We don't know what Detroit would do if they played Toronto or Atlanta. I think Detroit is just as good as Indiana and Boston and Miami without Whiteside and Bosh.

 

Pistons were a combined 1-5 vs. Atlanta and Toronto this year.  They were swept by the Hawks.  They also finished behind both in the standings and, specifically, 12 games behind the Raptors.  Of course nobody "knows" because they didn't play each other in the playoffs, but every objective measurable we have to go on says the Hawks and Raptors are better teams.  I'd agree that Detroit is on the rise, but they are still missing a few pieces before they will be true contenders.  Until then, they are stuck in mediocrity and if they continue to slip into the playoffs as a lower seed (i.e. out of the draft lottery), there they will stay in all likelihood.

We don't know what Detroit would do if they played Toronto or Atlanta. I think Detroit is just as good as Indiana and Boston and Miami without Whiteside and Bosh.

 

Pistons were a combined 1-5 vs. Atlanta and Toronto this year.  They were swept by the Hawks.  They also finished behind both in the standings and, specifically, 12 games behind the Raptors.  Of course nobody "knows" because they didn't play each other in the playoffs, but every objective measurable we have to go on says the Hawks and Raptors are better teams.  I'd agree that Detroit is on the rise, but they are still missing a few pieces before they will be true contenders.  Until then, they are stuck in mediocrity and if they continue to slip into the playoffs as a lower seed (i.e. out of the draft lottery), there they will stay in all likelihood.

 

I agree with you for the most part but the regular season means nothing when the playoffs start. Cavs were 1-2 against the Raptors. Cavs were 1-3 against the Pistons (1-2 if you don't count the last game with scrubs). I could see Detroit taking Toronto or Atlanta to 7. Hell I think the Pistons could beat Atlanta with the way SVG was aligning the defense.

In taking control of LeBron, Tyronn Lue has created a monster in Cleveland

 

CLEVELAND -- The monster that has been unleashed here in the Eastern Conference finals didn't just wake up and start stomping around when the postseason began. The seeds were planted long before.

 

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/in-taking-control-of-lebron-tyronn-lue-has-created-a-monster-in-cleveland/

 

^In fairness, until the early 2000s, a 12-0 start prior to the Finals was impossible because, before that time, the Round 1 was the best 3-of-5.  The then-new Kobe-Shaq Lakers went 11-0 before losing Game 1 in the Finals to the 76ers in 2001.  After that 1st lost, though, the Lakers swept the next 4 from the Sixers meaning they went 15-1 in postseason... not too shabby. 

 

To be fair we've had over a decade of best-of-seven through the entire playoffs and no team has done better than 10-0. So it still would be quite special to go 12-0 even if one of those games is not in the Finals.

 

I'm quite aware of the 2001 Lakers. As I stated upthread they were one insane Mr. "Practice" AI performance away from going 15-0. The Lakers had some rust from having 8 days off. Even though the Lakers played really bad in the first half they still forced that game into OT.

 

What was nuts about that game was after Philly won "experts" were saying Kobe was already handing the torch over to AI and that the Sixers would sweep. Uh, yeah.

 

Agreed; in no way was I diminishing either your point or what this team/Lue are doing in these playoffs...

 

Isn't it ironic that Lue, the very coach helming this amazing Cavs run, was probably best known for Iverson's step-back 3, then stepping over the fallen Lue during that lone Lakers' hiccup in their 2001 championship run?

^In fairness, until the early 2000s, a 12-0 start prior to the Finals was impossible because, before that time, the Round 1 was the best 3-of-5.  The then-new Kobe-Shaq Lakers went 11-0 before losing Game 1 in the Finals to the 76ers in 2001.  After that 1st lost, though, the Lakers swept the next 4 from the Sixers meaning they went 15-1 in postseason... not too shabby. 

 

To be fair we've had over a decade of best-of-seven through the entire playoffs and no team has done better than 10-0. So it still would be quite special to go 12-0 even if one of those games is not in the Finals.

