CLEVELAND — The Warriors’ chance at playoff perfection died right before the finish line. Now their shot at redemption will have to wait at least a few more days.
In one of the wildest NBA games in recent memories, the Cavaliers pounced on the Warriors early, shot themselves to a huge lead and staved off a sweep during an emotional — and often unhinged — second half, finishing off the Warriors 137-116, to move this series to 3-1 heading back to Oakland.
In their three previous Game 4s during these playoffs, all sweep-completers, the Warriors pounced on dejected Western Conference opponents, leading the Blazers by 23, the Jazz by 22 and the Spurs by 12 after the first quarter.