Finals Live Thread Game 4: Cavs vs Warriors (Evolve or Die)
2018-06-08
The Cavs already rendered the Raptors extinct, and if they don’t evolve, this incarnation of the Cavs will go the way of the dinosaurs as well. It’s true. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit, in the NBA playoffs, let alone the finals, but that’s no reason not to try. We all thought this series was going seven games anyway. Why even play the game if it’s a foregone conclusion? And we also all know that LeBron James like to “conserve energy” in lost causes rather than waste it in hard fought defeats, but if he’s saving energy for the offseason, then I’ll be disappointed.
What do the Cavs have to do to evolve? The Cavs didn’t lose game three because Kevin Durant scored 43 points, they lost game three because Andre Igoudala, Shaun Livingston, Jordan Bell, and JaVale McGee went for 36 on 21 shots. The Cavs have to communicate better on the pick and roll defense, and have to start chucking the roller. If they don’t this one will be over quickly. Additionally, they have to rest James, get Kyle Korver shots, and keep working the ball to Kevin Love. I’ve given up on Playing Cedi, but I’m at least hoping that if they play Rodney Hood, he defends better.
This game’s a little worrisome because Golden State hasn’t had a game where all three of their role players are “on” for a night, and expect Steph Curry to come out gunning after being very disappointed in the Game 3 performance that may have cost him a finals MVP. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant came out today and said that he doesn’t think LeBron James would accept a Finals MVP trophy in a losing cause.
I’m sure LeBron wouldn’t accept that. I mean, he’s a winner. He’s a winner. I don’t look at him as a guy that would be OK with that.
It sure sounds to me like he wants that trophy for himself. A good trash talker could exploit that rift and internal rivalry between KD and Steph. A good man to do it? The Cavs’ own Kendrick Perkins who flipped Durant the Bird after game 3. Kendrick knows Durant well from their OKC years and he knew Durant was rolling Wednesday.
When he hit his first four shots, and none of them hit the rim and they were all from different areas, I was like, ‘Man, we can’t continue to let him play like this.’ He kept them in the game, big shot after big shot.
There is a petition on Change.org to let Perk play in game 4 sponsored by Fresh Brewed Tees, and if there’s anyone who’d touch up a hot shooter, it’s Kendrick. I’d say it’s worth a shot. The Cavs have to start roughing guys up if they want to win. Well, game time is here. We’ll see if LeBron’s really the King or if he’s going to roll over. Here’s hoping his reign continues for at least one more game. If the Cavs win tonight, they’re down 3-1. And we all know what can happen then…
Go Cavs!
the recap is finally up
I have not scoured the league, but perhaps someone who has a long term contract with someone decides to blow it up & start over & we get a discount by taking on bad salary and/or the #8 or with contracts that expire sooner (TT, JR, Clarkson).
The dumb guys have to go or play less. Dumb gets you beat vs GSW. And Boston.
If Lebron doesn’t come back, Cavs should tank for couple of years, buyout or let the contracts of Tristan and JR run through and trade Love unless of course you can get a franchise player in trade for that #8 pick like Kawahi, Cousins, Booker etc.. If Lebron does come back, #8 pick is the asset Cavs have to leverage to get couple of role players with high IQ(Ariza,Thabo, Dedmon for instance) or a borderline all star. Kevin Love should be with the team, a better coach can get more from him and Love is handy for long reg season… Read more »
The 8th pick could potentially be an all-star. No way I’m trading it for Ariza, Thabo, or Dedmon.
And no thanks to Porter Jr. He looks like a bust to me. I’d take Bridges if available.
Or I’d take Colin Sexton.
Arch, I was saying more like for couple of players or one borderline all star. 8th pick who is ready to play in NBA and not a project would be good choice too. But, go back in last decade, you will probably find only couple of rookies who contributed in playoffs.
last sentence should read, aside from last year.
