The Warriors refused to relinquish their momentum as they won the title 4-2.
Lebron James was the first player in NBA history to enter five consecutive championship finals with two different teams. The Cleveland Cavaliers have never won a game in an NBA Final. Lebron and Cavaliers were out to make history as Cleveland welcomed back with open arms their prodigal son and only hope in four-title holder Lebron James.
The Golden State Warriors won 67 games in the 2014-2015 season making gambling news. The Warriors and NBA MVP Stephen Curry were ready to dominate the post season in an effort to win their first finals since 1975.
Game four was a continuation of the surge of momentum that was seen by Golden State at the end of the fourth quarter in Game three. The adjustment made by Warriors coach Steve Kerr to go with a smaller playing force in order to maximize ball movement seemed to pay off brilliantly in Game and set the tone for Game five. Cleveland kept Timofey Mozgov from most of the game in order to do “go small.”
The new problem was that Golden State were getting far more boards than Cleveland which was the weapon that carried the Cavaliers to the finals. With Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green dominating boards over Cleveland, Mozgov was missed. Unfortunately Lebron had to over-exceed his boundaries again. His 40 points made up almost half the total Cavalier points and his 14 rebounds almost a third.
Lebron made almost twice as many assists as the entire Cavalier team. Cavalier guards JR Smith and Iman Shumpert were incapable of producing for 48 minutes simply because they’ve never had to. Matthew Dellavedova wasn’t a premier player, but his notable contributions were regarded by Cleveland as heroic and regarded as “folklore in the making.”
Golden State’s Curry cannot be used as evidence of poor Cavalier defense because he’s a superior shot maker whose ability to set up plays to a “less weary” Warriors team was the advantage they had over a Cavalier team who continued to suffer from a seven-man rotation. No punter nor layman was surprised by the 104-91 win. Only the bravest punters using sports scores news should wage on a Cavaliers victory in Game 6.
Coach Kerr’s adjustment to the Warriors line-up was the replacement of Andrew Bogut for Andre Iguodala. The choice resulted in Iquodala’s 25-point game and the Finals MVP award. Draymond Green, who had a triple-double, was moved to the center for the Warriors to cover Mozgov, who was put back into the normal line up for Cleveland. The move by Coach Kerr proved gutsy, but seemed to favor Golden State.
With Harrison Barnes covering Tristan Thompson, the Cavaliers best rebounder, it seemed that both teams were going “big” once again. Luckily Iguodala helped the Warriors overtake the Cavaliers in rebounding while putting more pressure on them individually to perform. This plan by Golden State almost appears to be a same plan performed against them by Cleveland in Games two and three.
Although Cleveland tried many things to put pressure back on the Warriors and tie up their offense, but ended up unsuccessful. Smith performed too far outside his comfort zone to be a larger factor and Dellavedova proved too weak a player to slow down Curry who had 25 points. Although Lebron had 32 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists, his shooting couldn’t make more of a difference.
The halftime score of 45-43 may have given some punters gambling from recent sports scores had a moment of regret for not waging on Cleveland. Cleveland’s higher turnover rate also contributed to their demise. Although Cleveland did surpass the Warriors in rebounds, the Cavaliers 39 percent shooting prevented them from taking advantage of their opportunities. The Warriors won gaining their first championship title in 40 years.
The Warriors refused to relinquish their momentum as they won the title 4-2.
Lebron James was the first player in NBA history to enter five consecutive championship finals with two different teams. The Cleveland Cavaliers have never won a game in an NBA Final. Lebron and Cavaliers were out to make history as Cleveland welcomed back with open arms their prodigal son and only hope in four-title holder Lebron James.
The Golden State Warriors won 67 games in the 2014-2015 season making gambling news. The Warriors and NBA MVP Stephen Curry were ready to dominate the post season in an effort to win their first finals since 1975.
Game four was a continuation of the surge of momentum that was seen by Golden State at the end of the fourth quarter in Game three. The adjustment made by Warriors coach Steve Kerr to go with a smaller playing force in order to maximize ball movement seemed to pay off brilliantly in Game and set the tone for Game five. Cleveland kept Timofey Mozgov from most of the game in order to do “go small.”
