Jared Max: NBA Finals Is Far From Over, But Cavaliers Will Win In 6
By Jared Max
» More Columns
This is why they play the game.
The morning of Game 2 of the NBA Finals, I reported on WCBS 880 that the Cavaliers were worth 2.5 fewer points in Las Vegas since Kyrie Irving fractured his kneecap.
Favored to win the series opener by 5 1/2, the Warriors were made eight-point favorites.
On the air, I said, "It's LeBron James and four other guys versus the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of the NBA Finals tonight."
Because of the absence of Irving -- coupled with Kevin Love's injury -- it seemed like the next three games were a formality, like we see in baseball. As it turns out, there is a reason pitchers must throw four balls to complete an intentional walk.
This series is far from completion.
Since Sunday night, I have been scratching my head and rubbing the scruff on my chin, wondering why Stephen Curry laid all of his team's chips on the table with his final Game 2 shot attempt. Clearly, this was not the best option. Even if the sharpshooting Curry was not in the midst of a personal anomaly — setting a Finals record for three-point futility (2-for-15) — it was still a poor decision for Golden State to use its only bullet to fire at a needle in a haystack.
Did Curry's ego become his obstacle?
No, really — keep shooting, Steph! Show us that you have the power to be like Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith.
It fascinates me that some of the most talented players fail to recognize that when they do not have the touch on a given night, it is critical to stop picking at the same wound. I was surprised that Warriors coach Steve Kerr did not get in Curry's head during Game 2 to explain that it would have behooved him and the team to star in other ways than shooting. But, I understand.
There is a reason why James has been able to bring the Cavaliers to the Finals before and after he took his talents to South Beach. While James brings more to the table than any basketball player in the world, he also possesses Finals experience. This is why I believe the Cavs are going to win this series, with the potential to run the table herein. James knows his way around the Finals; Curry does not.
I believe that Curry's rare failures from Game 2 exposed more than a Golden State defeat. He created self-doubt. As the general of the Warriors, he showed his troops that he cannot be counted on to carry his team individually, and when presented with an opportunity to win a Finals game, he will not necessarily make the best team decision.
Before the Finals began, Golden State appeared to be a significant favorite to win the Larry O'Brien Trophy. On paper.
After Irving cracked his knee at the end of Game 1, the series seemed destined for a blowout. Yet James stopped the basketball world from spinning in one direction and reversed its ride. While Matthew Dellavedova played defense like "Hoosiers" zealot Strap — able to identify if Curry was chewing Dentyne — he brought a most important matter to light.
By disrupting Curry's game, the Cavs discovered the Warriors' Achilles. Because they learned this so early in the series, I believe they are going to win.
Curry's Finals inexperience might have not proved deadly to Golden State in a Finals series against Atlanta. But he is a child playing against a man who has been around the block. Several times. James has lived through and gotten past his big-game doubts. Curry's process just began.
The first two games went to overtime, but I predict Tuesday's Game 3 won't be as close. The feeling-out period is over. For the next couple of games, this is going to become more wide open -- recalling the middle of the Rangers-Lightning NHL series -- before it tightens near the end.
Cavaliers in six.
Jared Max is a multi-award winning sportscaster. He hosted a No. 1 rated New York City sports talk show, "Maxed Out" — in addition to previously serving as longtime Sports Director at WCBS 880, where he currently anchors weekend sports. Follow and communicate with Jared on Twitter @jared_max.