Yea, it’s a tough feeling- this feeling. We’re in this together CtB. Whether he stays or goes, we wish him the best. Almost feel like it would be less stressful and more fun if he left and we got the chance to watch a young team grow. Maybe the healthy option for both him and us. Perhaps the organization could focus on being better itself, improving the front office and coaching staff, building stability, and a clear operating mindset- free from emotions and baggage, things that have been a bit too intertwined in the Lebron James experience since ’03, in… Read more »
Time to cue up the crazy trade proposals? :) An old flame is in the C Suite for AutoZone (their head is the lead Grizzlies owner). They have finally agreed to tank and to dump Conley and Parsons (their biggest contracts & Parsons no longer starts, neither are happy & both are vocal about not tanking). To sell their fans that the tanking won’t be that awful, they want proven players who “need work”. Anyhow, she calls me out of the blue and asks if Cleveland would trade some combination of Thompson, Love, JR(!) and Clarkson for MC & CP… Read more »
It’s a normal collar. Find a new slant.
Chandler Parsons is one of the few contracts worse than TT. Mike Conley is perennially injured. Nobody wants Clarkson.
Look at Bron’s hand. He wasn’t making stuff up…
Might be photo shopped? Doesn’t seem to be a legit twitter account.
in my humble opinion, the vast majority of the pro sport debates has simply to do with character.. when you are making millions, and in many instances, many many millions, how many of these players actually work (re repitition after repetition) to get better? I believe that fewer than 5% have the necessary discipline, simply based on the fact that so few players actually get demonstrably better.. most just coast and cash the checks.. LBJ is one of the true anomalies, and for that, we should all be grateful that we were able to observe a master at work..
of greater interest, at least to me, is how the truly great small-city franchises (re steelers) maintain their performance over the decades, avoiding the all to seemingly inevitable feast to famine swings.. it appears that that culture, and drafting to fit into that culture, play a huge role.. probably hard to clone, otherwise everyone would be doing it.. luck is always a part of the game, but it is almost never enough..
Lebron James one of the greatest if not the greatest solo talent in NBA history is officially the GLOAT; Greatest Loser Of All Time.
How long did it take you to come up with that?
You mean Jerry West?
Durant is up 3-1 on the warriors. Then he chokes away the series. Graphically chokes. Like it is gross. Then joins the team he was up 3-1 on and just lost to. Weak sauce loser mentality. Legacy killer. Durant can’t ever be in the convo for top five now, maybe top ten, considering he never won without being on the team with the most talent in history. Durant is the definition of the Gloat. Enjoy your pyrite rings.
This picture is haunting
Lebron should have kept the hand injury to himself. I don’t know why bring that up now, even if it’s true. most of the people will look at it as an excuse. Really bad timing IMO.
I had a broken hand injury and I couldn’t dribble a ball with my hand, how could he?
I love Bron but telling this was unnecessary.
Maybe you’re right. But when blowhards like Screamin A Smith who likes to cast aspersions and control narrative out of spite and Charles Barkley, a slacker during his playing days, question your competitiveness, perhaps he felt the need to defend himself without being dragged to the mud by douchebags.
Good point
Supposedly, it had already leaked from someone in the cavs org before the press conference.