The new problem was that Golden State were getting far more boards than Cleveland which was the weapon that carried the Cavaliers to the finals. With Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green dominating boards over Cleveland, Mozgov was missed. Unfortunately Lebron had to over-exceed his boundaries again. His 40 points made up almost half the total Cavalier points and his 14 rebounds almost a third.
Lebron made almost twice as many assists as the entire Cavalier team. Cavalier guards JR Smith and Iman Shumpert were incapable of producing for 48 minutes simply because they’ve never had to. Matthew Dellavedova wasn’t a premier player, but his notable contributions were regarded by Cleveland as heroic and regarded as “folklore in the making.”
Golden State’s Curry cannot be used as evidence of poor Cavalier defense because he’s a superior shot maker whose ability to set up plays to a “less weary” Warriors team was the advantage they had over a Cavalier team who continued to suffer from a seven-man rotation. No punter nor layman was surprised by the 104-91 win. Only the bravest punters using sports scores news should wage on a Cavaliers victory in Game 6.
Coach Kerr’s adjustment to the Warriors line-up was the replacement of Andrew Bogut for Andre Iguodala. The choice resulted in Iquodala’s 25-point game and the Finals MVP award. Draymond Green, who had a triple-double, was moved to the center for the Warriors to cover Mozgov, who was put back into the normal line up for Cleveland. The move by Coach Kerr proved gutsy, but seemed to favor Golden State.
With Harrison Barnes covering Tristan Thompson, the Cavaliers best rebounder, it seemed that both teams were going “big” once again. Luckily Iguodala helped the Warriors overtake the Cavaliers in rebounding while putting more pressure on them individually to perform. This plan by Golden State almost appears to be a same plan performed against them by Cleveland in Games two and three.
Although Cleveland tried many things to put pressure back on the Warriors and tie up their offense, but ended up unsuccessful. Smith performed too far outside his comfort zone to be a larger factor and Dellavedova proved too weak a player to slow down Curry who had 25 points. Although Lebron had 32 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists, his shooting couldn’t make more of a difference.
The halftime score of 45-43 may have given some punters gambling from recent sports scores had a moment of regret for not waging on Cleveland. Cleveland’s higher turnover rate also contributed to their demise. Although Cleveland did surpass the Warriors in rebounds, the Cavaliers 39 percent shooting prevented them from taking advantage of their opportunities. The Warriors won gaining their first championship title in 40 years.
The Warriors found their groove and won 106-82 tying the series 2-2.
The NBA Finals game four had all the excitement and thrills that was expected of a finals game. It cannot be said that it wasn’t a trip. When you are the Warriors and you had to win, there was no better place than in Cleveland’s back yard. After all the Cavaliers did the same thing to them in game two so the treatment was expected to paid back in kind. Warriors coach Steve Kerr found a way to get through the Cavalier offense by changing up the line-up and going small. Golden State had a new strategy that Cleveland would have to learn to adjust to. The real comeback was in the fourth quarter of game three when Stephen Curry got back into the rhythm of his game that led the Warriors to 67 wins making gambling news.
The Cleveland Cavaliers got off to a quick start in the first quarter. Their court coverage looked good. Iman Shumpert hit an early three-pointer to help raise the score. Lebron, getting in on the action early, drove to one side of the paint and gives a “no look” pass to Mozgov who was wide open and dunked the ball which raised their lead. Igadawa, who is a starter, was impressive. Curry was a bit more tenacious this game.
Although Cleveland was in the lead, they started to look tentative around the fifth minute as more players stood around as Warriors were making plays. A shot by Clay Thompson gave the Warriors their first lead in more than one game. Coach Kerr got his wish for a more mobile, Warriors as Golden State kept their pace alive in the second quarter.
The Cavaliers, with only eight players used in the series, were anticipated to be tired if the pace was higher. Cleveland were making their boards, but weren’t affective scoring. The Warriors were passing excellently forcing Cleveland to work from behind. Matthew Dellavedova had a silent game at this point and Lebron wasn’t effective as he tried to adjust. Sean Livingston and Raymond Green are giving solid numbers for the Warriors.
