Cavs Lose Game 3 In Chicago: Three Obvious Facts
I am not happy. Sure as I blogger for this site for going on two years now, one would assume that wouldn’t be the best lead-in, but it’s true. After evening the series with a Game 2 win in Cleveland, the Cleveland Cavaliers went to Chicago and lost Game 3 in a heartbreaking fashion on a banked-in three pointer by Derrick Rose at the buzzer. As rough as that was, the truth is the Cavs were lucky to be that close. Why? Well let me tell you.
- It’s hard to win in the NBA when your two best players play poorly.
LeBron James was 8-27 from the floor with seven turnovers. He also was 1-7 from deep and is shooting roughly 8.3% from three for the series. Kyrie Irving was just as bad, shooting 3-13, missing all nine of his two-point attempts, and having zero assists and two turnovers. When the Cavaliers star players both play like this (I don’t think it’s ever happened), then you expect them to get blown out. The fact that they were still in the game may actually be a testament that the Chicago Bulls aren’t that good, except for Fact Two.
- The Cavaliers played the game the Bulls wanted.
Was this an exciting game? Yes. Did both teams walk the ball up the court in a physical, low-scoring affair? Yes. Does that type of game favor the Chicago Bulls? YES. After scoring big points off the fast break in Game 2, the Bulls didn’t let the Cavaliers get out on the break at all. They completely dictated the pace and style of the game. In many ways it was a repeat of Game One. But that wasn’t the biggest concern. No, that we’ve saved for Fact Three.
- Something is wrong with Kyrie Irving.
Irving has never been known for his explosiveness, except for his ability with the ball, but throughout tonight’s game he struggle with changing speeds, and was noticeable grimacing after making a three in the third quarter. After the game Cavs coach David Blatt said the Irving was dealing with a sore foot, and that would explain his difficulty finishing at the basket. Hopefully Irving is able to get the kind of treatment that will allow him to play closer to normal levels in the next game, the Cavaliers are going to need it.
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Conclusions
In NBA history, the team that wins game three after the series is tied 1-1 has gone on to win the series 76% of the time. While I would typically say that most of those teams haven’t had LeBron James, the King’s jumper has deserted him throughout this series That being said, the Cavaliers nearly stole this game despite a dismal effort from their two best players. If they can take Game Four, then they will also take back home court advantage in this series. So as bleak as it seems, all is not lost…yet.