The NBA Finals move to Cleveland for Game 3, and it couldn't have come soon enough for the Cavaliers. The Golden State Warriors won both games in Oakland in blowout fashion, and going up 3-0 would basically clinch the series. No NBA team has every won a series after losing the first three games, and Cleveland will be without Kevin Love, who hasn't been cleared to return from a concussion he suffered in Game 2.
Can the Cavaliers win without their star power forward? Here's our preview & prediction for Game 3:
Game Info:
When: 9:00 PM EST
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
TV: ABC
Spread: Cavs by 1
O/U: 205
What They're Saying About The Golden State Warriors:
Key Factors To Winning In Cleveland (Fansided)
Warriors Facing Pivotal Offseason (Bleacher Report)
Shaq Says 2001 Lakers Would Beat Warriors (San Jose Mercury News)
What They're Saying About The Cleveland Cavaliers:
Cavs Hype Video (Chat Sports)
Jefferson Possible Replacement For Love (Akron Beacon Journal)
How Cavs Can Change Series (FanSided)
Key To The Game: Cleveland's turnovers
Yes, Cleveland's bench needs to improve and they need to make some major defensive adjustments, but the biggest thing that will determine this game will be how much (or how little) the Cavs turn the ball over. 17 turnovers in Game 1 led to 25 points for the Warriors, while 18 turnovers in Game 2 led to 26 points.
Simply put, Cleveland needs to make better decisions with the ball, and doing so twofold. Not only will they be more successful offensively due to the basic fact that they'll get more shots, but they'll also slow down Golden State's offense because they won't be able to get up and down the court as fast. That should also help keep momentum away from the Warriors.
Prediction: Warriors win 110-101
Cleveland will play inspired basketball in the first half in front of their home fans, but their defense hasn't been able to even slow Golden State's offense this series. Eventually, the Cavs won't be able to match the Warriors offensively for the whole game, and Golden State will pull away in the second half. Also worth noting - the Warriors have won three straight games in Cleveland.