Lebron got double teamed constantly and didn’t get the same looks he had before. Bogut finally appeared to cover Mozgov. Lebron fell down hitting his head on camera within five minutes of the end of the half. After a break to stop the bleeding and two shots at the line, Lebron returned. Bogut picked up his third foul in 2 minutes. Although Curry had only eight points, the warriors took the half 54-42 and any punter who bet on the Warriors with those sports scores should be dancing right about now.
Cleveland was more or less desperate in the beginning of the second half. Dellavedova made a three-pointer bringing the Warrior lead to 11. Iguodala threw the ball away as Cleveland got down to the other end and couldn’t complete the play. A behind the back pass by Smith to Movgov who finished with a layup, showed some signs of a pulse for Cleveland.
The Warriors pressure was proving too great for Cleveland. A couple of shots on the free throw line by Mozgov cut the Warrior lead to nine. A jumper by Iman Shumpert brought it to five. With the next transition being an alley oop by the Cavaliers, the game had a three-point separation. David Lee returned to the game, was fouled hard and made one foul shot. Cleveland was struggling as the quarter ended 76-70.
The spike that occurred in Warrior defense at the end of the third quarter continued to grow in the fourth quarter. Golden State was dominating the boards. Cleveland couldn’t seem to make a dent in the Warrior’s lead because of their poor shooting and their lack to recover key offensive and defensive rebounds. The small team adjustment made by Coach Kerr kept the Warrior offense able to capitalize enough on their opportunities.
The quarter seemed to be owned by Golden State transition after transition. Lebron came out that night looking a bit drained and ran out of options. Everything seemed to favor Golden state tonight. With a 20 point lead with two minutes left, any punter for Cleveland who used live sports results was by now “crying in the corner.” Golden State won 106-82 as the 2015 NBA Finals are officially tied 2-2.
The Warriors found their groove and won 106-82 tying the series 2-2.
The NBA Finals game four had all the excitement and thrills that was expected of a finals game. It cannot be said that it wasn’t a trip. When you are the Warriors and you had to win, there was no better place than in Cleveland’s back yard. After all the Cavaliers did the same thing to them in game two so the treatment was expected to paid back in kind. Warriors coach Steve Kerr found a way to get through the Cavalier offense by changing up the line-up and going small. Golden State had a new strategy that Cleveland would have to learn to adjust to. The real comeback was in the fourth quarter of game three when Stephen Curry got back into the rhythm of his game that led the Warriors to 67 wins making gambling news.
The Cleveland Cavaliers got off to a quick start in the first quarter. Their court coverage looked good. Iman Shumpert hit an early three-pointer to help raise the score. Lebron, getting in on the action early, drove to one side of the paint and gives a “no look” pass to Mozgov who was wide open and dunked the ball which raised their lead. Igadawa, who is a starter, was impressive. Curry was a bit more tenacious this game.
Although Cleveland was in the lead, they started to look tentative around the fifth minute as more players stood around as Warriors were making plays. A shot by Clay Thompson gave the Warriors their first lead in more than one game. Coach Kerr got his wish for a more mobile, Warriors as Golden State kept their pace alive in the second quarter.
The Cavaliers, with only eight players used in the series, were anticipated to be tired if the pace was higher. Cleveland were making their boards, but weren’t affective scoring. The Warriors were passing excellently forcing Cleveland to work from behind. Matthew Dellavedova had a silent game at this point and Lebron wasn’t effective as he tried to adjust. Sean Livingston and Raymond Green are giving solid numbers for the Warriors.
Lebron got double teamed constantly and didn’t get the same looks he had before. Bogut finally appeared to cover Mozgov. Lebron fell down hitting his head on camera within five minutes of the end of the half. After a break to stop the bleeding and two shots at the line, Lebron returned. Bogut picked up his third foul in 2 minutes. Although Curry had only eight points, the warriors took the half 54-42 and any punter who bet on the Warriors with those sports scores should be dancing right about now.
Cleveland was more or less desperate in the beginning of the second half. Dellavedova made a three-pointer bringing the Warrior lead to 11. Iguodala threw the ball away as Cleveland got down to the other end and couldn’t complete the play. A behind the back pass by Smith to Movgov who finished with a layup, showed some signs of a pulse for Cleveland.
