NBA Finals Schedule 2017: Game 5 TV Info, Cavaliers vs. Warriors Predictions
The Cleveland Cavaliers avoided a 2017 NBA Finals sweep with a 137-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 4. After an extraordinary performance, many wonder if the defending champions could push this series to seven games.
As expected, the Cavaliers needed their Big Three to play at optimal levels in unison, and the trio scored 94 points on Friday:
Despite widespread spectator dissatisfaction with the officiating, the Cavaliers' scoring onslaught, which modified the record books, deserves recognition:
In the closing moments of Game 4, the home crowd showed their support and belief in accomplishing the unexpected:
As good as the Warriors have played through four games, an uneasiness rests within the fanbase after watching their team become the first to blow a 3-1 NBA Finals series lead last year. Once again, the Cavaliers look to make history on the league's biggest stage.
On Monday, Cleveland will attempt to hand the Golden State its first home postseason loss and return to Quicken Loans Arena for Game 6 Thursday. Tune in with the viewing details below for Game 5:
Where: Oracle Arena in Oakland, California
When: Monday, June 12, at 9 p.m. ET
Watch: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Predictions
The Cavaliers' three-point barrage kept the series alive. The defending champions logged 24 three-pointers on 53 percent shooting, which will be difficult to replicate for Game 5.
The Warriors also allowed a whopping 86 points in the first half—another number that should drop on Monday.
After three solid performances, Stephen Curry experienced an off night, shooting 4-of-13 from the field and 2-of-9 from beyond the arc in 38 minutes. Expect him to adjust to the Cavaliers' physical play and respond with a better output in the upcoming contest.
Most players will say each game, especially in the postseason, looks much different than the previous contest with adjustments made on both sides.
For starters, the Cavaliers won't have as many uncontested three-point attempts. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr likely focused on closing that loophole over the weekend. ESPN Stats & Info tracked the Warriors' inability to challenge shooters on the perimeter:
We can only count on two constants for Game 5: Kevin Durant leading the Warriors in scoring, and LeBron James filling the stat sheet.
Coming into Game 4, Kyrie Irving shot 5-of-17 from three-point territory; he converted on 7-of-12 attempts from beyond the arc in the previous outing. For the postseason, the 25-year-old guard has converted 37 percent of his triples, which suggests his hot hand probably cools off at Oracle Arena.
At the very least, the Cavaliers will need to see J.R. Smith shoot with confidence from distance to offset any drop off in Kevin Love's or Irving's production. After two games shooting 50 percent or higher in three-point attempts, Klay Thompson probably takes on the assignment to limit the Cavaliers guard on the wing.
The league won't suspend Zaza Pachulia for his forearm strike to Iman Shumpert's groin area, per USA Today's Sam Amick.
The chippy play in Game 4 will continue on Monday. The officials will need to establish order early in the contest to ensure physicality doesn't cross the line into foul play.
While battling old 3-1 ghosts, the Warriors will experience some tightness in their game at some points in Game 5. However, Durant and Curry will have enough to close the series in five games at home.
Prediction: Warriors 120, Cavaliers 114
NBA Finals MVP: Kevin Durant
