Cleveland got off to a good start for the second straight game, but Golden State raced by them int he second quarter. At one point, the Warriors held a 17 point lead after trailing by 8 early. While Cleveland came back and inched ever closer int he fourth quarter, there was really little doubt as to the inevitable outcome.
LeBron James became the first player to average a triple double in the Finals. He holds the record for most NBA Finals triple doubles. He finished with 41 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists. Though his teams have now lost five of his eight Finals appearances, he must be considered one of the best players in NBA history. I say that as someone who has names such as Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and Bob Cousy on his top ten list.
Kyrie Irving added another 26 points, but he didn't shoot well again, amassed 6 assists and 4 turnovers, and played some pretty atrocious defense. The Cavs actually got help from both Tristan Thompson- 15 points, 8 rebounds- and J.R. Smith- 25 points on 7 for 8 shooting from downtown- but five other players combined for 13 points, including Kevin Love. Cleveland couldn't get consistent performances from more than LeBron and Kyrie, who didn't shoot well for much of the series.
Kevin Durant added 39 points and earned Finals MVP. He scored over 30 points in each of the five games and truly was the catalyst for the Warriors. Stephen Curry added 34, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds. Andre Iguodala added 20 points as the Warriors bench obliterated the Cavs'. Besides Iguodala, Patrick McCaw, David West, and Shaun Livingston combined for 15 points.
Surprise surprise, Draymond Green had another good all-around game. Klay Thomspon's offense was so great, but his defense was good again.
Golden State won 129-120 to win the series 4-1 and take two of the last three NBA Finals from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Warriors had too many offensive weapons. Cleveland's James and Irving had to spend the majority of their energy on offense and that exposed Cleveland's defense.
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