 

I'm quite aware of the 2001 Lakers. As I stated upthread they were one insane Mr. "Practice" AI performance away from going 15-0. The Lakers had some rust from having 8 days off. Even though the Lakers played really bad in the first half they still forced that game into OT.

 

What was nuts about that game was after Philly won "experts" were saying Kobe was already handing the torch over to AI and that the Sixers would sweep. Uh, yeah.

 

Agreed; in no way was I diminishing either your point or what this team/Lue are doing in these playoffs...

 

Isn't it ironic that Lue, the very coach helming this amazing Cavs run, was probably best known for Iverson's step-back 3, then stepping over the fallen Lue during that lone Lakers' hiccup in their 2001 championship run?

 

I was actually thinking about that too. Rick Fox mentioned it on NBA TV last week. That was probably the most memorable 4-1 Finals in this history of the NBA, even more so than the 4-1 Thunder-Heat finals when people were waiting for LeBron to "choke".

 

Feeling less confident about the Cavs chances after the Warriors thumped OKC. We'll see tonight.

 

On the side: I think it's ridiculous the Cavs/Raptors have to play every other night while the Thunder/Warriors get 3 days off. NBA playoff scheduling has always been bad. It took them forever to get rid of the terrible 2-3-2 home/away/home Finals format.

^Warriors and Thunder are changing time zones.  That might have something to do with it.  They also had less rest than the Cavs between series.  I actually like that the 3 day hiatus bumps our series ahead of theirs.

^Warriors and Thunder are changing time zones.  That might have something to do with it.  They also had less rest than the Cavs between series.  I actually like that the 3 day hiatus bumps our series ahead of theirs.

 

Only one day off between for Games 4/5/6/7 despite the travel between Oakland and OKC. I guess I shouldn't complain though. I kind of like the gap after the result of Game 2. Maybe the Warriors will come back to Earth for Game 3.

^I don't know what you guys think, but I'm still pulling for the Thunder, even though they are still a long shot -- which got even longer with their thumping by the Warriors last night.  I went to bed happy Monday.  Last night, not so much... Even though, in my heart-of-hearts, I believe this Cavs team can beat anybody... Still, the Warriors give me butterflies.  I would rather not play them.  Your thoughts?

^ This series is far from over, in fact it pretty much just starts in OKC.  Remember OKC got beat by 40 in SA.  I believe Durant and Russ will rebound from this loss and its a toss up.  Here is the Key, that game was over when Russ lost curry in the 3rd for that little burst, then it was just pile on for GSW.  Any team playing GSW absolutely cannot allow that burst where he just starts pulling up from all over.  The reason the cavs were in most of those finals games last year was because they defended him so well.  Then the rest of the warriors relaxed as OKC pretty much packed it in.  Billy Donovan is an excellent coach.  I look for OKC to get at least 1 at home.

^ This series is far from over, in fact it pretty much just starts in OKC.  Remember OKC got beat by 40 in SA.  I believe Durant and Russ will rebound from this loss and its a toss up.  Here is the Key, that game was over when Russ lost curry in the 3rd for that little burst, then it was just pile on for GSW.  Any team playing GSW absolutely cannot allow that burst where he just starts pulling up from all over.  The reason the cavs were in most of those finals games last year was because they defended him so well.  Then the rest of the warriors relaxed as OKC pretty much packed it in.  Billy Donovan is an excellent coach.  I look for OKC to get at least 1 at home.

 

You are correct!

OKC is starting to scare me more than GS

Game 4 is that series in my opinion.  Winner of game 4 wins that series.  THe thing is, OKC looks possessed right now.  They are just overpowering GSW.  Its evident that GSW is not that great defensively, their best defense is offense.  When they cant get those spurts, they are in trouble.  Couple other notes, Dion looks like he found himself a home.  Not only was he scoring but making incredible passes as well.  Im happy for him.  Its not an easy league to excel in, was wondering what his career would look like.  The OKC stars are just too much for the sharp shooters in GSW and they are defending GSW perfectly. 

