In a sequel of last year's NBA Finals, Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors will engage in an epic showdown for the much-coveted Larry O'Brien trophy.
The Dubs are favored to win it all. Record-setting regular season standings which may not happen again, a platoon of dead-shot marksmen led by 2-time MVP Stephen Curry, and a coach who possesses championship pedigree over the past two decades -- what's not to like about them winning?
But odd enough, they are the same team who went through the eye of the needle in what was supposed to be a cakewalk against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Though they lost, Kevin Durant and his crew stripped the Warriors of their invincibility.
The recent Western Conference Finals nail-biter has given people the belief that the Cavs have more than what it takes to stop the Dubs from a repeat.
Let's count the reasons why an upset is a huge possibility.
1. LeBron's motivation
The King's stat line throughout the postseason has been impressive. In the Cavs' 12-2 dominance in the playoffs, LeBron has posted numbers of 54.6 percent field-goal accuracy, 24.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game.
But that is beside the point. LeBron is at his physical peak and he realizes he needs to go an extra mile to prove that his return to Ohio is not in vain. In the series-clinching game against the Raptors, LeBron tallied 33 points and 11 rebounds to shoot the Cavs to the first Finals berth. It is his six straight, and he knows what it takes to get it done.
2. Kyrie Irving
Due to a fractured kneecap last year, Irving was forced to sit out and see his Cavs brethren getting beat.
But this time things will be different as the flashy point guard out of Duke is lock and loaded and ready to go. In the Cavs' series winner against Raptors, Irving posted 30 points and 9 assists -- a proof that he is in complete fighting form.
3. Kevin Love
Much like Irving, Love was absent at last year's finals due to a dislocated left shoulder. Upon his return, he has shown that his absence was a big factor and now that he is here, he is ready to do some damage.
The Cavs are 6-0 when Love, Irving, and James score at least 20 points. The catch? Love is trend-setting the pace with his 44.6 percent shooting from three-point range while averaging 17.3 points and 9.6 rebounds a game.
4. Weary Warriors
Cavs' nemesis, the Warriors, could have arrived in the best time possible.
The Warriors' record-setting 73-9 is something special. Some might even say it cannot be done again. But their road to the Finals was a far cry to their regular season dominance. After losing Steph Curry for two weeks due to MCL knee sprain, the Dubs have to barely survive a seven-game meat grinder against a true contender in Oklahoma City Thunder to set at date with a well-rested, battle-ready, and motivated Cleveland Cavaliers.
5. Different Cavaliers
Let's face it, the Cavaliers of today are miles better than the Cavaliers in the beginning of the season.
After the thrashing they got from the Warriors, they sacked the then-head coach David Blatt and promoted assistant coach Tyronn Lue to head coaching duties, believing that Blatt doesn't have the NBA type of caliber to lead the Cavs to a title.
Lue has had his shaky starts, but once he got Tristan Thompson on the starting lineup and acquired Channing Frye, things are suddenly looking bright for LeBron James and the rest.
6. Long-range artillery
Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are two of the best NBA long-range shooters in recent memory, no doubt.
But don't count out the Cavs yet in this department.
Even so, they have outgunned the Warriors in terms of percentage during the playoffs. They have an average of 14 three-pointers made in 43 percent shooting, led by newly-acquired Channing Frye who is shooting 26/45 or roughly 54 percent. Love and Irving are also shooting better than 40 percent from the arc. The numbers prove that the Cavs are more than willing to engage Warriors in a shootout. If they cancel each other out from long-range, the Cavs and LeBron James will have an edge if it comes to a grind-out game.
7. J.R. "Swish"
J.R. Smith was awfully absent during last year's finals. He came alive though, but it's just too little too late as the Warriors were closing in.
Today's a different story. During the postseason, he has knocked down a team-high 49 threes. He also made a pact about playing defense which clearly showed in the Atlanta series.
8. Supporting cast
With Irving and Love gone last year, the Cavs were forced to deploy an untested starting lineup that included Matthew Dellavedova and Timofey Mozgov. They made a good account on their presence, winning two games despite the absence of their stars.
This time, not only they got Irving and Love back, but the bench mob as grown too. Aside from Delly and Mozgov, bench players Iman Shumpert, Channing Frye, and Richard Jefferson have proven themselves to be reliable shock troopers. The even distribution of minutes also keeps each others fresh. If the Warriors try and tire Cavs out, that game plan should prove futile.
9. Road is their home
Cavs have found some success at road last year, stealing one from the Warriors at their home turf to wrest the homecourt advantage. With a complete lineup, the idea of winning games on the road is well within their reach.
Here's a more interesting stat -- LeBron James likes playing on the road, having won road games in 25 consecutive playoff series, with the Game 6 winner at Toronto being the cherry on top. With the win, he surpassed Michael Jordan in most games won on the road, taking the first spot all-time.
10. History says it is difficult going back-to-back
If there is one accurate stat that shall put the Cavs on the advantage, it would be that winning consecutive championships is a rarity. It has been done before, but history hasn't been too kind on these circumstances.
For the past decade, only one team has managed to clinch two consecutive NBA titles, the Kobe Bryant-led Los Angeles Lakers against Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics in 2009 and 2010, respectively.
It just goes to show that the Warriors may face such unlikely odds too that the Cavs can capitalize.
Source: Cavaliers Nation
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