The Golden State Warriors host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena in Oakland, for game 5 of the NBA Finals.
The Warriors hold a 3-1 lead and a victory would give them the title, while a win by the Cavs would allow them to live another day and let them go back to Ohio to try and tie the series at three.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said his squad is better prepared to face this game than last year when they also led the NBA Finals 3-1 only to allow the Cavs to win game 5 and take three straight to give Cleveland its first title in franchise history.
Kerr, who said that this year his team is healthy and have the added presence of small forward Kevin Durant, promised that his team will play better than Friday when, for the first time in this postseason, they finished trailing in the first quarter and did not lead during the entire game.
Durant said the whole team is looking to play better, smarter and with more intensity because they expect a tough battle from the Cavaliers, which should make for an interesting game.
Golden State breathed a sigh of relief after hearing news that forward Draymond Green will not be suspended for the fifth match. After the league’s announcement Green said that he’s learned his lessons and feels better emotionally ahead of game 5.
Cavaliers on the other hand proved with their game 4 win that they are not willing to give up so fast. Last Friday, they set several records, such as the highest number of three-point baskets in a game (24), the highest point total in a single quarter (49) and most points scored in the first half (86).
Just like last year the Cavaliers believe that the comeback is possible, and the idea is to take it one game at a time.
While the Cavaliers do not like being in this situation, they are more than willing to face the challenge of climbing back from the 3-1 hole once again. Star Small Forward Lebron James said the Cavs have some very confident guys that will try to keep the team in position to play one more match and bring the series back to Cleveland.
