Warriors Rally, Dismantle Cavs To Earn 3-0 Lead In NBA Finals
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 110-102, at Quicken Loans Arena in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. As a result, the Warriors now hold a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.
The Cavaliers and the Warriors delivered an impressive game that went down to the wire, and one that had neither team in control until the final minute or so, when the reigning NBA champions managed to hold on to their slim advantage. But the Cavaliers started the game far better, though, as they jumped to a 29-28 lead in the first quarter that extended to a 58-52 at the halftime break. However, as it has been the trend during the entire postseason, the Warriors flipped the script in the third quarter and jumped to a 83-81 lead after three. Cleveland tried to turn things around late in the fourth quarter, but a couple of key three pointers from Kevin Durant and Steph Curry sealed the deal for the reigning NBA champions. And as a result, the Warriors are just one win away from winning their third NBA title in the last four years.
Durant led the way for the Warriors with an impressive performance thanks to 43 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. The rest of the Warriors' starting lineup all scored in double digits, but neither player really stood out. Curry (3-16 FG, 1-10 3PT FG) registered 11 points, while Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and JaVale McGee each added 10 points. Jordan Bell delivered a strong outing off the bench thanks to 10 points and six boards.
LeBron James once again delivered a stellar effort for the Cavaliers with a triple-double thanks to 33 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, but it wasn't enough. Kevin Love delivered a fair share of help with 20 points and 13 boards, while J.R. Smith added 13 points despite shooting only 5-14 from the field and 3-10 from three-point range. Rodney Hood provided a spark off the bench, however, with 15 points.
The Cavaliers and the Warriors delivered an impressive game that went down to the wire, and one that had neither team in control until the final minute or so, when the reigning NBA champions managed to hold on to their slim advantage. But the Cavaliers started the game far better, though, as they jumped to a 29-28 lead in the first quarter that extended to a 58-52 at the halftime break. However, as it has been the trend during the entire postseason, the Warriors flipped the script in the third quarter and jumped to a 83-81 lead after three. Cleveland tried to turn things around late in the fourth quarter, but a couple of key three pointers from Kevin Durant and Steph Curry sealed the deal for the reigning NBA champions. And as a result, the Warriors are just one win away from winning their third NBA title in the last four years.
Durant led the way for the Warriors with an impressive performance thanks to 43 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. The rest of the Warriors' starting lineup all scored in double digits, but neither player really stood out. Curry (3-16 FG, 1-10 3PT FG) registered 11 points, while Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and JaVale McGee each added 10 points. Jordan Bell delivered a strong outing off the bench thanks to 10 points and six boards.
LeBron James once again delivered a stellar effort for the Cavaliers with a triple-double thanks to 33 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, but it wasn't enough. Kevin Love delivered a fair share of help with 20 points and 13 boards, while J.R. Smith added 13 points despite shooting only 5-14 from the field and 3-10 from three-point range. Rodney Hood provided a spark off the bench, however, with 15 points.