It’s the most highly anticipated NBA Finals in recent memory with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors set to clash for the third straight year. Each team has won one title, which makes this the rubber match of the series. Which side has the edge heading in to this year’s NBA Finals showdown? Here is a closer look at how the Cavaliers and Warriors match up heading in to the 2017 NBA Finals.
3-Point Shooting
The Warriors seemingly redefined how to shoot the three-ball over the past few years. However, the Cavaliers deserve a ton of credit for how they have improved from beyond the arc. Cleveland has the second-highest percentage of field goals that are three-point shots this season and they lead all playoff teams in three-point shots made per game and per 100 possessions. Kyle Korver and Channing Frye are dangerous three-point shooters that can stretch the floor and compliment what LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and J.R. Smith can do from beyond the arc. The numbers don’t lie. Cleveland has the edge in the three-point shooting department.
Edge: Cleveland
Inside Scoring
It might come as a surprise that Golden State leads the NBA in cuts during the playoffs. The Warriors are averaging 12.3 cut possessions per game in the postseason as they have absolutely diced opponents up with their ability to get to the rim. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have allowed the sixth-highest points per game on cuts in these playoffs so that will be a major area of concern heading in to the playoffs. Cleveland needs to be able to step up its play at the defensive end of the floor in order to slow down the Warriors when it comes to their inside scoring.
Edge: Golden State
Rebounding
While there are some that still believe the myth that the Warriors aren’t a good rebounding team the reality is that they should do just fine against the Cavaliers. Golden State has the second-best contested defensive rebound rate in the NBA and they are ninth in opponent second-chance points per 100 possessions in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers rank eighth in both defensive rebound percentage and offensive rebounds conceded. The Warriors have been a much more aggressive team on the boards than in previous seasons. Golden State might just have the edge in rebounding heading in to this series.
Edge: Golden State
Defensive Play
The biggest concern for Cleveland might very well be the number of easy looks they give opponents. The Cavaliers conceded the second-most unguarded shots per game in the playoffs but were fortunate that opponents struggled against them. But remember who they’ve played: the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers. None of those teams are the Warriors.
The Warriors aren’t going to miss many wide open looks so it will be on Cleveland to shore up its defense and play that much tighter against them. And remember, defense has been an issue for the Cavs all season long. It seems to have tightened up a bit in the NBA playoffs but this will be the ultimate test.
Meanwhile, Golden State should be that much tougher with Draymond Green and Javale McGee in the game and they have the reserves to bring help off the bench if need be. They are underrated in terms of defense and will be hard to beat unless LeBron, Irving and Love are on their game.
Edge: Golden State
Outlook
Both teams enter the NBA Finals on the heels of incredible runs with the Warriors perfect through 12 playoff games and the Cavaliers suffering just one loss on their way to the championship series. Cleveland deserves a ton of credit for shoring up its three-point shooting ability to compete with Golden State. However, the Cavaliers will need to play better defense and do a better job on the glass if they are going to have any shot at beating the Warriors in the NBA Finals. The more likely scenario is that Golden State does not let its foot off the gas and the addition of Durant helps put them over the top in what should be a very entertaining series that could go the distance.
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