The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken a 14-point win on the back of a dominant display in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, sending the series to Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors.
Back on their home floor at the Quicken Loans Arena, all the pressure was on Cleveland to get the win and send it to Game 7, as it was during Game 5 when they took another big win.
The Eastern Conference champions raced out of the gates, getting away to an early 8-0 lead, in a first quarter that set the course of the game and the Warriors never found their way back in.
The lead was brought about by a fast starting Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, as well as a perfect defensive structure that didn’t allow the Warriors to make a majority of their shots.
In fact, by the end of the first quarter, it was the Cavaliers leading by 20 points after at one point have stretched the lead to 22. It was also the Warriors lowest scoring quarter of the season, as they went into the first break down 31-11.
Tristan Thompson was the biggest part of the defence during the first quarter, and indeed the entire game. After just 12 minutes of action Thompson had nine rebounds, including a few offensive ones, and by halftime had the double double.
Thompson’s combination with LeBron James on the offensive end was truly an incredible thing to watch, and throw in a firing Kyrie Irving – there was simply nothing the Warriors defence could do.
In a similar pattern to Game 3, the Warriors had little bursts of scoring and some solid defence at different points during the game, and nowhere was that more evident than the second quarter.
On the back of Klay Thompson’s shooting, they cut the lead to eight. Stephen Curry also started to find his range, but like a number of players struggled with foul trouble which severely limited his input.
LeBron James and Kyrie Irving managed to get back into the game and take the Cavaliers away again, before a stretch led by bench player Dante Jones just before the halftime bell took the lead back out to 16.
The third quarter saw the Warriors take over the flow of the game, and another big stretch led by Curry and Thompson kept them in it. That was before Thompson scored 10 straight points on the cusp of three quarter time to bring the lead back to single figures.
Of course, that wasn’t even the biggest run of the games with LeBron scoring 18 points for the Cavaliers without any of his teammates getting a bucket at one point.
The fourth quarter was high scoring, and started out bucket for bucket. When Thompson missed a three point bomb though, and things began to unravel it was clear Game 7 was going to be needed.
With just under half the final quarter remaining, Curry would pick up his sixth and final foul, before being called for a technical and ejected from courtside after throwing his mouthguard.
it started the final run for the Cavaliers, as they ran away with the 14 point victory.
Cleveland take all the momentum back to the Oracle Arena for Game 7 having won two straight. If they can continue their lock down defensive ways and silence the crowd early on, then they could well get the job done.
For Golden State, a massive turnaround of their last two games is needed.
Either way, the NBA Finals are going to Game 7 and it is set to be a cracker.
Final Score
Cleveland Cavaliers 115
Golden State Warriors 101
The Cleveland Cavaliers look to force Game 7 in the NBA Finals when host the Golden State Warriors. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of Game 6 from 11am (AEST).
Heading into Game 5, the Cavaliers appeared dead and buried, having to travel and already down 3-1 in the series.
Needing to win the last three matches of the series, the Cavs started strongly in Oakland on Tuesday morning (AEST).
While it was far from the most dominant of victories, 15 points gets the job done – as does a slow tempo and lock-down defence in the last quarter.
The Warriors only added 13 points during the final term, and while the Cavaliers only added 19, it didn’t matter because of the quality of defence.
LeBron James was at his best, scoring 41 points and shooting 16 of 30 from the field. What was maybe even more impressive was the 16 rebounds, four of those on the offensive glass.
While the Warriors were missing Draymond Green, it was still a poor effort boxing out and stopping the Cavs having their way inside the paint. They also ended up shooting 53 per cent from the field.
Cleveland got their own defensive structure right, restricting the Warriors to just 36 per cent from the field.
It wasn’t just the defensive work though, with Golden State falling into a trap they have done a few times throughout the playoffs and finals – just taking whatever shot presents itself, rather than looking for the best options.
Despite Klay Thompson putting up 37 points, Steph Curry is struggling for rhythm since coming back from knee and ankle injuries, and only managed 25 with just eight of 21 from the field, and five of 14 from deep.
If the Warriors want to compete away from home, a lot comes down to fill-in centre Festus Ezeli. With Australian Andrew Bogut out injured, Ezeli should come into the starting team and has a major role to play in cutting down LeBron.
Prediction
At the start of the series I was adamant it would be the Warriors in seven. After the first four games, it was hard to see it going to Game 6, but now it is here and Cleveland have the momentum on their home floor.
Game 7 here we come.
