Two of the NBA’s best teams were set to square off in Cleveland. Steph Curry, one of the front runners for the NBA MVP would be going up against LeBron James, owner of four of those awards. Only two NBA games on the schedule today, but this was the one everyone was waiting for.
This could very well be a preview of the NBA Finals, so the arena was going to be rocking all night. The Warriors are facing a difficult challenge and a win on their home court would be great for their confidence.
In case you missed the game, here’s our instant recap:
1st Quarter
Quicken Loans Arena was rocking early on, but Harrison Barnes got things going with a triple of his own. This is a big game and the Warriors looked a big sluggish. The Cavs were able to get a early lead, but it only got up to four, before the Warriors were able to come back. The Cavs looked like the hungrier team and it took the Dubs a while to settle down. Andrew Bogut looked active early on and he was able to get some buckets. Curry had his shot going and he was able to get the lead for the Dubs. Curry got fouled on a three point attempt and he swished them all, giving the Warriors a four point lead. LeBron James took it to another level in the final minute, luckily David Lee was able to get some buckets as well and the lead stayed at three. James hit a couple a free throws and the lead was down to one going into the second quarter.
Stop & Pop. https://t.co/CbrF5nQUj1 @warriorsworld
— Alex Torres (@alextorresww) February 27, 2015
2nd Quarter
The second unit was in the game and Barbosa got a quick steal that led to an easy lay-up. James was aggressive and he looked like he wanted to drop 40 tonight. He scored the first nine out of the first 11 points of the quarter and the Cavs now led by six points. It was a high scoring pace, but the Warriors couldn’t keep up. It also didn’t help that the Cavs hit three straight triples, one by James, Irving and Love. The Warriors had trouble scoring the rock, so the lead wasn’t moving from five. Steve Kerr was fed up with the officiating, so he picked up a technical foul, which got the crowd riled up. The Cavs had an eight point lead and all the momentum. The Warriors were able to get one last bucket before the half, but the Cavs led 61-56.
Iguodala wow. https://t.co/Fl8hbZnX6k @warriorsworld
— Alex Torres (@alextorresww) February 27, 2015
3rd Quarter
Draymond Green got the Warriors going to open the second half. The Cavs kept scoring, but a Klay Thompson three cut the lead to four. After that, the Warrior had some possessions that resulted in a lot of contact, but the refs were blowing the whistle. Green got hit with a technical and Kerr was extremely upset about the officiating. The Cavs were pouring it on and James kept knocking down shots. It was a 14-3 run and it looked like it was going to get ugly fast. The lead was 14 and the Warriors couldn’t stop the Cavs. James was playing out of his mind, he had 36 points and there was still one minute left. Klay hit two straight triples to cut the lead to 10. They had an opportunity to cut it to single digits, but they couldn’t convert their free throws. The Warriors head to the final period down 12.
Another Klay swat. https://t.co/9QY7MkNRqH @warriorsworld
— Alex Torres (@alextorresww) February 27, 2015
4th Quarter
LeBron picked up where he left off and started the fourth with a drive to the basket. Lee continued to have an impact in this game and he had four points, while Barbosa hit a triple, which cut the lead to nine. The Warriors showed promise, but they couldn’t get closer than nine. Not enough stops and when they did, they couldn’t take advantage of it on the offensive end. LeBron was just too strong tonight, he was scoring at will. The free throw disparity is something that might change if these two teams meet again. The Warriors had an off night, James played like a man that was possessed and they still had a chance in this game. The Warriors lost to the Cavs 110-98.
Free Throw Stats: Cavs: 29 for 35 Warriors: 9 for 17
— Alex Torres (@alextorresww) February 27, 2015