 

Now to the Cavs,  10 out of 11 games they scored 100+ points.  They were due for a stinker, everyone has one.  Im not at all concerned about that...If they lose tonight I still won't be concerned, but probably confused.  I expect good adjustments and better shooting.  Toronto is just not a very good team.  Love and Kyrie don't have a track record of shrinking in the moment, so I would expect them to bounce back. 

It was a cold shooting night.  Our passes still looked good and they got us open shots.  And we even defended at least reasonably well; remember that the Raptors' 99 points would have lost them the first two games against us (we scored 115 and 108).  We were simply missing a lot of the same shots--good looks--that we made in the first two games for blowout wins.  Sucks to come so close to the 11-game playoff record and fall short, especially given that we kind of clearly beat ourselves, but this hasn't shaken my faith in the Cavs in this series.  Still very interested in what I'm seeing out West.

 

More importantly, Kyrie said he just got the wind knocked out of him, so it's sounds like we still have everyone healthy.  That's much more critical than one game.

Damn, what is happening in this series? I sincerely hope we are not watching a choke job in progress. After the first two games, it's almost unthinkable that the series is now tied 2-2. Also, what the hell is wrong with Kevin Love? Why was he not out there in the 4th? Injury? Cavs need to get it together, and fast.

Kevin Love hasn't showed up in the last two games. I don't blame Coach Lue for not playing him.

^I thought he was hurt.  Looked like he was nursing his knee on the bench.  Not sure what Dellavedova adds when he's on the floor.  He was getting burned on defense and was never open on offense, wasn't even looking to take a shot...  Toronto was on fire last night, great ball movement, tremendous defense.  Totally different game if Cavs hit a few more of those 3 point attempts in first half.

 

Live by the 3, die by the 3

From where I sit, I was thinking in the first half that we were going to win that game.  I have seen that movie before when Lebron was with the heat against the Pacers twice, against the bulls, etc.  Lebron no longer dominates with his freaskish athletic ability and hitting crazy shots, he controls the game.  And I was thinking if they just keep it within striking distance, they will eventually run right by the Raptors.  I believe that was the plan and it worked, except Toronto hit a few wild runners that were really well defended.  That is out of Lebrons control and that gave the Raptors more momentum to finish their push.  Of note, that Lowry and 1 runner was brutal when the Cavs had just taken a three point lead.  That being said, obviously Love is concerning at this point, he needs to do some soul searching, his shot is flat.  Still love RJ and Frye, those guys aren't nervous at all.

 

I still don't believe Toronto is a great team, I believe they caught some energy from their fans.  I still saw a lot of missed shots and garbage when they really had a chance to put the cavs away.  Cavs need to start strong tomorrow night and take back the momentum, get the win and shut the door Friday.  I would fully expect the most raucous Q yet tomorrow night.

 

And for those who all of a sudden don't think the Cavs can win a championship now, get off the ledge.  The Celtics championship team a few years back went 7 with a rookie Atlanta team and then the cavs.  The series precipitating the finals don't mean much, just have to find ways to win.  I just cant convince myself that the Toronto Raptors will be eliminating Lebron James and the Cavaliers.  Can any of you guys?

Tristan Thompson could be the most overpaid and overrated player in the NBA.

 

If you can't score or shoot free throws, you better be a lot tougher on defense (and the boards).  This is the second series, along with Detroit, that he has been rendered completely ineffective.  And this time, it's by a backup.

 

Speaking of Biyombo, he could be one of the dirtiest players in the league.  If he had landed that punch to Dellavedova's face he could have been facing a multi-game suspension.

One more point,  Guard play rules right now.  Derozan and lowry are the only reason they are in this series and the cavs are having some trouble containing them. If the cavs were to make the finals, I think that's another reason you want to see OKC.  They have Russ, but not two all stars in the back court

Agree, BelievelandD1...a little adversity may be good for the Cavs. I would be more concerned about tomorrow night if they didn't come back in the 2nd half.

Tristan Thompson could be the most overpaid and overrated player in the NBA.

 

If you can't score or shoot free throws, you better be a lot tougher on defense (and the boards).  This is the second series, along with Detroit, that he has been rendered completely ineffective.  And this time, it's by a backup.

