The Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers seem to be on a collision course to meet in the NBA Finals for a third straight year and nobody is complaining. The Cavs have looked impressive by sweeping their first two opponents, although some might argue the East isn’t much of a challenge to LeBron James and company.
Not to be outdone, the Warriors also wanted to enjoy some rest, so they closed out the Utah Jazz on their home floor 121-95. Steph Curry led the way with 30 points and his fellow splash brother finished with 21 of his own. The Jazz never really got closer than 7-8 points and the Warriors made it look effortless.
The Warriors are playing well on both ends of the floor and they are beating their opponents by an average of 15.25, that is absurd. If they keep this pace up, they could be breaking some impressive post-season records.
Now, the Warriors can rest up and enjoy this long break. The Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs seem to be heading towards a seven game series, so this will allow the Warriors to rehab their wounds and get ready for another series.
Here’s how some of the players were graded for their Game 4 performance against the Jazz:
Steph Curry
Points 30 | Rebounds 5 | Assists 7 | Steals 0 | Block 1
Grade: A
The reigning MVP looked really good tonight. He was able to knock down down four triples and also attack the basket effectively. He looks quick on the perimeter, which is something you didn’t see last year in the post-season. Curry was also able to dish seven dimes and even recorded one block. Curry really pushed the tempo and everything he touched the ball you could hear the Utah crowd hold their breath.
Kevin Durant
Points 18 | Rebounds 6 | Assists 5 | Steals 0 | Block 0
Grade: B
The only reason Durant is getting a B here is because the bar is high. He shot 50 percent from the floor, making seven of his 14 shots and two out of his four triples. Can he be better, of course. He got two early fouls, which is why he ended the first quarter with zero points. The Warriors ended the series with a commanding win, so it’s hard to be harsh when you blow out your opponent.
Draymond Green
Points 17 | Rebounds 10 | Assists 11 | Steals 2 | Block 0
Grade: A
Draymond is the fuel that keeps the engine going and today he gave us one of his textbook performances. A triple-double and he is consistently impacting the game in ways that don’t show up in the stat sheet. Green continues to shoot the long ball well and the Warriors are going to need him to knock down those open looks.
Klay Thompson
Points 21 | Rebounds 2 | Assists 1 | Steals 2 | Block 0
Grade: B-
I almost wanted to give Klay a C, but I couldn’t do it. Yes, he was the second leading scorer, but at times during the course of the game he looked complacent. He shot the ball well, making nine of his 16 shots, but only made one of this three point attempts. You want to see Klay attack the basket more consistently and earn his points at the line. If teams are afraid of his penetration, that will free him up for more buckets three point range.