The Cleveland Cavaliers lead the Golden State Warriors 2-1 in the NBA Finals 2015, and a win on Thursday night would edge them ever closer to an elusive title.
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland.
When: Friday June 12, 02:00 (UK time)
Watch live: Click here to watch on BT Sport online!
The Cavs are banged up as on top of losing Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, the likes of Iman Shumpert and Matthew Dellavedova struggled with their own issues after Game 3.
However, the one constant in this heroic effort from Cleveland remains and that is LeBron James pushing the team towards a championship with every last drop of energy that he has left.
James has now scored 123 points in this series so far, breaking Rick Barry’s previous Finals record through the opening three games with 122 set back in 1967.
While his team puts together a defiant effort on the defensive end to limit one of the highest-scoring teams in the NBA all season, the two-time NBA champion is going to work offensively and leading their charge.
While it has made for an epic series thus far, there is still the danger that the tank is running low for Cleveland heading into Game 4 and they will be fully aware of how momentum can change very quickly in the playoffs.
Having won on the road and followed it up with another impressive display last time out, they will be warned against being complacent as the Warriors finally showed signs of clicking into place at the end of Tuesday’s loss.
Stephen Curry continues to struggle with his shot as well as the Dellavedova factor keeping him out of rhythm, but with the Australian hospitalised with severe cramps just two days ago, it remains to be seen how much he still has left to give after playing a starring role so far.
Further, Draymond Green has warned his teammates that they need to be more desperate and show some fight, and you can expect a reaction from Steve Kerr’s men on Thursday with their title hopes on the line.
Whether or not it will be enough to outfight and out-class LeBron and the Cavs remains to be seen, but the Warriors will not want to head home for Sunday’s Game 5 knowing that a loss in front of their home fans would end their season without a championship.
Somehow, Golden State remain the favourites to win the title this year. However, if they don’t start living up to their expectations on Thursday, that could change very quickly.
Prediction: Back the Warriors to hit back and tie the series as tired legs start to get the better of the Cavs.
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