The Warriors pressure was proving too great for Cleveland. A couple of shots on the free throw line by Mozgov cut the Warrior lead to nine. A jumper by Iman Shumpert brought it to five. With the next transition being an alley oop by the Cavaliers, the game had a three-point separation. David Lee returned to the game, was fouled hard and made one foul shot. Cleveland was struggling as the quarter ended 76-70.
The spike that occurred in Warrior defense at the end of the third quarter continued to grow in the fourth quarter. Golden State was dominating the boards. Cleveland couldn’t seem to make a dent in the Warrior’s lead because of their poor shooting and their lack to recover key offensive and defensive rebounds. The small team adjustment made by Coach Kerr kept the Warrior offense able to capitalize enough on their opportunities.
The quarter seemed to be owned by Golden State transition after transition. Lebron came out that night looking a bit drained and ran out of options. Everything seemed to favor Golden state tonight. With a 20 point lead with two minutes left, any punter for Cleveland who used live sports results was by now “crying in the corner.” Golden State won 106-82 as the 2015 NBA Finals are officially tied 2-2.
The Cavaliers stayed strong with defense won again 96-91 leading the series 2-1.
The last two games ended in overtime and sent a clear message that there was much effort going into this series from both sides. As you can feel the excitement in the air of the excited Cleveland crowd, Lebron stops in front of NFL football legend Jim Brown and bows. Stephen Curry, who had the worst performance of his year, called game two a “fluke.” On Tuesday, he didn’t have the same appearance of ferocity as he did in the first game. This “other” Curry is more tentative at times and is actually starting to miss the ball more often. Cleveland won game 2 shooting 32 percent from the field. Lebron and company have found the secret recipe for breaking down the Warrior offense while making the latest gambling news.
Unlike the last two games, this game got off to a quick start as the Cavaliers put in 4 points before the Warriors scored a point. Stephen Curry was in foul jeopardy from the beginning. Thompson gets in some early boards as Cleveland gets more looks at the basket. Cleveland’s James Jones makes a four point play and starts his fire engulfed performance.
Golden State coach Steve Kerr had been encouraging his players to just keep the ball moving and pick up the pace. Although the Warriors can play slower, Cleveland is not as good at playing faster. Matthew Dellavedova is continuing the same “badass” defense he started last game. Curry loses the ball and two Cavaliers steal it ending the quarter 24-20.
Iman Shumpert, who received a shoulder injury in the first quarter, is kept out as the 2nd quarter continues. Thompson, who had 6 rebounds in eight minutes, is still a defensive force. The Warriors brought it close in the second quarter to a two-point game. JR Smith starts to feel his groove as his puts up a three pointer.
Bogut for the Warriors was able to block in the paint as he passed it to Clay Thomspon for an easy two. Mozgov, Bogut’s Cleveland counterpart was doing a better job. Shumpert came in and instantly produced. The Warriors hadn’t stayed too far behind, but Cleveland kept the lead. The Warriors could only manage 37 points as Cleveland led at the half with 44 making serious sports scores for punters.
Delladedova comes out hard in the third quarter as Cleveland pushed their lead to 10 which forced Coach Kerr to call a time out for the Warriors. Clay Thompson got his groove on with a serious dunk. Throughout the game, Cleveland benefits with shooting percentage thats10 percent higher. Curry made his first shot since the first 90 seconds of the first quarter.
With three minutes left, the Cleveland was leading by 20. A quick three-pointer by Curry calmed things a little. Lebron was controlled the tempo. Livingston could only do so much against Lebron as he put in his 24th point. Andrew Barbosa for Golden State put in a three-pointer. A seventh block by Lebron in the last 10 seconds ended the quarter.
Clay Thompson keeps it going and helps bring the score to within nine. David Lee of the Warriors was looking more like an “x-factor” in this game. His fresh play of the bench made the difference. Curry with 10 points in the quarter brought the game 77-73. Seven turnovers by Cleveland in the fourth quarter definite had put the Warriors back in the game. Curry started to act like his old self.
A mean alley-oop pass by Dellavedova to Lebron’s two handed slam rocked the crowd and put their lead back to five. Lee, at nine points, is still putting numbers on the board at three minutes left. Curry once again brought the score within one. Curry covered a less skillful Dellavedova and as he fell to the ground put up a crazy two-pointer that left Curry shaking his head while mumbling.
