Game Three - One More 'Til Three for Four

Golden State took a commanding three games to nothing lead in the 2018 NBA Finals thanks to timely buckets by Stephen Curry and the greatness of Kevin Durant.

Cleveland started Game 3 at home with a bang, but by the end of the first quarter, the Cavs' lead was only one. LeBron James, who had a 33-point triple double, kept his team in the game throughout. Kevin Love rebounded well, grabbing 13 missed shots and scoring 20 points. Tristan Thompson had another good game with 8 points, including an acrobatic layup on the other side of the rim from which he started, and 7 rebounds. Otherwise, only Rodney Hood had a noteworthy game for the Cavs. After spending much of the Finals on the bench, he chipped in 15 points.

Golden State featured balanced scoring and the offensive genius of Kevin Durant. Durant had an incredibly efficient 43 points on 23 shots. He added 9 assists and was a clutch shooter down the stretch, including a late three from well beyond the arc as the shot clock ended. The Warriors need his performance because Curry and Klay Thompson showed that they are human, not three-point making machines. They shot 7 for 27 collectively. But Curry had a late lay up and a three that helped propel Golden State forward in tight game.

The Warriors also got good bench play. Andre Iguodala came back from injury to score 8 points. Shaun Livingston added 8. Two of Golden State's centers, JaVale McGee and Jordan Bell scored 10 points.

Cleveland lost 110-102 and now are one game away from elimination. But LeBron James did complete a play for the ages. He flew by McGee, threw the ball of the backboard, and slammed it down hard.