OT: Cavs v. Warriors

[Goose85]

I keep going back and forth on this, but it is the rule changes that have allowed a team like GS to be so successful shooting the 3 ball (along with talent of course), or is it just that this is a mix of players that fits well and all can shoot the 3?

I've always considered Jordan one of the best ever, and those Bulls championship teams a great mix of players (talent - roles - skill sets).
I also thought those Bulls teams with Jordan, Pippen, Kukoc, Rodman, Grant, etc would have beaten this GS team. Now I'm not so sure.

Harper, Jordan, Pippen, Rodman, Grant, Kukoc, pick your center. Other than Kerr and Paxson, the teams were not really loaded with big minute players that could shoot the 3, or create their own opening to shoot the 3.

When GS shoot well from 3 from multiple players, in this era, I just wonder if those Bulls teams, like this Cavs team, can score with them.

If you hit 16 of 34 from 3 (47%), to match scoring from 2, like those Bulls teams did and the Cavs do, a team needs to shoot over 70% just to match the 3's. Of course teams would and do feel the need to shoot 3's to keep pace, but just can't match the 3 point shooting percentage, resulting in a need to shoot well over 70% from 2 to keep pace.

Sports teams and players are all trying to catch the newest success, and the way GS is using the 3 point shot, I think small ball and shooting 3's is what we will see.

[TheSultan]

It's hard to compare because it really is a different era. I will say that I thought I would never see a better team than than 95-96 Bulls, but this GSW team is something I have never seen before. When they go on one of their runs, they play in a way that seems almost "perfect." Like it nears the peak of what this sport is capable of - the movement, the shot making, the players knowing where their teammates are... It really is fun to watch.

[Goose85]

I agree it is hard to compare eras, as teams are built to compete given the variables at their given time. Personally, I've always considered all time greats as guys I thought could have been at the top of the league in any era.

This GS team is crazy different. They can be down 10 and within a couple minutes they are ahead and the opponent is calling a TO.

I think the key with GS is they all seem to be extremely confident that every 3 they take is in, and if not, it doesn't seem to affect their next shot at all.

I know this GS team is built for the game now, and I have enjoyed watching them this year too (not easy when a team plays west coast time). I just wonder if this is a blue print more teams are going to try and follow.

Of course you can't teach a guy to get off a good 3 as fast as Curry, but will teams lean more toward outside shooters as opposed to traditional positions. Hey, we don't care if the opponent is bigger, let him post you up for a 2, and then we will just come down and hit a 3. Fast break opportunities - if it is not a jam, kick it out to the guy at the 3 line.

Interesting to watch, and I hope it is something MU can do this season with more 3 point shooters (of course not as good as GS, but the logic).

[mufansince72]

I think when Lebron fired Blatt after GS throttled them earlier in the year, that Lebron wanted to play more like Golden State. He realized that one dominant player could not beat GS. They switched their style and became three point happy and tried to play like GS. It works against the weaker teams in the East that they play. In the early rounds of the playoffs they looked great launching threes against the likes of Atlanta and Detroit. Cleveland can play like GS on offense against weaker teams. However, they can't play like GS on defense, which is their problem. Lebron drives the lane and there are three GS players waiting for him. He kicks it out to a shooter, and GS is quick enough to get back and put a hand up and contest the shot. Cleveland on the other hand, has been trying to just shut down Steph and Klay. They are leaving everyone else wide open. When Steph and Klay drive the lane there is no one with in three feet of the shooters at the top of the key or on the wings. They also have some pretty intricate back screens and picks which lead to easy layups for guys like Barbosa and Ezelli. Bottom line is Cleveland is probably the fourth or fifth best team in the NBA and just don't have the talent to compete with GS.

[TheSultan]

Not to mention Love and Irving are horrendous defenders.

[pbiflyer]

Not to mention Love and Irving are horrendous defenders.

As someone wanting GS to win, I am hoping Love plays and isn't out due to the concussion. His scoring cannot offset his horrible defense against GS.

[Markedman]

I agree Warriors will win but I will be shocked if it is a sweep.

Cleveland will be much tougher at home.

.Cavs just a different team at home.

Game 4 will tell us if we are going to have a series. If GS wins they will close it out in 5 in all likelihood

If Cavs win it could go 7

[mufansince72]

Cavs just a different team when Love isn't on the floor. I think GS takes care of business in game 4 and the series ends in 5

[Goose85]

Cavs just a different team when Love isn't on the floor. I think GS takes care of business in game 4 and the series ends in 5

The Cavs may just suggest to Love he err on the side of caution and he sits out game 4. I hope the Cavs win game 4 and make this a series.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

The Cavs may just suggest to Love he err on the side of caution and he sits out game 4. I hope the Cavs win game 4 and make this a series.

Saw a post on Twitter today saying that he would be held out per concussion protocol until he could recite Pi to 500 digits. Probably the best plan for Cleveland