Truly feels like things are coming to an end, especially for this “Championship team” version of the Cavs. Feels like final goodbyes are in order: TO THE CHAMPS (Lebron, Kevin, Tristan, JR, Lue), Thanks for the memories. 2016 was an amazing year and I witnessed something I had come to believe I would never see as a Cleveland sports fan. Thank you!!!! TO THE VETS (George, Jeff, Jose, Kyle, Kendrick), Thanks for the effort and leadership during a strange season. We started the season with a slew of Vets…glad you all were the ones with us till the end. Thank… Read more »
seriously guys: is there ANY possibility for Cavs to give Bron a genuine chance to compete against GS? 8th pick isn’t the answer for sure. We would need to trade that pick along with current assets – Love is #1 asset, which isn’t saying much. TT untradeable. JR – who would want that headache? Cedi, Z man, Hill, Clarkson, Hood… what can we really get for these guys? Bron would need at least 1 SUPERSTAR (not Love)… plus better defensive pieces with high IQ (we have zero of that right now). I just can’t see the trade pieces that could… Read more »
Not without a new coach and significant internal player development. Cedi has the tools to be a 3 and D guy. Clarkson needs serious coaching and a new brain to be a viable 6th man. Zizic could give minutes as a backup big against certain teams like Boston, Toronto, Philly. The #8 pick has to develop throughout the course of the year. With some familiarity with the team and good coaching, Nance should be a starting big. TT and J.R. need to go. Honestly thought Hill would be much better, but he disappeared big time all playoffs. Luckily his contract… Read more »
I just think of how much harder this team would be to guard if they had a legit shooting guard in place of JR…if Khris Middleton had been on this team, I just can’t see them having many dry spells…
I truly believe that if we had had a competent coach, say coach Drew takes over if Lue hadn’t come back, we would be 2-2 right now. Maybe not enough to beat GS but definitely not a sweep.
Coach Lue, or whoever is calling the shots, is a complete moron. You had the talent to have made it a series and instead “coached” the team into a horrible and embarrassing finish.
Hill is the worst. He doesn’t play well for the Kings because he can’t get motivated to play for a loser. He doesn’t play well for the Cavs because he gets the yips when the stakes are high. He is the definition of an useless veteran.
With how far over the tax they are, and with few assets, I would say no. It would be easy to say well just sign Paul George, except we’d have to shed the economy of a small 3rd world country, and probably have to trade Love. I don’t think LeBron and PG are enough to get it done. His best option is forming another super team elsewhere IMO.
The only real chance we have to compete would go something like this: 1) Bron decides early to stay 2) Bron tells the team his decision. 3) Bron recruits others 4) We hit a home run with #8 5) We get 2-3 quality rotation pieces somehow: via trade or FA or draft: C, wing, PG. One of which can create offense consistently. 6) Hood turns into a real player. 7) Nance improves some. 8) Clarkson is traded or learns how to play. 9) Lue is replaced with a coach who holds players accoutable, develops players, and understands defensive principles. Starters:… Read more »
Or maybe Porter falls to us in the draft.
I’m going to graduation parties today in Ohio and I’m proudly wearing my Eastern Conference Back to Back Champs T-shirt. Ain’t no shame in my Cavs! They were battle tested all season long. Yes they lost but you know what? Many former NBA championship teams would have too. As my son’s former football coach said (they went to State) , “When you look back at all the teams you beat, the battles won… You might not got it All, but you got … was ALOT,, Stand proud”
I’m taking his word for it. Lebron has played through numerous injuries in his career and it is revealed much later. Of course he couldn’t reveal that during series. I’m not blaming him for the loss. There is much work to be done if ANY team in the NBA can beat this stacked 4 All Star team with an ALL STAR COACH and All Star Refs. Rockets only team that took them far. Kyrie wouldn’t have been enough either against a KD led Warrior team. That’s a reality this NBA has right now. What players would be enough to beat… Read more »
If the animation doesn’t work here, tap to see it in Twitter. It’s worth it.
https://twitter.com/Rachel__Nichols/status/1005416648357097472?s=20
Take 2, the original tweet
https://twitter.com/SacramentoKings/status/1005298444955553793?s=20
Priceless.
This is great
Regardless of Lebron’s timing, I think this calls for a Spartacus/solidarity/#MyHandToo moment, where we each stand up and say “I broke my hand punching something out of frustration with the Cavs.” I’m a long-time fan, but God was this an unnecessarily maddening season.
Whenever I saw Cedi sitting on the bench behind an open-mouthed Ty Lue and needed to go to a meeting, though, I knew I could find support here. Because I need at least one good hand.
Thanks to everyone at CtB for hanging in there. See y’all next year.
