The story heading into Game 5 was Draymond Green's one game suspension because he exceeded the limit of allotted flagrant fouls during the postseason. He's close to doing the same thing with technical fouls too.
Green has a tremendous amount of passion and toughness, but there are limits and Green has consistently crossed the line this playoffs. His personal vendettas hurt his team and his absence in Game 5 hindered Golden State's championship chances.
Kyrie Irving and LeBron James took advantage of the All Star's absence. They became the first duo of teammates to score 40 or more points in a Finals game. Irving scored 41 on 24 field goals and made 5 for 7 from three point range. Only he and Wilt Chamberlain have scored at least 40 points and shot at least 70% from the field in a Finals game.
While Irving's incredible shooting performance won't soon be forgotten, LeBron's game shouldn't be overlooked in the annals of history. To his 41 points, he added 16 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. Kyrie and LeBron combined for 82 points; the rest of the Cavs had just 30.
Klay Thompson tried to keep Golden State in the game. The game was tied at 61 at halftime. Klay ended with 37 points, but faded in the fourth. Stephen Curry added 25, but couldn't find his shot. Andre Iguodala did his best Green impression with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists, but no one did their best Andre Iguodala impression. Shaun Livingston ended with 7 including a vicious dunk on Richard Jefferson.
Cleveland pulled away int he 3rd thanks to the brilliance of their two best players. With Green out, the Warriors lack their usual depth. The Cavs scored 93 through three quarters and took a nine point lead into the fourth. Golden State fought back, but never got close enough to put the result in doubt.
Cleveland won 112-97 to bring the series to 3-2 Golden State.
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