Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green insisted prior to Game 4 that his struggles were the reason that his team were facing a 2-1 deficit in the NBA Finals.
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Green bounced back with a much improved performance on Thursday night after putting up 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists along with two steals as his effort and leadership came to the fore in the Warriors win.
While that will give the Western Conference champions fresh impetus to now go on and take a series lead on Sunday, the forward’s return to form will certainly have pleased coach Steve Kerr who made key adjustments.
Green was switched to center in a small line-up which allowed Andre Iguodala to come in for Andrew Bogut, and Iguodala played a key role again not only offensively but also in defending LeBron James and limiting him.
“If I play to my level, I think we’re up 3-0. But I haven’t. So we’re down 2-1. So it’s on me,” he said, according to the Bay Area News Group.
Guard Klay Thompson insisted prior to the game that if the Warriors clicked offensively, then they would win this series. The Cavs defence has made it difficult for them through the first three games, but it appeared as though Thompson’s prediction was right with Stephen Curry also breaking out of his slump in the 103-82 victory.
Fatigue may also be playing a role in the turnaround as the Cavs were struggling this time round to keep up with the tempo, and that could be key the longer this series goes on with Game 5 taking place on Sunday night back at the Oracle Arena before Game 6 is back in Cleveland next Tuesday.
With the momentum shifting again in what has been a thrilling Finals so far, it will now be on the Cavs to respond and show that they still have plenty left in the tank.
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