 

Speaking of Biyombo, he could be one of the dirtiest players in the league.  If he had landed that punch to Dellavedova's face he could have been facing a multi-game suspension.

 

Tristan, really? No doubt Tristan has had issues on the interior but has anyone seen Kevin Love? He just completely disappeared over the last two games. Can't score unless he is wide-wide open. Can't hang on to any rebound defensively or offensively. Can't get to the rim. How many open looks can he pass up?

 

As for people on the ledge, the Cavs can't win a championship scoring 84 and 99 points. This is a fact. The Western Conference scoring isn't a mirage. If Love is going to shrink completely from a pressure situation then it's over for the Cavs.

 

But lets be honest about getting to the Finals, I have doubts the Cavs can win Game 5 and if they don't it's definitely Toronto in six.

 

Let's give credit where credit is due too, that 4th Quarter squad with Love on the bench erased an 11 point deficit in about 2 minutes with pick and rolls. It's something Lue should explore going forward in this series. They need to turn it up defensively because the shooters are fading.

Tristan Thompson could be the most overpaid and overrated player in the NBA.

 

If you can't score or shoot free throws, you better be a lot tougher on defense (and the boards).  This is the second series, along with Detroit, that he has been rendered completely ineffective.  And this time, it's by a backup.

 

Speaking of Biyombo, he could be one of the dirtiest players in the league.  If he had landed that punch to Dellavedova's face he could have been facing a multi-game suspension.

 

Of course there was also the Flagrant One on James.  There was an effort to do the right thing, and LeBron is doing his part, but you really don't want Dahntay Jones having to be your enforcer.

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2641923-lebron-james-will-pay-dahntay-jones-fine-for-punching-bismack-biyombo

He's going to pay all $80 of the fine?  How generous of him :).  What's ironic is that Jones' fine would have been exponentially more if he had NOT been suspended.  Probably around $25,000.  Since he was suspended for one game, his fine is one game check, which I heard is about $80 given his end of year signing and that they calculate the game check based on the 82 game season.

Hts121, you're our resident expert,  how you feeling about game 5?

Not sure how I got that title, but I'll take it ;).  I think it's a different game if we simply hit our shots.  13-41 from 3 point range and, in particular, the cold start, doomed us.  We're in a bit of a funk.  A cool off was inevitable after shooting the lights out vs. Atlanta.  I'm just glad it didn't happen in the Finals.  I'm still very confident.  I think we win in 6, although Game 6 will be tough.  Toronto plays inspired basketball in front of its home crowd.

Not sure how I got that title, but I'll take it ;).  I think it's a different game if we simply hit our shots.  13-41 from 3 point range and, in particular, the cold start, doomed us.  We're in a bit of a funk.  A cool off was inevitable after shooting the lights out vs. Atlanta.  I'm just glad it didn't happen in the Finals.  I'm still very confident.  I think we win in 6, although Game 6 will be tough.  Toronto plays inspired basketball in front of its home crowd.

 

Nice call on Game 5, Hts. You are earning your new title with this prediction even though the Cavs focused more on burning the Raptors in the paint as opposed to jacking up tons of 3s.

 

Also, welcome back Tristan and Kevin. Please stick around until the NBA Finals are over! :)

 

GO THUNDER! It would be great for Cavs to get home court in the Finals if they make it.

Even though I thnk ive figured out Lebron, the Cleveland fan in me still had doubts about last night.  However, he literally  experienced everything in Miami and I don't think he is the concerned with the Raptors.  Lebron has won a road game in 25 straight playoff series...looking for that to continue Friday night.

Not sure how I got that title, but I'll take it ;).  I think it's a different game if we simply hit our shots.  13-41 from 3 point range and, in particular, the cold start, doomed us.  We're in a bit of a funk.  A cool off was inevitable after shooting the lights out vs. Atlanta.  I'm just glad it didn't happen in the Finals.  I'm still very confident.  I think we win in 6, although Game 6 will be tough.  Toronto plays inspired basketball in front of its home crowd.

