The Defending NBA Champions in Cleveland Cavaliers or Golden State Warriors for the much anticipated Finals?

Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win in six games!

Please be mindful that we do not root for any specific team, we just want great hard fought games without injuries!

By: Manuel Evangelista, MA, NETA-CPT of AAA Physical Therapy

In 2015 NBA Finals, there was no Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving. The Cavs could have won the first game and could have been up 3-0 that year if only LeBron James hit that shot before overtime – which again – could have spared Irving of that injury.

In 2016 NBA Finals, the Draymond Green suspension was only for one game. The Golden State Warriors should have still closed it out on their home court on game 7.

For this year's Playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs were winning by more than 20 points in the first game before Kahwi Leonard’s injury in the Warriors home court. And that series could have gone the distance with LaMarcus Aldridge basically MIA and the Spurs relying on a 39-year-old Manu Ginobli. If James is rolling in these playoffs – better than Leonard’s run – with a better supporting cast of Irving and Love compared to Leonard’s supporting cast, then the Cavs should win 2017. Also, in 2016 NBA Finals, Love was rather MIA too and yet they won that series and it seems like he is more comfortable in his role now. Even with the addition of Kevin Durant, the “addition” of Love and Irving should offset that.

Though it seems like it is not a big deal, but Coach Steve Kerr’s status can also pose a problem for the Warriors one way or another. Again, we wish him all the best in his recover and though his back surgery is already done, glad that he did identify that he should have elected to delay the surgery and should have elected to do other non-invasive treatment such as physical therapy. Anyway, this coaching instability could still impact the Warriors negatively and that is why this is to the advantage of the Cavs. Also, in 2015, that was Coach Blatt coaching then which unfortunately James never bought into so with a second year stint with Coach Ty Lue, the Cavs are in an advantage.

Another piece that seems to be overlooked, Tristan Thompson can negate the “death lineup” or “small ball” of the Warriors because he could either guard Green or Andre Iguodala; and yet, feast on the boards on the offensive end. He will most likely sag off and just tempt them to shoot a whole bunch of threes.

Last major piece, is Durant up to the challenge to defend James? If he does not defend him, I am not sure if he is strong enough to defend Love or Thompson down low as he seems aversive to contact. On offense, he is definitely more gifted than Harrison Barnes, but is he better though on defense? Also, if James is guarding him, would he be aggressive to against him?

In spite of all the rationale above, it is no doubt that the offensive firepower of the Warriors is more lethal than the Cavs. The question though is: Would they drop more threes than the Cavs efficiently? Also, would they be able to speed up the pace and tempo if they cannot grab the defensive rebound with Love and Thompson controlling those rebounds? Also, having home court advantage would still be beneficial for the Warriors but that first game against the Spurs was not a good indicator of such and that the Cavs have been there and done that literally in last year’s Game 7 win!

If we are part of coaching staff of the Warriors, here are our suggestions:

Offense –

          1. Play Coach Mike D’Antoni’s offense of 7 seconds or less. But this will be predicated on gang-rebounding on the defensive end and not fouling.

      2. Will always have two of their four all stars on the court, all the time.
      3. With their “death lineup” whoever Thompson is guarding, they should always involve him in a pick and roll to take him out of the rebounding position and to bait him to switch and go against Durant or Steph Curry. This way, he is far from the basket to get the rebounds and that he can be beat off the dribble to create one’s offense or create open opportunities to others.

      4. If James is guarding Durant, he should be aggressive and see if he can get some fouls on him.

5. Whenever Kyle Korver comes in, attack him on offense.

Defense –

1. At home, let James score at will and lock everybody up. Usually, role players do not play well on the road so do not give them the confidence on the first two games.

      2. Mentioned on number one above, whoever is guarding Thompson should face guard him and everybody else should get the rebound.

       3. On the road, crowd James and let other people beat you – opposite of number 1.

If we are part of the coaching staff of the Cavs, here are our suggestions:

Offense –

   

      1. S-L-O-W the game down. Do not be tempted to run against them. Only take it if the opportunity is there.

2. Whoever Steph Curry is guarding, have him put a screen for Irving to create that switch and Irving should attack him. If Curry is exerting much on defense, see if his offense will be affected negatively.

       3. If James wants to be really the GOAT, he should play HUGE in every game.

Defense –

   

      1. Thompson has to find ways to slow down the guards if he is placed in a lot of pick and roll situations.

      2. When Klay Thompson sets a pick, he will always slip it so stick with him.

3. Try to let Green and Iguodala beat you especially with Green who seems to be more pumped with an assist than him scoring.

Again, we are hoping for a great NBA Finals as this seems to be one of the most anticipated ones this decade! At the end of the day, the ones featured here are really good people. They may seem "arrogant" but none of them that we are aware of have been in any big problems against the law and the likes so it is good to root for both of them!