to do so, the Warriors can’t afford to lose Pachulia to a silly foul.