The Cleveland Cavaliers win game three of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.... By Cleveland Urban News.Com Sportswriter Karl Kimbrough
By Karl Kimbrough, Cleveland Urban News.Com sportswriter (kimbrough@clevelandurbannews.com). Cleveland Urban News. Com and The Cleveland Urban News.Com Blog, Ohio's Leaders In Black Digital News . Tel: 216-659-0473. Email: editor@clevelandurbannews.com
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| Cleveland Urban News.Com Sportswriter Karl Kimbrough |
The Cavaliers took a two to one lead in this best of seven series with the Warriors. James was two assists away from his second straight triple double. He finished the game with 40 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.
It is no longer surprising to say that Dellavedova had the second best performance for the Cavaliers in a playoff game, which he was on Tuesday night. Dellavedova has stepped in and stepped up for the injured Kyrie Irving at point guard for Cleveland. For the second game in a row Dellavedova played velcro defense against this seasons NBA MVP Stephan Curry. This time Dellavedova added 20 points and four assists along with five rebounds to his defensive performance.
Curry had a game high 27 points for the Warriors, but was held to only three points at half time while Dellavedova was his primary defender. Curry finally showed his MVP shooting stroke against good defense in the fourth quarter when he scored 14 of his 27 points.
James continues to put on virtuoso performances in these playoffs, to the amazement of even former NBA stars like Isaiah Thomas. Thomas compared James' play making and game management to Magic Johnson, his dominant scoring to Michael Jordan, and his ability to control the paint on offense to Kareem Abdul Jabar. That is how over whelming James has been in this series.
In addition, by being the main ball handler he toke the opportunity to successfully slow down the tempo or pace of the game Tuesday, which made the Warriors uncomfortable. Not being able to play at a fast pace has made it difficult for Golden State to get into the free flowing rhythm which
they are accustomed to. Controlling the tempo as well as the Cavaliers unsung heroes playing great team defense is why the Warriors scored a playoff low 37 points in the first half.
Golden State was held to 40 percent scoring for the second time in three games. Warriors guard Klay Thompson who seemed to be hitting his stride when he scored 34 points in game two of the series was held to only 14 points on six out of 16 shooting. After holding a 20 point lead, 67-47 late
in the third quarter and a 72-55 lead at the end of the third, Cleveland let the Warriors back in the game. Golden State got back to their style of play in the fourth quarter largely because of six Cavalier turnovers allowing them to turn up the tempo.
The Warriors offensive free flow led to 36 fourth quarter points and cut the Cleveland lead to just one at 80-81. Thereafter the Cavs turned up their offense and managed to hold on down the stretch to the delight of their rockis fans. Now the two teams will play game four Thursday at Quicken Loans Arena before they head back to the West Coast for game five on Sunday. (www.clevelandurbannews.com) / (www.kathywraycolemanonlinenewsblog.com)
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