The Golden State Warriors aren't sweeping the NBA Finals. The Cleveland Cavaliers didn't roll over and give up, instead producing a record setting-night in one of the best single game efforts by a team in Finals history. The Warriors still lead the series 3-1, but it will now head back to Oakland for Game 5.
Here are three things we learned from the Cavs' Game 4 win over the Warriors.
Well There's Tristan Thompson (And Deron Williams)
The Cavs had no contribution from Tristan Thompson and Deron Williams in the first three games. In an elimination game, they finally showed up. Thompson was amazing in the first quarter, playing with energy and actually showing up on the offensive glass. He finished with five points, 10 rebounds and five assists, a stat line that probably understates his impact.
Williams, who hadn't made a shot all Finals, made two in Game 4. He finished with five points, which isn't much, but it's better than nothing. It was still the Big Three and J.R. Smith show for the most part, but the Cavs got the needed help from these role players tonight (plus Richard Jefferson).
What A Night From The Cavs
I thought the Cavs would come out accepting their fate in Game 4. They'd compete, but the Warriors could run away with it in the second half. Instead, the Cavs put together what might be the single greatest Finals effort in one game. The Cavs set the record for most points in a half with 86 in the first and shattered the 3-pointer record with 24. What Cleveland did Friday night was nothing short of spectacular and that might be underselling it.
LeBron James was incerdible, with another triple-double of 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Kyrie Irving was basically unstoppable, with 40 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Kevin Love bounced back and racked up 23 points and five board. J.R. Smith was the J.R. the Cavs needed, with 15 points and playing solid defense.
The Cavs were about as close to basketball perfection as you'll find in the NBA Finals. But here's the thing: it still wasn't the blowout it would have been against the rest of the NBA.
The Warriors STILL Hung Around
Despite the amazing night from the Cavs, the Warriors still hung around. Against any other team, the game is over by the half. But against Golden State, the lead never felt totally safe until the final few minutes and the Warriors nearly cut it to single digits in the fourth. The Warriors had a great game from Kevin Durant (35 points), again, but the Splash Brothers were off. Stephen Curry was a non-factor for much of the game, finishing with 14 points, although he did have 10 assists. Klay Thompson didn't do much on offense, with 13.
So let that sink in: it took a historically great game from the Cavs and off nights from Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson for the Cavs to finally beat the Warriors. Are the Cavs going to put up three more efforts like this again? I'm not optimistic, but at least the NBA and the fans didn't have to deal with a sweep.
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