• Turnovers– The biggest problem for the game was turnovers. The Cavs had a whopping 20 turnovers which led to a massive 21 Warrior points, LeBron having 8, 7 in the first half. This is just unacceptable, as it leads to breakaways with the ball in Durant’s hands, and shooters at the wing. In Game 1, this resulted in 4 wide open dunks for Durant alone. 20 turnovers killed the Cavs, but the Warriors tying an NBA Finals record 4 turnovers all game delivered the dagger. The Cavaliers also had 0 steals. Cleveland cannot play sloppy with the ball, because this lets the Warriors run out on the break, where the transition defense was horrible.
• Rebounding and Second Chance Points– It may look as though the Cavaliers rebounded well, having won the rebounding battle 59-50. But, the Warriors had 14 offensive rebounds. This demolished the Cavs, as the Warriors attempted 106 shots, 20 more than the Cavs. This means that the Warriors had 20 more opportunities to score, and with this offensive juggernaut, that will take you out of the game.
• No-Show Reserves: The Cavaliers reserves were horrible, giving the Big 3 no help. JR Smith had 3 points in 28 minutes. Tristan Thompson was a complete no-show with 0 points and 4 rebounds in 22 minutes. Deron Williams also had 0 points on 4 shots. Kyle Korver had 0 points on 3 shots. Only Richard Jefferson was decent, with 9 points. The Cavs bench missed some decent looks, and Cleveland will not win a game if the bench does not compete.
• Big 3 Outplayed: To win a game in this series, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving have to outplay Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. In Game 1, this did not happen, as Durant was spectacular, with 38 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. LeBron was good, but not great, which is what they need him to be. He had 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists, but also 8 turnovers. Curry had 28 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds, and outplayed Kyrie with 24 points, 2 assists, and 3 rebounds. Curry and Durant combined for 66 points, and the Cavs Big 3 combined for 67. That is too big of a margin, and if it Curry/KD continue to outplay Kyrie/LeBron, this series will end quickly.

– My Thoughts and Prediction: The Warriors just completely outmatched the Cavs, with Klay Thompson and Draymond Green doing literally nothing offensively. Durant was just amazing, to the point where no one can guard him. His length, quickness, and ability to shoot makes him one of the greatest pure scorers in NBA history. LeBron James played well, but needs to play a lot better for the Cavs to win. The half court defense was decent for the Cavs, but their transition defense was bad, as the Warriors had 27 transition points. For me, I just cannot see anyone beating this Warriors team, as they just have too much firepower. Durant just cannot be stopped, and if Curry keeps shooting like he did in Game 1, the Warriors will not lose a game. Warriors will win in 4 games, and become the first team in NBA History to go 16-0 in the NBA Playoffs.

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