The Golden State Warriors have jumped out to an early 2-0 series lead over the Eastern Conference champs Cleveland Cavaliers. In a rematch of last years finals, many media members and fans alike were expecting this series to be just as, if not more, competitive this time as around as the Cavs had their full compliment of players.
But, things have not gone according to plan for Cleveland, even with Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving playing, as the Warriors won game one in comfortable fashion before blowing them out of the water by 33 points in game two. This does not bode well for the Cavs as only 3 teams in NBA history have come back to win a Finals series after being down 2-0, and only once in the past 39 years.
3 teams in @NBAHistory have come back to win the #NBAFinals after falling into a 2-0 hole >> https://t.co/l0Umwp8LVL pic.twitter.com/OuM7c52weD
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) June 8, 2016
After game 2, TNT broadcaster Shaquille O’Neal commented on what it takes to come back from being down 0-2, as he was a member of the 2006 Miami Heat team that was able to rally and defeat the Dallas Mavericks.
Shaq also discussed the teams unusual methodology that went into mentally preparing for the challenge of coming back from a 0-2 hole.
Shaq on the 2006 Finals: Riley held his head in a bucket of ice for three minutes to teach the team "to believe" when down 0-2
— Rohan Nadkarni (@RohanNadkarni) June 7, 2016
For the Cavs, things have gone from bad to worse though, as on Wednesday morning it was reported that Kevin Love will not be able play in game 3 due to concussion like symptoms he suffered in game 2.
Kevin Love has been informed that he will not be medically cleared to play in Wednesday night's Game 3, ESPN has learned
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 8, 2016
ESPN sources say Love has been lobbying hard for clearance to play Game 3 but has been told Friday's Game 4 is the soonest he'll be cleared
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 8, 2016
This may not be the worst thing for the Cavaliers however, as even though its a small sample size, in the regular season the Cavs performed better with Love off the court.
Las stats de Cleveland #ALLin216 @Cavs CON Kevin Love y SIN Kevin Love. #NBA pic.twitter.com/BmTL9UNiT9
— MANNY DΕL ROSARIO (@FranklinRG04) June 8, 2016
In addition to the performance bump that the Cavs get without Love, they have also been a substantially better team at home during the playoffs.
.@cavs are 7-0 on their home court in the 2016 #NBAPlayoffs.
Game 3 #NBAFinals Preview: https://t.co/l0Umwp8LVL pic.twitter.com/zRks3bFcDK
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) June 8, 2016
All this to say, it would be foolish for Warriors fans to count out a team that has one of the greatest players ever on the court going against them. The same player that almost single handedly defeated the Warriors in the finals last year. So while history may definitely be on the Dubs side, and after the drubbing that was game 2, it would be easy to count out the Cavs, caution should be advised.
The crucial game 3 takes place at Quicken Loan Arena Wednesday night at 6 PM PT.