 

Nice call on Game 5, Hts. You are earning your new title with this prediction even though the Cavs focused more on burning the Raptors in the paint as opposed to jacking up tons of 3s.

 

Also, welcome back Tristan and Kevin. Please stick around until the NBA Finals are over! :)

 

GO THUNDER! It would be great for Cavs to get home court in the Finals if they make it.

 

I'm rooting for the Thunder, as well.  I think they're a better match up for us, in addition to our home court advantage.  I feel this way even though OKC is mowing down every opponent in their path, including the 67-win Spurs and (soon, probably) the historic 73-win Warriors.  Their super-tall, athletic front court could pose problems for us, but I think the LeBron factor, as well as Thompson's strong rebounding, will match them.  Plus we have 2 legitimate stretch-4s in Love and Frye, that pulls bigs out from the paint opening things up for 'Bron and Kyrie, and as we see, Frye is tall and long enough to play some decent 5 as well.

 

I'm pumped; we're healthy, have the most talented team in Cavs history and we're playing great ball. ... The NBA Title is right there for us.

OKC is definitely peaking at the right time, but they are still very vulnerable.  What concerns me is their versatility.  We have seen them use a lineup with KD at the 3, and Adams and Kanter both on the floor at the 4 and 5.  They can upsize that lineup even more because Ibaka can guard some 3's and KD can play the 2.  They've also had a lot of success going 'small', with KD at the 4 and Ibaka at center, with a 3-guard lineup of Westbrook, Roberson, and Waiters.  They have the ability to matchup with just about any lineup we throw at them.  All that said, LeBron has absolutely owned OKC. 

BTW, last night was the THIRD straight game Lue decided to sit KLove for the entire fourth quarter ;)

OKC is definitely peaking at the right time, but they are still very vulnerable.  What concerns me is their versatility.  We have seen them use a lineup with KD at the 3, and Adams and Kanter both on the floor at the 4 and 5.  They can upsize that lineup even more because Ibaka can guard some 3's and KD can play the 2.  They've also had a lot of success going 'small', with KD at the 4 and Ibaka at center, with a 3-guard lineup of Westbrook, Roberson, and Waiters.  They have the ability to matchup with just about any lineup we throw at them.  All that said, LeBron has absolutely owned OKC. 

 

Conversely, I think we can handle whatever OKC were to throw at us...Russ and KD are such athletic freaks that GSW doesn't really have anything to neutralize them. THe cavs can match the athleticism, I think.  I also believe the cavs, in addition to their athletic stars (please note athletic stars...GSW has stars but they are sharpshooters), are much deeper.  The OKC depth has shocked me, their role players are playing ou of their minds, how long can that keep going?

Pretty cool.

 

The Cavaliers' best lineup features LeBron James and 4 bench players

By Jesus Gomez

 

No five-man unit was as famous in the NBA in the past two seasons as Golden State's "Death Lineup." The combination of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green became synonymous with explosive offense and disruptive defense. It was a five-headed monster that the Warriors kept caged until they needed it, then unleashed it to wreak havoc. It was beautiful to watch.

 

Well, the original Death Lineup is suddenly not so scary anymore. In 46 minutes on the court in this postseason it has been outscored by over 17 points per 100 possessions, a dreadful mark. After it got destroyed by the Thunder in Game 4, it wouldn't be surprising to see Steve Kerr shelving it for good going forward.

 

Fortunately, anyone looking for a small unit that gives opponents fits will be happy to know that another one has emerged in Cleveland. The Cavaliers' lineup of Matthew Dellavedova, Iman Shumpert, Richard Jefferson, LeBron James and Channing Frye has improbably become the best short-burst lineup in the playoffs after not sharing the court for a single minute in the regular season.

 

http://www.sbnation.com/2016/5/26/11781600/cavaliers-lineup-lebron-james-channing-frye-breakdown-backup

Pretty cool.