Haha. #MyHandToo
agree —-just makes him come across as ” excuse ” —–not saying it isn’t —but that is how it will be perceived by the general public——yes —when is the draft—it would benefit BOTH LeBron and the cavs to know his intentions before draft day—–do we try to package our pick/ love and move up or other options ——was very disappointed on the LACK OF A FINAL OVATION FOR LEBRON —YES THEY GAVE HIM A NICE ONE WHEN HE WAS TAKEN OUT BUT THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN 1 MORE FINAL ONE AT THE END OF THE GAME
I think the LeBron hand news is super shady – would’ve preferred him to just keep it under raps. The timing of it isn’t a good look at all. 1) It puts him in a precarious position that he did it in the first place 2) Makes him look like he’s trying to take attention away from the Warriors championship. “Broken” hand or not, the Cavs weren’t winning this series for how they played on defense. IF LeBron stays, it’s in his best interest to be straight up with the team so they can start to plan accordingly. Would be… Read more »
I’m with you on the Durant thing. He did take less money, like Duncan did, in order to keep the team together.
I unfortunately don’t see LeBron doing that. It would be great if he did and be able to get PG13. But it won’t happen.
Bron could sign for vet min & we are still over the cap. Not that your point on Timmy & Durant is not well taken.
Yup would be the first of many requisite moves to get the cap situation under control
I couldn’t bring myself to watch the game last night and so far today I’vee been able to block any type of news about it. I don’t even know the final score. As it’s painfully obvious from the 15-20 comments I’ve read so far here, the Cavs lost. Sorry to say but I’m glad I didn’t watch. I can’t stand GS and their winning makes me want to kick a baby koala. I absolutely hate their arrogance. Anyways, I hope Lue, JR and TT are sent packing. Although TT stepped it up in the last two series, it’s hard to… Read more »
Thanks for being here – hopefully next season will be more fun/relaxing
this Lebron hand injury just adds to the weirdness of this entire Cavs season….just so much to tackle, hope one or all the Cavsthe Blog writers put some synopsis together of this season; felt like 2 or 3 seasons in 1…just bizarre from a lot of angles.
JR’s idiocy can break any man…that said, Lebron breaking his hand punching a white board is JR level dumb in its own right. Makes one think what would have happened if JR puts that missed free throw back in, or passes out to an open Lebron like literally any other Cavs player would have done.
Listening to him in the presser, it sounded like he might of been more ticked off about the officiating than how the 4th quarter ended.
Hopefully we can pick up a second round pick with Hill’s expiring contract.
Man. Between LeBron’s hand, JR, and everything else. Game 1 killed them.
I think the Warriors are probably done winning championships with this group. Their rein is coming to a close. I predict Dray is gonna cry in the parking lot next offseason asking Michael Jordan to join their team, after they get stomped by whatever new team LeBron joins.
So maybe it wasn’t LeBron’s legs after all that made his jumper desert him these past few games
https://twitter.com/mcten/status/1005306543498321921?s=20
In 2015 when game one went to overtime, Irving got hurt.
This year after game one went to overtime, James hurt his hand.
My computer is too old and slow to run a spreadsheet with all the opponent injuries the Warriors have benefited from in the playoffs these past four years.
Not enough Memory to hold all those rows
Windy’s tweet:
https://twitter.com/WindhorstESPN/status/1005304850656133121?s=20
Life long Dubs fan (45 yrs). Cleveland; it’s been a fun run. 4 years of great history together. Both teams will be mentioned with the greatest.
Fun in 2015 2016…
Congrats Derek – thanks for stopping in
Brian Windhorst making some news about Lebron’s right hand injury after punching a wall after Game 1.
Yeah just heard that. Wow. He should of punched either Draymond Green or Tony Brothers in the face and at least gotten his money’s worth.
Just about to write “or the refs”, but you had that covered.
