NBA Finals 2015: Key Takeaways from the Cavaliers' Win in Game 3

After the knee injury to star guard Kyrie Irving, many experts and fans alike doubted the Cleveland Cavaliers would make this year’s NBA Finals a respectable series. After a 96-91 Game 3 win Tuesday night in Cleveland, the Cavaliers lead the series 2-1 and have the Golden State Warriors on their heels.

LeBron James once again proved that the Cavaliers don’t need stars Irving and Kevin Love to win games in the postseason. James recorded 40 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists to lead his team in a crucial Game 3.

2015 NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry struggled to find his rhythm early, and the Cavs held him to just three points in the first half. Despite mirroring his usual self with 24 points in the second half, his late turnovers and key misses sealed his team’s fate.

Here are some key takeaways after Cleveland’s win in Game 3.

Dellavedova Isn’t Just a One-Game Wonder

It’s safe to say that few people picked Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova to make an impact in this series.

After limited minutes in the postseason, Dellavedova emerged on the scene after the injury to Irving. Since he entered the team’s starting lineup, his high-pressure defense on Curry, combined with his clutch playmaking abilities, has turned this no-name into an early NBA Finals MVP candidate.

Dellavedova scored a playoff career-high 20 points in Game 3 and shot 4-of-5 from the free-throw line. ESPN Radio host Freddie Coleman was impressed by Dellavedova’s performance:

Before Game 2, Dellavedova had hardly made any sort of an impact for his team. ESPN Stats & Info showed Dellavedova's emergence since Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks:

Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen also gave props to Dellavedova:

Dellavedova has made a profound impact on the defensive end of the floor with his relentless defense on Curry and willingness to put it all on the line for his team. ESPN sportswriter Gene Wojciechowski praised Dellavedova’s grit and determination:

While there is plenty of basketball to be played in this series, Dellavedova has arguably been the most important player on the floor for the Cavaliers. It’s also clear that people aren’t ignoring the Australian’s talents.

Warriors Bigs Need to Play Bigger

Aside from the Splash Brothers, fans have praised the Warriors for having great depth in the team’s backcourt. After Game 3, though, it is clear that the Cavaliers frontcourt combination of Tristan Thompson and Timofey Mozgov has been outplaying and outmatching the Warriors down low.

Former All-Star David Lee was the only Warriors frontcourt player to score more than seven points in Game 3. Forward Draymond Green got in foul trouble early and shot just 2-of-10 from the floor. Center Andrew Bogut appeared hesitant to post up against Thompson and Mozgov and finished Game 3 with just four points and six rebounds.

San Jose Mercury News columnist Tim Kawakami said that Lee was the only big man the Warriors could rely on:

Former NBA All-Star Wally Szczerbiak noted Green’s struggles in Game 3:

Center Festus Ezeli subbed in for Bogut later in the game but failed to make a significant impact. When Ezeli was on the court for the Warriors, his team scored nine fewer points than it did when he was on the bench.

While Ezeli didn’t light up the stat sheet, his hustle garnered the attention of some fans:

"

Festus Ezeli needs more minutes over Bogut, love the effort of him out there

— Shake4ndbake (@Shake4ndBake) June 10, 2015"

If the Warriors are to come back and win Game 4 on Thursday, they will need to match the intensity of the Cavaliers frontcourt. There is no doubt that they have the potential to control the paint, but whether they will find a way to produce in this year’s NBA Finals remains to be seen.

Follow Curtis on Twitter: @CalhounCurtis.