 

The Cavaliers' best lineup features LeBron James and 4 bench players

By Jesus Gomez

 

No five-man unit was as famous in the NBA in the past two seasons as Golden State's "Death Lineup." The combination of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green became synonymous with explosive offense and disruptive defense. It was a five-headed monster that the Warriors kept caged until they needed it, then unleashed it to wreak havoc. It was beautiful to watch.

 

Well, the original Death Lineup is suddenly not so scary anymore. In 46 minutes on the court in this postseason it has been outscored by over 17 points per 100 possessions, a dreadful mark. After it got destroyed by the Thunder in Game 4, it wouldn't be surprising to see Steve Kerr shelving it for good going forward.

 

Fortunately, anyone looking for a small unit that gives opponents fits will be happy to know that another one has emerged in Cleveland. The Cavaliers' lineup of Matthew Dellavedova, Iman Shumpert, Richard Jefferson, LeBron James and Channing Frye has improbably become the best short-burst lineup in the playoffs after not sharing the court for a single minute in the regular season.

 

http://www.sbnation.com/2016/5/26/11781600/cavaliers-lineup-lebron-james-channing-frye-breakdown-backup

 

The Toronto series would be over if the Cavs would have kept that lineup on the floor for the last minutes and kept attacking with the double switch/screen in Game 4. Delly looks like Magic when he passes and RJ is still a beast with that reverse lay-up. LeBron is not carrying that offense. It also pulled Biyambo away from the paint because he's forced to cover Frye. I'll never get why Lue waited soooo long to bench Love in Game 4 and they didn't go to the bench line-up sooner. He was clearly off.

Not knocking that lineup at all, but you have to consider the context.  Lue has subbed out LeBron in the 1st quarter in order to reinsert him when that lineup and the other teams BENCH players are in the game, or the other teams starters are running out of gas.  If that was our best lineup, that would be our starting and finishing lineup.  It isn't, and for a reason.  Certainly there will be some games when one lineup outperforms another, but to call it our "best" lineup is silly.

 

I'm not saying either that your best lineup is always going to be your starting lineup.  It matters much more who finishes the games and who plays the crunch time minutes.  Blatt often used Delly and TT at the finish, even though those players were not starters.  Lue seems more likely to stay with the hot hand, within reason.

Not knocking that lineup at all, but you have to consider the context.  Lue has subbed out LeBron in the 1st quarter in order to reinsert him when that lineup and the other teams BENCH players are in the game, or the other teams starters are running out of gas.  If that was our best lineup, that would be our starting and finishing lineup.  It isn't, and for a reason.  Certainly there will be some games when one lineup outperforms another, but to call it our "best" lineup is silly.

 

I'm not saying either that your best lineup is always going to be your starting lineup.  It matters much more who finishes the games and who plays the crunch time minutes.  Blatt often used Delly and TT at the finish, even though those players were not starters.  Lue seems more likely to stay with the hot hand, within reason.

 

I agree, best is a bad term. It is very effective though. That lineup played most of the 4th quarter of Game 4 with Toronto's starters in and is the only reason why the Cavs had a chance to win. In fact Lue didn't play that hot hand in the fourth. He subbed this lineup out with shooters starting around the 3:00 mark to end the game and the offense stalled at 99 points while Lowry and Co. kept scoring.

I'm still very confident.  I think we win in 6, although Game 6 will be tough.  Toronto plays inspired basketball in front of its home crowd.

 

What dark depraved things did you do for your powers, witch?

the funniest thing about the game was when they flashed the free agency list on the screen. nighty, night raptors team it was fun while it lasted.

 

OKC....rhymes with "0 and 3."

 

Folks I think it's gonna be CAVS/WARRIORS.

i dont care who, bring'em on. lets just hope we are in the best of health and there are no soul crushing jim chones broken foot type incidents in practice (i think that injury monkey fell off our back after last year's finals).

I'm just glad there is a game 7. Another 48 minutes of basketball for whoever we are gonna face in the Finals. Plenty of opportunity to twist an ankle or do something that will get someone suspended

^ yeah let it be one of them worn down and hurting for a change.

 

but i am hyped for game 7, it will be epic.

^ yeah let it be one of them worn down and hurting for a change.

