PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's Playoff Game of the Year
(NBA) Cleveland vs. Golden State,
Point Spread: -5.50 | -107.00 Golden State (Home)
Result: Win
Point Spread: -5.50 | -107.00 Golden State (Home)
Result: Win
Golden State has been minus 9 1/2, or higher, in each of its eight home playoff games versus the Pelicans, Grizzlies and Rockets. The last time the Warriors were this low of a home favorite was Jan. 5.
The Warriors have lost only three times at home all season in 49 games at Oracle Arena.
I believe Golden State is the better team - with an emphasis on team - and the point spread is more than fair.
The Warriors have played the tougher competition being in the West, have the superior coach, possess better 3-point shooters and are better defensively.
Golden State is ready to win the championship. The Warriors have been together the last couple of seasons as they've paid their playoff dues. Their chemistry and togetherness are major keys. An example of this is the Warriors led the NBA in assists per possession and are No. 1 in that category so far during the playoffs.
The Cavaliers were just put together this season. Kevin Love is out. Kyrie Irving isn't 100 percent. His defense can be exploited. Cleveland relies so heavily upon LeBron James. Granted, James is the best player in the world.
But the Warriors can guard James as well - if not better - than any team in the NBA with a combination of Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, Harrison Barnes and Klay Thompson. Green is a top defender and one of the most underrated players in the league.
The Warriors should win the rest of the matchups particularly in the backcourt with their own superstar, Stephen Curry, and Thompson.
The Cavaliers are more 1-on-1 oriented than the Warriors because of their heavy reliance on James. Green and the tight Warriors defense won't allow James to dominate inside by backing them down. As great as James is, he's still only 12-for-68 from 3-point range during the playoffs for 17 percent.
Cleveland can get away with that versus Eastern Conference foes, including a battered Hawks team that relied heavily on reserves and didn't measure up. But the Cavaliers can't get away with this on the road versus the best of the west.
The Cavaliers have failed to cover in five of their last six visits to Golden State.
The Warriors have lost only three times at home all season in 49 games at Oracle Arena.
I believe Golden State is the better team - with an emphasis on team - and the point spread is more than fair.
The Warriors have played the tougher competition being in the West, have the superior coach, possess better 3-point shooters and are better defensively.
Golden State is ready to win the championship. The Warriors have been together the last couple of seasons as they've paid their playoff dues. Their chemistry and togetherness are major keys. An example of this is the Warriors led the NBA in assists per possession and are No. 1 in that category so far during the playoffs.
The Cavaliers were just put together this season. Kevin Love is out. Kyrie Irving isn't 100 percent. His defense can be exploited. Cleveland relies so heavily upon LeBron James. Granted, James is the best player in the world.
But the Warriors can guard James as well - if not better - than any team in the NBA with a combination of Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, Harrison Barnes and Klay Thompson. Green is a top defender and one of the most underrated players in the league.
The Warriors should win the rest of the matchups particularly in the backcourt with their own superstar, Stephen Curry, and Thompson.
The Cavaliers are more 1-on-1 oriented than the Warriors because of their heavy reliance on James. Green and the tight Warriors defense won't allow James to dominate inside by backing them down. As great as James is, he's still only 12-for-68 from 3-point range during the playoffs for 17 percent.
Cleveland can get away with that versus Eastern Conference foes, including a battered Hawks team that relied heavily on reserves and didn't measure up. But the Cavaliers can't get away with this on the road versus the best of the west.
The Cavaliers have failed to cover in five of their last six visits to Golden State.