Cavaliers by 8.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of Game 6 in the NBA Finals from 11am (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde
Eden
Guest
I don't get to see the whole game while at work to give a complete opinion but from what I've seen this series Kyrie has been just as instrumental for the cavs. He seems to provide the perfect balance for James, pulling off some freakish individual plays and letting James play his game without pressure of high fg %
josh
Roar Rookie
Dud calls went to both teams. Though I can't see Curry getting fouled out at home.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yes true, but if the Cavs start anything like they did today, or in Game 3 they will silence the crowd pretty quickly. The officiating tonight was very good I have to say.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Match Results The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken a 14-point win on the back of a dominant display in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, sending the series to Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors. Back on their home floor at the Quicken Loans Arena, all the pressure was on Cleveland to get the win and send it to Game 7, as it was during Game 5 when they took another big win. The Eastern Conference champions raced out of the gates, getting away to an early 8-0 lead, in a first quarter that set the course of the game and the Warriors never found their way back in. The lead was brought about by a fast starting Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, as well as a perfect defensive structure that didn't allow the Warriors to make a majority of their shots. In fact, by the end of the first quarter, it was the Cavaliers leading by 20 points after at one point have stretched the lead to 22. It was also the Warriors lowest scoring quarter of the season, as they went into the first break down 31-11. Tristan Thompson was the biggest part of the defence during the first quarter, and indeed the entire game. After just 12 minutes of action Thompson had nine rebounds, including a few offensive ones, and by halftime had the double double. Thompson's combination with LeBron James on the offensive end was truly an incredible thing to watch, and throw in a firing Kyrie Irving - there was simply nothing the Warriors defence could do. In a similar pattern to Game 3, the Warriors had little bursts of scoring and some solid defence at different points during the game, and nowhere was that more evident than the second quarter. On the back of Klay Thompson's shooting, they cut the lead to eight. Stephen Curry also started to find his range, but like a number of players struggled with foul trouble which severely limited his input. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving managed to get back into the game and take the Cavaliers away again, before a stretch led by bench player Dante Jones just before the halftime bell took the lead back out to 16. The third quarter saw the Warriors take over the flow of the game, and another big stretch led by Curry and Thompson kept them in it. That was before Thompson scored 10 straight points on the cusp of three quarter time to bring the lead back to single figures. Of course, that wasn't even the biggest run of the games with LeBron scoring 18 points for the Cavaliers without any of his teammates getting a bucket at one point. The fourth quarter was high scoring, and started out bucket for bucket. When Thompson missed a three point bomb though, and things began to unravel it was clear Game 7 was going to be needed. With just under half the final quarter remaining, Curry would pick up his sixth and final foul, before being called for a technical and ejected from courtside after throwing his mouthguard. it started the final run for the Cavaliers, as they ran away with the 14 point victory. Cleveland take all the momentum back to the Oracle Arena for Game 7 having won two straight. If they can continue their lock down defensive ways and silence the crowd early on, then they could well get the job done. For Golden State, a massive turnaround of their last two games is needed. Either way, the NBA Finals are going to Game 7 and it is set to be a cracker. Final Score Cleveland Cavaliers 115 Golden State Warriors 101
McNaulty
Guest
thats a big call. Remember the calls will go the Warriors way in game 7.
Scott Pryde
Expert
No problems mate, pleasure. And yeah James has been awesome. He is the only reason this thing is going to 7 and i'm not sure any Warriors players really deserve the gong at the moment. Honestly, Cavs are in the drivers seat to win from here anyway.
Scott Pryde
Expert
STAT LEADERS Cleveland Cavaliers Points: LeBron James (41) Assists: LeBron James (11) Rebounds: Tristan Thompson (16) Golden State Warriors Points: Stephen Curry (30) Assists: Draymond Green (6) Rebounds: Draymond Green (10)
Scott Pryde
Expert
STATS: Field Goals: Cavaliers (40/77 @ 52%), Warriors (33/82 @ 40%) Three Pointers: Cavaliers (10/27 @ 37%), Warriors (15/39 @ 39%) Free Throws: Cavaliers (25/32 @ 78%), Warriors (20/29 @ 69%) Rebounds: Cavaliers (45), Warriors (35) Offensive Rebounds: Cavaliers (8), Warriors (9) Assists: Cavaliers (24), Warriors (19) Steals: Cavaliers (12), Warriors (5) Blocks: Cavaliers (7), Warriors (3) Turnovers: Cavaliers (12), Warriors (14) Fast break points: Cavaliers (19), Warriors (10) Points in the paint: Cavaliers (42), Warriors (30)
McNaulty
Guest
Thanks for the coverage Scott, not bad number from Lebron last 2 games. Same scenario as last year, if GSW win from here do they still give LBJ MVP. I mean he has been the best by a good margin.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Stats and report to come. What a performance from Cleveland. Thanks for joining me today for The Roar's live coverage of the 2016 NBA Finals as the Cleveland Cavaliers forced Game 7 with a 14-point victory over the Golden State Warriors. Hopefully you enjoyed the coverage. Game 7 will be live, right here on The Roar Monday morning from the earlier time of 10am (AEST) so be sure to join us then. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME Cavaliers dribble it out and that'll do us at the Quicken Loans Arena. We are going to Game 7!!! Cleveland Cavaliers - 115 Golden State Warriors - 101
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' Clark makes one. Cavaliers - 115 Warriors - 101
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' Foul called and that will send Clark to the line. Cavaliers - 115 Warriors - 100
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' Speights with another three and you have to wonder why he has been on the bench all evening given the Igoudala injury. Delladedova with a shot from the high post. Cavaliers - 115 Warriors - 100
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' Delladedova with a miss on the lay up before Speights makes a wide open three pointer from the right wing. Inside to Delly and he misses on the turnaround. Cavaliers - 113 Warriors - 97
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Clark with a shot from deep on the left wing an that will fall. Cavaliers - 113 Warriors - 94
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Delladedova at the free throw line and he makes one. Cavaliers - 113 Warriors - 91
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Dante Jones with a miss before the Warriors quickly turn it over and Mo Williams knocks down a jump shot from the high post. Now a dunk for the Warriors through McAdoo. Cavaliers - 112 Warriors - 91
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' That's actually Livingston at the line as he makes one. The Cavaliers make subs, checking out the likes of James and Tristan Thompson. This one will just wind down now. Cavaliers - 110 Warriors - 89
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' Foul from the Cavs to stop a fast break and it will be Ezeli to the free throw line. Cavaliers - 110 Warriors - 88