Lebron gets on Curry and he replied with fancy footwork and an around-the-back pass went to nobody as the Warriors got their first turnover in the quarter. Lebron obliged by taking it back up and making a three-pointer. The Warriors seriously started to come back and despite sports scores news on this game, betting on the Warriors next game may prove smart. But the 10-3 run by Cleveland was too much as the game ended 96-91.
The Cavaliers stayed strong with defense won again 96-91 leading the series 2-1.
The last two games ended in overtime and sent a clear message that there was much effort going into this series from both sides. As you can feel the excitement in the air of the excited Cleveland crowd, Lebron stops in front of NFL football legend Jim Brown and bows. Stephen Curry, who had the worst performance of his year, called game two a “fluke.” On Tuesday, he didn’t have the same appearance of ferocity as he did in the first game. This “other” Curry is more tentative at times and is actually starting to miss the ball more often. Cleveland won game 2 shooting 32 percent from the field. Lebron and company have found the secret recipe for breaking down the Warrior offense while making the latest gambling news.
Unlike the last two games, this game got off to a quick start as the Cavaliers put in 4 points before the Warriors scored a point. Stephen Curry was in foul jeopardy from the beginning. Thompson gets in some early boards as Cleveland gets more looks at the basket. Cleveland’s James Jones makes a four point play and starts his fire engulfed performance.
Golden State coach Steve Kerr had been encouraging his players to just keep the ball moving and pick up the pace. Although the Warriors can play slower, Cleveland is not as good at playing faster. Matthew Dellavedova is continuing the same “badass” defense he started last game. Curry loses the ball and two Cavaliers steal it ending the quarter 24-20.
Iman Shumpert, who received a shoulder injury in the first quarter, is kept out as the 2nd quarter continues. Thompson, who had 6 rebounds in eight minutes, is still a defensive force. The Warriors brought it close in the second quarter to a two-point game. JR Smith starts to feel his groove as his puts up a three pointer.
Bogut for the Warriors was able to block in the paint as he passed it to Clay Thomspon for an easy two. Mozgov, Bogut’s Cleveland counterpart was doing a better job. Shumpert came in and instantly produced. The Warriors hadn’t stayed too far behind, but Cleveland kept the lead. The Warriors could only manage 37 points as Cleveland led at the half with 44 making serious sports scores for punters.
Delladedova comes out hard in the third quarter as Cleveland pushed their lead to 10 which forced Coach Kerr to call a time out for the Warriors. Clay Thompson got his groove on with a serious dunk. Throughout the game, Cleveland benefits with shooting percentage thats10 percent higher. Curry made his first shot since the first 90 seconds of the first quarter.
With three minutes left, the Cleveland was leading by 20. A quick three-pointer by Curry calmed things a little. Lebron was controlled the tempo. Livingston could only do so much against Lebron as he put in his 24th point. Andrew Barbosa for Golden State put in a three-pointer. A seventh block by Lebron in the last 10 seconds ended the quarter.
Clay Thompson keeps it going and helps bring the score to within nine. David Lee of the Warriors was looking more like an “x-factor” in this game. His fresh play of the bench made the difference. Curry with 10 points in the quarter brought the game 77-73. Seven turnovers by Cleveland in the fourth quarter definite had put the Warriors back in the game. Curry started to act like his old self.
A mean alley-oop pass by Dellavedova to Lebron’s two handed slam rocked the crowd and put their lead back to five. Lee, at nine points, is still putting numbers on the board at three minutes left. Curry once again brought the score within one. Curry covered a less skillful Dellavedova and as he fell to the ground put up a crazy two-pointer that left Curry shaking his head while mumbling.
Lebron gets on Curry and he replied with fancy footwork and an around-the-back pass went to nobody as the Warriors got their first turnover in the quarter. Lebron obliged by taking it back up and making a three-pointer. The Warriors seriously started to come back and despite sports scores news on this game, betting on the Warriors next game may prove smart. But the 10-3 run by Cleveland was too much as the game ended 96-91.
It’s always easier to look at things in retrospect. Perhaps figuring out what happened and what will happen was and is more a factor of logic and not special insight. After the first two losses the Atlanta Hawks one must wonder how can a team with a 60-game winning season collapse under a team that’s largely road weary and incomplete?
