The Cleveland Cavaliers absolutely stole Game 1. And that’s taking nothing away from them, nor should it be perceived as ill will towards them on my part. You take a win however it may come your way, this time of year especially.
In this instance, the Cavaliers won despite never once holding the lead in regulation.
“The Trail to Victory” strategy has never, and will never be a thing. Playing with the lead is always preferred, and the Cavs spent all of Game 1 playing from behind. Much like a tired boxer trying to stay on his or her feet, they bobbed and weaved, clinching when they needed to, clutch grabbed and elbowed their way back into the game, eventually winning the closest thing basketball has to a controversial split-decision.