How the Cavs won Game 5 of NBA Finals 2016: Breaking down the shot charts
CLEVELAND, Ohio – LeBron James and Kyrie Irving are setting a trend during the NBA Finals: When they score high, they win games.
But setting a tone on defense and getting out in transition doesn’t hurt either as the Cleveland Cavaliers extended the seven-game playoff series defeating the Golden State Warriors, 112-97, on Monday in Oakland.
Golden State Warriors Game 5: Night and Day
The Golden State Warriors were night and day in terms of the two halves in Game 5. Plus, the scoring night for Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson was overshadowed with the Cavs win. Thompson lead his team with 26 points in the first half and knocked down six-of-eight three pointers to tie the game (61-61) at the half.
While Thompson finished with 37 points, it was enough to life the Warriors’ shooting struggles. They didn’t get many fastbreak points and they were not efficient in the paint.
The Warriors shot under 40 percent for the first time this series ending the game shooting 33.3 percent from the 3-point arc and 36.4 from the field.
The absence of Warriors forward Draymond Green was missed after being suspended for an altercation with Cavs forward LeBron James in Game 4. Green is averaging 14 points, 9.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists during the playoffs.
However, Green is the not the only answer in terms of wins for the Warriors. Green suited up for Game 3 when the Cavs won 120-90 finishing with six points and seven rebounds. His presence could be needed with the knee injury to center Andrew Bogut picked up on Monday in Game 5.
Irving, James: First NBA Finals duo to score more than 40 points each
James and Irving scoring the basketball efficiently and often were clear reasons why the Cavs extended the series and gave the Warriors problems on defense. Finishing with 41 points each, the two players shot over 50 percent from the field and 3-point arc with isolation plays and using ball screens to get open.
No question Green’s return for to the Warriors for Game 6 will be a help to minimize the damage of the two, but for the Cavs they are at home and have proven to put up big numbers in Cleveland when sharing the basketball. Take a look at Game 3’s 120-90 win.
Coincidentally, James and Irving led the team in scoring with 32 and 30 respectively. J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson finished with 20 and 14.
A story of two victories
If the Cavs coaching staff reviewed any game tape from Game 3’s 120-90 win against the Warriors, then it showed in the team’s play on Monday night at Oracle Arena.
Similar to Game 3, Cleveland won the battle in the painted area (48-30) and in fastbreaks (28-9). Getting stops on defense and driving to the basket were keys to the Cavs victory and not the 3-point shooting.
As a unit, the Cavs shot 53 percent from the field and moderately from the 3-point arc with 41.7. The numbers are not far off from their Game 3 win. If the ball is not moving and Cavs are not being the aggressors, then the Warriors could hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy for the second straight year.
How the Cavs won Game 5 of NBA Finals 2016: Breaking down the shot charts
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