 

but i am hyped for game 7, it will be epic.

 

I actually enjoy watching the west series. Watching the Cavs is incredibly nerve-wracking for me.

Hyde said it is not sour grapes but it sure sounds like it to me...

 

Hyde: Has LeBron lowered expectations so he doesn't need title?

 

Whatever happens in the NBA Finals, whether LeBron James wins the championship or not, he's learned the secret to living a charmed life in one regard: Lower the expectations.

 

That's how you win in golf, impress everyone at work and keep your coaching job. In LeBron's case, it's defined his Cleveland days right down to framing success after advancing to the Finals again.

 

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fl-hyde-column-0529-20160528-column.html

Don't read/listen to anything from Florida on the topic of LeBron.  Sour grapes are in season year-round down there.

Anyone see Game 7 of the WCF? It was a great game but the shooting was a little painful to watch, especially the first half. Curry and Klay got hot at times in the 2nd half but both teams looked very beatable. Even Game 6 wasn't that great. Klay set the individual record for made 3s in a game and GS only scored 108. Lots of missed shots and turnovers. Not quite sure how to feel about the Finals.

I feel the same.  Despite some amazing shots, OVERALL I feel they are very beatable.  A lot of the games (even ones they end up winning) have been close and at times GSW looks very disjointed.  When they get hot of course they can get HOT but this doesn't seem to be the 'unbeatable' team that it was during the reg season.  Of course the media hypes their every win as if it was a miracle performed by the god-like Curry and Thompson. UGH...

I feel the same.  Despite some amazing shots, OVERALL I feel they are very beatable.  A lot of the games (even ones they end up winning) have been close and at times GSW looks very disjointed.  When they get hot of course they can get HOT but this doesn't seem to be the 'unbeatable' team that it was during the reg season.  Of course the media hypes their every win as if it was a miracle performed by the god-like Curry and Thompson. UGH...

 

If the Cavs aren't motivated by how the national media are dismissing them, I don't know what will get them going. It's hard to find anyone who thinks the series will go beyond five games. Some are comparing it to the 2007 Spurs/Cavs Finals. It's honestly amazing considering the Cavs took GSW to six last year without Love, Irving and JR Smith (he wasn't hurt but he was nowhere to be found in last year's finals). It was basically LeBron and Delly against the GSW "superteam". If the Cavs have any sense of individual and team pride they will come out attacking in Game 1.

I give the cavs a 50/50 shot. They are better and deeper than the thunder who took GSW to the final minutes. In 7 game series, the talent tends to normalize.  The reality is, GSW has not seen an offense at the cavs caliber, they did in games 3 and 4 vs OKC, but they ran out of talent by the end.  The thunder opened up a lot of defensive schemes during this series that worked. The cavs can't afford to lose focus at all during the series...and they should be able to score what they have been through the playoffs. , The Warriors just proved they are not elite defensively, so as long as we see the cavs at their best, they can beat these guys. I don't expect to see many of these curry runs where he hits 3 or 4 straight 3's

I feel the same.  Despite some amazing shots, OVERALL I feel they are very beatable.  A lot of the games (even ones they end up winning) have been close and at times GSW looks very disjointed.  When they get hot of course they can get HOT but this doesn't seem to be the 'unbeatable' team that it was during the reg season.  Of course the media hypes their every win as if it was a miracle performed by the god-like Curry and Thompson. UGH...

 

If the Cavs aren't motivated by how the national media are dismissing them, I don't know what will get them going. It's hard to find anyone who thinks the series will go beyond five games. Some are comparing it to the 2007 Spurs/Cavs Finals. It's honestly amazing considering the Cavs took GSW to six last year without Love, Irving and JR Smith (he wasn't hurt but he was nowhere to be found in last year's finals). It was basically LeBron and Delly against the GSW "superteam". If the Cavs have any sense of individual and team pride they will come out attacking in Game 1.

 

Let's also not forget that Shumpert was playing with one arm and we've had significant upgrades on the bench with Jefferson replacing Marion and Channing Frye replacing Mike Miller. Delly's overall game has improved as well.