Can the Cleveland Cavaliers become the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the Finals? To do so, they will need to start by defeating the Golden State Warriors away from home. Join The Roar from 11am (AEST) for live scores and coverage.
The biggest news heading into Game 5 is that Draymond Green will not be playing, after the NBA suspended him for one game.
The suspension stems from an altercation between Green and LeBron James in Game 4.
The pair became entangled on an attempted screen by Green, which resulted in Green being thrown/flopping to the ground.
LeBron then walked over Green and some contact was made with James’ groin region.
Some fans (and Steven Adams) will be thinking ‘about time’ after Green’s antics throughout the playoffs. Others will be outraged that the league has gone ‘soft’.
Either way, Green is an enormous loss for Golden State and it could make things easier for Cleveland.
Not only has Green averaged 14.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists so far in this series, he is also the Warrirors’ spiritual leader. Whenever the team requires a pep-talk or an opponent needs a minor assault, Green is their man.
Not helping the Warriors case is that since the suspension was announced their players decided to begin publicly questioning James’ toughness.
Hint: it is not beneficial to have a fired-up LeBron James attacking you with one of your best defenders out.
Andre Iguodala, who is an excellent defender, will almost certainly start in Green’s place, but missing the depth that having both brought will be tough to manage.
Golden State can almost certainly score enough to cover the loss of Green offensively, whether they can defensively will be another matter.
James was far too passive in Game 4 and as much as it is admirable to include teammates, Cleveland has proven that their best basketball comes when LeBron looks to score aggressively.
With his main threat defensively missing he needs to do this early. Once that tone is set, kicking the ball out to JR Smith, Kevin Love or Channing Frye for open looks becomes that much easier.
I have a suspicion that this game will be decided by the two MVPs out on the floor.
If James follows the above plan and attacks early and often, Cleveland might be able to steal this one.
However, if Stephen Curry continues his form from Game 4 and scores 40 (or close to it) then there just might be too much Californian firepower for the Cavaliers to overcome.
Prediction
The Warriors really looked like they had sewn this series up, and then the league drops the Green bombshell on them. I honestly have not been this conflicted on a game in a long time, but I think Cleveland might have an upset in them.
Cavaliers by 4
Marshall
Guest
The NBA is the real winner by suspending Green and getting the series to 7 games for more revenue and exposure!
Andrew Flood
Guest
'Basketball was the winner on the night'- it doesn't get much better than that. Great call once again, Elliot. You are a true guru. Enjoyed following your commentary this season. I look forward to next season!
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
It's going to be fun finding out! Both teams now know they can win on each other's floors, whichever one does earns themselves a ring
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
FINAL SCORE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS - 112 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS - 97 Well Basketball was the winner on the night, because the series continues and we get to see these two teams play one, maybe two, more times. The 15 point margin may not paint the most accurate picture of the contest as, particularly in the first half, they were incredibly competitive. Cleveland were able to push it out in the fourth. This is the first time in NBA history that two teammates have scored 40 points each, and it was the performances of Irving and James that ultimately won the Cavaliers this game. The Warriors simply could not keep up with these two stars down the stretch of the third and into the fourth quarter. Golden State started well with Klay Thompson having a blinding first quarter with 26 points. James matched this though with 25 of his own in the first half. The second half belonged to Kyrie Irving however. Cleveland's young point guard made shots others wouldn't even dream of attempting. They were the kinds of shots that Stephen Curry wowed us with in the regular season, yet have been more effectively pulled off this series by his Cleveland opposition. James entered the second half with zero assists and finished it with seven. He recognised the amazing form Irving was in and kept feeding him the ball, looking to score and succeeding for the most part where necessary. The Warriors certainly missed Draymond Green as another body to throw at James and try and slow him down, but even with him I'm not sure they win this game. There will be injury concerns for the Warriors with Bogut taking that nasty fall and hurting his knee. He will have an MRI and results will be known shortly. Without him the lane opens up a little more for Cleveland. The Warriors will still likely be favourites but it is not a cut and dry as it perhaps was. Game 6 will be fascinating and who knows, maybe we will even get a game decided by less than 10 points! Be sure to join The Roar live from 11:00am (AEST) on Friday for Game 6. This is it for me for this season, it's been a pleasure bringing the NBA to you. Enjoy whatever is left of this series and see you next time! FINAL SCORE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS - 112 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS - 97
josh
Roar Rookie
Can the Cavs keep it up and force the Warriors to 3 losses in a row?
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Lebron brings up his 40 points by faking Rush getting him in the air drawing contact and still making the shot. CLE - 111 GSW - 96 Q4 3.22
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Great feeling shutting up an away crowd - what Cavs have achieved here. Can they hold on?
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Kyrie Irving is making shots of unbelievable difficulty, almost fell over then spins and makes it, next possession he runs back and makes a three CLE - 109 GSW - 96 Q4 5.03
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Curry hits over the outstretched Love CLE - 104 GSW - 96 Q4 6.20
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Klay hits a difficult shot CLE - 102 GSW - 94 Q4 6.44
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Makes it CLE - 102 GSW - 92 Q4 7.30 Timeout
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Kyrie banks it in and gets contact - bonus coming
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
James zigged when he should have zagged - or another way faded away when he should have gone up strong CLE - 99 GSW - 92 Q4 7.31
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Shumpert cuts cleverly, Kyrie finds him with a nice feed and a dunk results Curry scores on the otyher end CLE - 99 GSW - 92 Q4 8.38
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
James making jumpshots all night - crucial CLE - 97 GSW - 90 Q4 9.54
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Makes one and James is back on court CLE - 95 GSW - 88 Q4 10.26
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Common foul called - two shots coming
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Commentators are accusing Varejao of flopping and over selling it - he is Brazillian, just saying
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Varejao went down hard clutching his ear, Smith hit him accidentally accross the head/shoulder
Elliot Williams
Roar Guru
Kyrie Irving 13/16 tonight - impressive