The Cavaliers were missing Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, two key players. The Hawks had a 19-game winning streak earlier this year leaving many punters loyal betters according to gambling laws. Lebron James may be the finest player of his generation, but Iman Shumpert, J.R Smith and Timofey Mozgov gave James something to work with.
sbnation.com Cavaliers vs. Hawks 2015 results: 3 things we learned from Cleveland’s shorthanded win
In game two, James got aggressive early, attacked and put up five shots quickly. Unfortunately for the Hawks, James never let up. Poor DeMarre Carroll, of the Hawks, had the unpleasant job of defending James while having a knee injury. Game two clearly showed that the Cavaliers weren’t going to allow a simple one-game split. Despite any of the injuries of his team, James put up 30 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists.
The second quarter caused no alarm to anyone as the abuse of Atlanta continued. James simply doled out the passes which led to 3-pointers by Shumpert, Smith and Jones. Tristan Thompson dominated the boards with 16 rebounds while dismantling Atlanta’s Paul Millsap. Whatever strategy the Hawks had proved moot against Cleveland’s fervor. Kyle Korver was able to produce for Atlanta while Jeff Teague was held to the outside.
Mozgov proved to be influential on defense along with Shumpert. As the Hawks shortened rotations, the injuries had their affect in the second half. Korver had to leave the game with ankle trouble. Carrol and Horford were not up for the part they had to play. The 94-82 win by Cleveland was accomplished by collapsing Atlanta’s defense. Atlanta was also the victims of a horrendous second half.
foxsports.comCleveland Cavaliers beat Atlanta Hawks in OT to take 3-0 series lead
One should not look at Cleveland’s 114-111 victory over Atlanta as simply more of the same. There were definitely different factors affecting the outcome of the game. The foremost factor being that this match, going into overtime, clearly showed that the Hawks didn’t want to lose. The second factor lies in a Cavaliers player called Matthew Dellavedova, an Australian who replaced Kyrie Irving, the All-star. A move which may have surprised a few punters out there waging by use of sports score news.
Dellavedova, in the 45 minutes he played, was able to score 17 much needed points for Cleveland. In the third quarter Dellavedova was involved in a collision with Atlanta’s Al Horford which left him ejected from the game on a flagrant 2 foul. Dellavedova tripped over DeMarre Carrol of the hawks and then fell back into Horford. The center got out of the rubble, then dropped his elbow and body on Dellavordova’s back and head.
James was still a bit cold in shooting. That changed as James started to put up points and ended with 37 points 18 rebounds and 13 assists as the game was tied at the end of the fourth quarter. Jeff Teague and Paul Millsap gave great performances for the Hawks, but Cleveland came a bit harder with J.R Smith scoring 17 points. At the end of the overtime, James collapsed to the floor in exhaustion.
usatoday.com Cavaliers sweep Hawks as LeBron James reaches fifth consecutive NBA Finals
Too much was stacked up against Atlanta for them to survive this series. Yes it must be considered that no team in NBA history has ever climbed out of 3-0 deficit. Yes three teams have come back to reach a seventh game. But do you really see Atlanta being in that company? The 118-88 slaughter is to be expected. Making gambling news, James is the first player to enter five consecutive finals with 2 different teams.
Cleveland simply swept over Atlanta like a tsunami from the beginning. By the time the Cavaliers were up in the first quarter 24-14, the Atlanta became Atlantis with the Hawk’s players submerged bodies floating in the wake. Unfortunately, James’ contributions of 23 points, 9 rebounds and 9.3 assists were modest and all that was necessary. Irving, with tendinitis in his left knee scored 16 points.
Mozgov, Thompson and Smith had 14,16 and 18-point contributions to the Cavalier’s grandeur on the court. The first half had Atlanta down by 20 points. Cleveland shot at 51% in the first half and it marked the end of the game for most. Although Teague scored 17 points and Millsap 16 respectively, the Atlanta team couldn’t do anymore. The Atlanta team, who was once the second best 3-point shooting team in the NBA, was diminished to 23.4% for 3-pointers in the entire series.
