The Golden State Warriors are once again the NBA champions after a 108-85 victory over LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers won them their third title in the last four seasons.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Cleveland Cavaliers 85
Golden State Warriors 108
Facing a demoralizing sweep, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers will look to stay alive in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the now seemingly untouchable Golden State Warriors. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 11am (AEST).
Following another brutal loss in Game 3, LeBron and his fellow teammates must capitalize at home and take advantage of the small mistakes.
Even with the greatest shooter of all time, Stephen Curry, playing extremely out of character – the Cavs just could not stop Kevin Durant or execute offensively down the stretch.
Game 3 saw Rodney Hood step up, knocking down seven shots in 11 attempts. Kevin Love also played a nice game offensively, but was completely exploited by Kevin Durant on defence when he was switched on.
If Cleveland wants to find themselves in the win column in front of their home fans at Quicken Loans Arena, they are going to need to be perfect and support LeBron in every way.
Durant, who scored 43 points on 15 of 23 shooting, was blazing by the end of the contest.
Curry and Klay Thompson combined for a measly 21 points, yet Golden State still notched the 110-102 victory.
Tristan Thompson and JR Smith have proved to be just about useless offensively. Jordan Clarkson has likely seen himself out of the rotation as well.
However, and I have said this since before Game 1 (which should have been the Cavs’) – I think LeBron is just too good to be swept in any scenario.
Prediction
Thanks to home court advantage, another inhuman performance from LBJ and a bit more support from guys like Kyle Korver and Love, I think the Cavs avoid the embarrassing sweep.
Though Curry will bounce back in Game 4, LeBron is LeBron.
Cavaliers by 3.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of Game 3 from 11am (AEST) and join in the discussion with me.
Mitchie McDonald
Roar Rookie
thanks!
Wayne Turner
Guest
As a Warriors fan since 1990 - Yes I'm old,and RUN T.M.C was in the house. Of course I am very happy with the result. All those years of struggles,with low lights including being Sprewell choking the coach,and years out of the play offs to no all-star player for years.Those struggles have finally led to a light at the end of tunnel,which I thought I would never see.In my wildest dreams I thought I would never see my Golden State Warriors win one title,let alone 3. Before this series started,I predicted if they played their best the Warriors would win 4 to 0. At worst lose 1 game,which they almost did in game 1,thanks JR Smith lol With this Warriors team being one of the best off time,I also think and thought before this series; That this Cleveland team is one of the worst ever to make the NBA Finals - LeBron showing how great he is because he was carrying the impossible,with the rest average to not very good.Without LeBron it's the Cleveland Timberwolves led by Love,who wouldn't be an all-star in the strong West,but can be in the weak East. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS BACK TO BACK & 2018 NBA CHAMPIONS!!
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
That's it for me. Pleasure covering what ended up being the last game of the 2018 NBA Finals. Shoutout to The Roar's great Scott Pryde for holding it down the previous three games. Game 4/pseduo-series report will be filed soon. Thank you for following along. Hope to keep connected with you Roarers during what should be an unprecedentedly incredible 2018 offseason. Goodbye for now!
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
Only six times has a player gone back-to-back finals MVP, per Doris Burke. Add Durant to the list.
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
Larry O'Brien Trophy: Golden State Warriors Bill Russell Finals MVP Trophy: Kevin Durant
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
Postgame ceremony underway.
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
The 2017-18 Golden State Warriors are champions. GM Bob Meyers and staff have an awful lot to be proud of. Say what you will, but either last or this year's GS team is the best of all time. As I said in my preview, I said the Cavs would need to be perfect to achieve victory - they were anything but. Congrats to Golden State.
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
You're not wrong.
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
0:00 GAME OVER Warriors celebrate at half court. LeBron immediately off the floor as the final buzzer sounds. Golden State champions yet again. Surprise, surprise. CLE - 85 GS - 108
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
LeBron's averages in the finals: 34 8.5 10 Just not enough against one of (if not) the best team of all time.
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
Q4 1:40 Celebrations are beginning on the bench from Golden State. Durant and Green embracing each other. Can't imagine what LeBron is thinking right now. GS - 108 CLE - 83
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
Q4 4' The bench in for Cleveland. Timeout from Golden State as they are doing the same. Match over. GS - 104 CLE - 79
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
Q4 4' LeBron has checked out for what might be his final time as a Cavalier.
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
Q4 6' LeBron at the line. Fans yelling MVP, but who knows if he's donning a Cavs jersey next season. GS - 102 CLE - 77
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
Q4 7' Things keep getting worse for Cleveland. Since this game is over - lets go over some stats thus far. 18 pts 11 reb 10 ast - KD 34 pts (7 threes) - Curry ------ 20 pts - LBJ 13 pts - Love Just not even close to enough to sniff the Warriors.
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
Q4 8' Miss by Korver rebounded by Durant. Timeout on the court. Welp, my prediction of Cavs by 3 is looking pretty off. Still shocked that the Cavs couldn't help LeBron for just one victory in this series. GS - 97 CLE - 74
Swampy
Guest
Honestly why would he want to stay? Really while the Cavs have paid the money out they have really failed in building a good roster around James. It just sticks out so much that trading Irving may have been the dumbest trade in recent memory. He was under contract - they could have said 'suck it up princess'. If LeBron leaves this summer then it could have become kyrie's team again. With love and a few new young guys that team could build again. But now they will be terrible.
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
Q4 9' And-one for Hood. GS - 95 CLE - 73
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
Q4 10' Three-point attempt by Curry earns him three shots. LeBron back in the game. GS - 95 CLE - 70
Tyler Oringer
Roar Guru
Q4 10' Hill with a wide open corner three. Guess what though, Curry from LONG range. 31 for Curry. GS - 92 CLE - 70