Yes it is.
can’t wait to see TT’s (and JR’s) effort next year on a last place re-builder.. should be quite instructive
i say write off the contracts.. the high-paid leftovers from this run are not going to be watchable.. let ’em go.. bring in some long shots and let’s see what happens.. love (not my fave, but still playable, and not tradeable), nance, cedi, zizic, hood (hate to say it, but keep him, and he should be cheap), “the pick”.. then bring in the long shots..
You’ll have to resign Hood. I’d let him walk. Unless he wants a vet min deal.
Qualifying offer is fine.
actually, canton is not that far away, is it?
Nope. Gotta trade Love. They can’t risk finishing with a pick outside the top 10 because then they have to send it to Atlanta.
Thanks everyone for riding along this season. Felt like 6 seasons …
Thank you to all the people who keep CtB going! Don’t know what I’d do without it.
zack lowe pretty well spells it out on the espn site.. worth reading.. as paul simon so elegantly sang, “preserve you memories, they’re all that’s left you”
time to hunker down for the lean years..
well, i lived through the indians of the mid ’60s.. i can survive anything
i hate to say it, but lowe agree with me.. the bennett fiasco has had, and will continue to have, adverse long-term consequences on the franchise.. you don’t just miss by 10 miles on a #1
it was incompetent, foolhardy, reckless, and unforgiveable
And outlines just how horrible the Irving fiasco was. An incredible asset thrown in the garbage.
yes.. many steaming piles have been left in the wake..
We didn’t throw him away, he left us. He would not have played this year in the Finals regardless, and Bron would still be at a crossroads.
hockey anyone?
The Indians have the biggest lead in any division
I was happy for Oveckin until I learned he was a strong Purim supporter.
Chaotic year for the Cavs. The team and Lebron exceeded my expectations. Great, great run in these playoffs. I loved watching these games, esp. Lebron’s magnificence.
Man
Cavs have some contract unloading (TT, JR) to do. Wonder what they could get for KLove?
a second rounder
I think they ought to be able to get at least one first round pick.
Dan Gilbert is currently practicing a letter to the fans in Times New Roman. I’m sure halfway through the 2nd draft he will be in full Comic Sans mode.
nah
The rivalry between the Cavs and the Warriors would have been so much fun if Durant hadn’t wussed out on OKC. Such a bummer we didn’t get that.
seriously. Also we would be up 3-1
What to do..
Good for the Warriors. I don’t care how much talent you have, winning 3 championships in 4 years isn’t easy. Cavs-Warriors has been good for basketball. I love the NBA and I love the Cavs. Thanks for a great season!
how was the last 4 minutes of that game not a LeBron love fest. C’mon fans. C’mon game operations.
Sheesh. Right?
Cause Dan Gilbert is a bitter man.
Sad.
Mark Jackson is the Kia Finals dillweed.
Thanks. I needed a chuckle.
He’s in the dillweed HOF.
Thanks for a great season, guys. Sorry if I let my emotions get the better of me tonight. We appreciate your readership and support this season. You guys make this blog a special place, and we’re thankful for you all.
You are passionate. As we all are.
Means you care. Means Cleveland sports is a shared identity with all of us.
Cavs in 4 next year.
Thanks back at you and the whole crew. What a weird a** season.
The thing I hate most about tonight is that IT was right.
Lol. Had the same thought. But eff that guy. Like he’ll ever sniff a significant moment in the finals in his life time. His career is shot.
https://twitter.com/becca_olach/status/1005288753110437888?s=20
Cedi smothers Swaggy P.
Man, this Zizic and Cedi pair are really swell. Where have they been all playoffs?
Right!?
I hate the Warriors.
I’m so sad.
The arena team needs to facilitate some LeBron cheers
Cedi stuffs the crap out if curry in play #1,
We got nothing but time to talk about the state of the Cavs in the coming weeks… I’m out for the night, everyone. Been a great season. Thank you LeBron and all the Cavs!
Thanks for your contributions this season.