Finally, the Golden State Warriors have been beaten in Game 4 of the NBA Finals by the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was for the first time that the Warriors had lost in the NBA Playoffs this season. Despite Cavaliers' win, Warriors are favourite to win the NBA title as they lead Cavs 3-1 in the best-of-seven finals.
The two teams are set to lock horns in Game 5 at Oracle Arena in Oakland on Monday. The Cavaliers will be keen to beat Warriors back-to-back and close the gap while Warriors have their eyes on the title.
Every game from here on is a do-or-die encounter for the Cavaliers. There is no room for excuses and a win in Game 5 for Warriors will cap off an incredible Playoffs, where Kevin Durant has excelled in all the departments in the debut season. Along with Durant, the usual suspect, Stephen Curry, has been flying high with his skills, and the duo has been a pain for Cavaliers.
Durant was in great form during Game 4, scoring 35 points, but Curry had an off-day with just 14 points. Klay Thompson also did not step up the plate in the crucial match, and they will be hurt with their loss. Expect Warriors to come out with all guns blazing in Game 4.
It will be interesting to see how will Cavs deal with the situation if Durant, Curry and Thompson deliver the goods in Oakland. Cavaliers, who won Game 4 with some good game from LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, will look upon their trio on Monday as well.
James is always a big game player, and one does not need to brief him about the importance of this game in the context of the final. If Cavaliers beat Warriors, they will be right back in the series, and they will have the belief back in the team too.
One witnessed Cavs charged up for Game 4, getting involved in some strong physical battles, which helped them emerge victorious. There is no reason why Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue will want to change their approach.
"I thought the first two games we were being too nice. The first three games, helping guys up off the floor, smiling, talking to guys and — yeah, I didn't like that. So I think Game 4, talking trash, being physical, whatever you got to do to try to get that edge to win, you got to do it," AP quoted Lue as saying.
Where to watch NBA 2017 finals live
Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Venue: Oracle Arena, Oakland
Time 9 p.m. ET, 6:30 a.m. IST, 2 a.m. BST
NBA Finals Game 5 live streaming and TV information
India: TV: Sony Six/HD, Ten 1. Live streaming: Sonyliv
US: TV: ABC. Live streaming: ABC GO.
UK: TV: BT Sport. Live streaming: Watch BT Sport.
Philippines: TV: ABS-CBN Channel 2
International audience: Live streaming: NBA.com.
