The Golden State Warriors evened the NBA Finals with a dominating Game 4 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, adding to the importance of this extremely crucial Game 5. Here are five things to watch in tonight's game:
1) Can Andre Iguodala continue to contain LeBron James?
James’ historic Games 1, 2, 3 were the stuff nightmares are made of, but the use of Andre Iguodala as an in-pocket defender turned the tide in Thursday’s Game 4. Even before he bashed his head into a camera, LeBron was forced to settle for Dirk Nowitzki-light fadeaways and contested jumpers that had no business going up. If Iggy can continue to blanket James and the Warriors give timely help on switches and double teams, the Warriors will have Game 5 in hand.
2) Have Steph Continue To Reassert Himself
Curry’s 22-point night on Thursday is a bit misleading in retrospect when it comes to just how efficient he was in providing such critical output. Curry was 8 of 17 from the field and 4 of 7 from deep, adding six dimes and a +18 plus/minus when he was on the court. This is the Steph we know and love, and if he sticks around, this series could mirror the Memphis series with G.S. closing things out with three straight wins.
3) LeBron's offensive aggressiveness
Part of James’ off night in Game 4 can be attributed to his impromptu meeting with a baseline camera, but the bulk of his 7 for 22 shooting night is due to LeBron settling for Dirk Nowitzki-like fadeaway and contested shots with Andre Iguodala in his hip pocket. The Warriors have no answer for him when he charges the iron like a bull who sees red. That’s exactly what he needs to do in Game 5, along with improving on his 5 of 10 performance from the charity stripe.
4) Can J.R. Smith produce?
Smith has a tendency to take circus contested shots when he’s stuck in iso situations with help on the way. That tendency took the wind out of Cleveland’s sails early in Game 4, as Smith bricked shot after shot en route to a dismal 2 for 12 shooting night. Smith needs to remain a focal point of the offensive charge, but it’ll be up to the cast around him to find him a couple easy drives and mid-range jumpers early in Game 5 to get his heat check meter up.
5) Will Cleveland be more effective from three-point range?
You want a surefire way to lose against the Warriors? Engage them in a volume 3-pointer battle while missing on a ton of contested looks. Cleveland took 27 triple attempts to Golden State’s 30, but they hit just four while the Warriors hit 12. That -24 margin on a comparable amount of downtown shots was the difference in Game 4. Either the Cavs need to find better looks off the aforementioned extra pass (or two) or they need to work the Warriors even more from the free throw line on in.
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