Reflecting on Game 5 and looking forward in the NBA Finals

The final margin, a 15-point win to the Cavaliers, doesn’t quite reflect the actual flow of yesterday’s game in Oakland. But it is a fair reflection of Cleveland’s desire and play.

Or it’s a fair reflection of the importance of Draymond Green’s absence to the Warriors.

Given the pendulum-like character of this year’s NBA Finals, it’s hard to judge.

Kyrie Irving played one for the ages. His offensive game, when in sync, justifies the Cavs making him a No.1 draft pick years ago. His ability to slash to the basket and still finish outside shone through.

While most figured LeBron James would drag the Cavs kicking and screaming into a Game 6 (or 7 for that matter), Kyrie was there to help. And he played defence (if somewhat sporadically), cutting off some of the Warriors’ passes and moving high screens well around the perimeter.

Irving still had his moments where he switched off, but why dwell on the negatives on a career night?

The Warriors certainly missed Green, chiefly his physicality. Green was reportedly at the Oakland Athletics game with ex-Seattle Seahawk Marshawn Lynch, obviously in an act of self-inflicted punishment. The Cavs got to the basket with ease and roughed up the Warriors all night.

At times, the physicality of their play was reminiscent of those dour ’90s era Finals series, and it obviously rattled the Warriors. Golden State appeared lazy on defence also.

Tristan Thompson seemed to be camped around the ring often, and created some second chances for his teammates. Even the old, tired legs of Richard Jefferson got to the ring on a number of occasions. All things that good basketball teams shouldn’t allow.

Klay Thompson did his best to get the Warriors through. His first half, in particular, was a sight to see. Stephen Curry continued to struggle though. His shot is just not falling, even missing open ones regularly. Questions about his fitness are now becoming more urgent. Rumours are circling that he will require both knee and shoulder surgery in the offseason, which further clears up his absence from Team USA in Brazil.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr clearly asked him on the bench in Game 3 if he was good to go for the rest of the game in the second quarter. There has to be something more to Curry’s fitness.

Some pundits (obviously for shock value) are questioning his credibility as a unanimous MVP, given his Playoffs and Finals campaigns. Some even wonder if he is a regular season MVP only, supposedly as evidenced by his lacklustre Finals last season.

There is still more time in this series for him to make those pundits eat there words. What better place to do this than in Cleveland in Game 6? Well, in Oakland in Game 7, but you get my point. Curry is due a big game, and he will have it.

Given Cleveland’s outstanding play, it might appear negligent to dismiss their chances to take home the Larry O’Brien Trophy. But the winning margin trends in these Playoffs see teams appear to be capable of the sublime one night, then the ridiculous the next.

If the trend continues – and I think it will – be prepared for a blowout Game 6. Or Game 7. With the Warriors repeating as champions.