It’s always easier to look at things in retrospect. Perhaps figuring out what happened and what will happen was and is more a factor of logic and not special insight. After the first two losses the Atlanta Hawks one must wonder how can a team with a 60-game winning season collapse under a team that’s largely road weary and incomplete?
The Cavaliers were missing Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, two key players. The Hawks had a 19-game winning streak earlier this year leaving many punters loyal betters according to gambling laws. Lebron James may be the finest player of his generation, but Iman Shumpert, J.R Smith and Timofey Mozgov gave James something to work with.
sbnation.com Cavaliers vs. Hawks 2015 results: 3 things we learned from Cleveland’s shorthanded win
In game two, James got aggressive early, attacked and put up five shots quickly. Unfortunately for the Hawks, James never let up. Poor DeMarre Carroll, of the Hawks, had the unpleasant job of defending James while having a knee injury. Game two clearly showed that the Cavaliers weren’t going to allow a simple one-game split. Despite any of the injuries of his team, James put up 30 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists.
The second quarter caused no alarm to anyone as the abuse of Atlanta continued. James simply doled out the passes which led to 3-pointers by Shumpert, Smith and Jones. Tristan Thompson dominated the boards with 16 rebounds while dismantling Atlanta’s Paul Millsap. Whatever strategy the Hawks had proved moot against Cleveland’s fervor. Kyle Korver was able to produce for Atlanta while Jeff Teague was held to the outside.
Mozgov proved to be influential on defense along with Shumpert. As the Hawks shortened rotations, the injuries had their affect in the second half. Korver had to leave the game with ankle trouble. Carrol and Horford were not up for the part they had to play. The 94-82 win by Cleveland was accomplished by collapsing Atlanta’s defense. Atlanta was also the victims of a horrendous second half.
foxsports.comCleveland Cavaliers beat Atlanta Hawks in OT to take 3-0 series lead
One should not look at Cleveland’s 114-111 victory over Atlanta as simply more of the same. There were definitely different factors affecting the outcome of the game. The foremost factor being that this match, going into overtime, clearly showed that the Hawks didn’t want to lose. The second factor lies in a Cavaliers player called Matthew Dellavedova, an Australian who replaced Kyrie Irving, the All-star. A move which may have surprised a few punters out there waging by use of sports score news.
Dellavedova, in the 45 minutes he played, was able to score 17 much needed points for Cleveland. In the third quarter Dellavedova was involved in a collision with Atlanta’s Al Horford which left him ejected from the game on a flagrant 2 foul. Dellavedova tripped over DeMarre Carrol of the hawks and then fell back into Horford. The center got out of the rubble, then dropped his elbow and body on Dellavordova’s back and head.
James was still a bit cold in shooting. That changed as James started to put up points and ended with 37 points 18 rebounds and 13 assists as the game was tied at the end of the fourth quarter. Jeff Teague and Paul Millsap gave great performances for the Hawks, but Cleveland came a bit harder with J.R Smith scoring 17 points. At the end of the overtime, James collapsed to the floor in exhaustion.
usatoday.com Cavaliers sweep Hawks as LeBron James reaches fifth consecutive NBA Finals
Too much was stacked up against Atlanta for them to survive this series. Yes it must be considered that no team in NBA history has ever climbed out of 3-0 deficit. Yes three teams have come back to reach a seventh game. But do you really see Atlanta being in that company? The 118-88 slaughter is to be expected. Making gambling news, James is the first player to enter five consecutive finals with 2 different teams.
Cleveland simply swept over Atlanta like a tsunami from the beginning. By the time the Cavaliers were up in the first quarter 24-14, the Atlanta became Atlantis with the Hawk’s players submerged bodies floating in the wake. Unfortunately, James’ contributions of 23 points, 9 rebounds and 9.3 assists were modest and all that was necessary. Irving, with tendinitis in his left knee scored 16 points.
Mozgov, Thompson and Smith had 14,16 and 18-point contributions to the Cavalier’s grandeur on the court. The first half had Atlanta down by 20 points. Cleveland shot at 51% in the first half and it marked the end of the game for most. Although Teague scored 17 points and Millsap 16 respectively, the Atlanta team couldn’t do anymore. The Atlanta team, who was once the second best 3-point shooting team in the NBA, was diminished to 23.4% for 3-pointers in the entire series.