NBA Finals Schedule 2016: Warriors vs. Cavaliers Game 4 TV Info and Predictions

It turns out the Cleveland Cavaliers weren't ready to declare the NBA Finals over like the rest of America.

While the Golden State Warriors were able to build a 2-0 series lead with dominant home victories, it was a different story in Game 3. Even without Kevin Love, Cleveland's best players stepped up with big efforts, while the defense was as good as it has been all series.

The difference in outside shooting (12-of-25 for the Cavaliers, 9-of-23 for the Warriors) was another big reason for what became a 30-point victory.

As important as this win was, a poor showing from Cleveland in Game 4 could once again shift momentum back to Golden State and give the Western Conference champions a chance to clinch at home. You won't want to miss a minute of the action.

NBA Finals Game 4

Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland

When: Friday, June 10, 2016

Time: 9 p.m. ET

TV: ABC

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

Preview

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

There were a lot of reasons for the change in Cleveland's fortunes in Game 3; the location was only part of the turnaround. Arguably, the biggest difference came with the intensity the Cavaliers brought in what was a must-win game.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr explained how the Cavaliers took control right out of the gate, per Fran Blinebury of NBA.com:

"

We weren't ready to play. Obviously they just punched us in the mouth right in the beginning. We're turning the ball over like crazy.

Soft. We were extremely soft to start the game and then they set the tone with their intensity. I think it was 9-0 and we had to call a timeout. Steph (Curry) got beat backdoor, couple of turnovers. Just a horrible way to start.

"

Whether Golden State had gotten overconfident from its past success or the team just wasn't ready to play, it was clear who wanted this game more Wednesday night. A 9-0 start that turned into a 33-13 lead before the end of the first quarter was all the home team needed to send the necessary message.

If the Warriors are going to have a better performance in Game 4, they will need to be more aggressive to start the game and ready to match Cleveland's intensity.

Beyond the emotional change, though, the Cavaliers were successful thanks to a different lineup that matched up with the Warriors better. Richard Jefferson replaced the injured Love in the starting five, which pushed LeBron James to power forward and made the entire team much more dynamic.

James responded offensively with 32 points—just the second time he reached the 30-point mark in the entire postseason. Just as importantly, he went 14-of-26 (53.8 percent) from the field after shooting just 16-of-38 (42.1 percent) in the first two games.

Ethan J. Skolnick of the Miami Herald, who watched some of James' best seasons with the Miami Heat, provided his thoughts on the positional change:

The switch also opened things up for the backcourt combination of Kyrie Irving and J.R. Smith, who combined for 50 points in the win.

Finally, this smaller lineup allowed James to match up against Draymond Green, who scored just six points in 36 minutes after going off for 28 in Game 2. While Green isn't the Warriors' leading scorer, he is important to the offense, and Cleveland's ability to limit him will be pivotal going forward.

This all shows that whether Love is healthy or not, the Cavaliers have to spend a lot of time playing a smaller lineup.

Of course, the Warriors are still dangerous. We haven't seen the best out of Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson yet—two of the best scorers in the game who averaged more than 50 points per game combined during the regular season. This tandem has combined to average just 28 points in three games so far this series.

If these All-Stars are able to knock down shots like they can and the entire team elevates its intensity, Golden State has a chance to bounce back with a Game 4 victory.

However, the adjustments Cleveland made were real. When you consider the squad is 8-0 at Quicken Loans Arena in the postseason after going 33-8 during the regular season, this won't be an easy team to beat. The recent play and renewed confidence should help the Cavaliers even up this series at 2-2.

Prediction: Cavaliers 101, Warriors 98

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