Cavs Vs Warriors: Comparing ’15-16 Rosters
June 4, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) moves the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the first half in game one of the NBA Finals. at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Point Guard
Kyrie Irving
Irving took the next step in his development last year when surrounded by James and Love. He showed off his ability to play off the ball, be a spot up shooter, hit big shots and take over games when needed. Even with the added talent, Irving averaged the second most points in his 4 year career, stepped up as a defender and still distributed the ball.
With 21.7 points per game, 5.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals, Irving’s all around game is clear in the statistics. His 21.57 PER was ranked 21st overall in the NBA and 4th among point guards according to ESPN.
Another year of experience with LeBron and Love, along with hopefully some health following knee surgery, Irving is set to continue his development. Continued development as a defender would also be big for the Cavs overall team defense.
What can we say about the season that Curry just had? He was the MVP and deserved it. He struggled adjusting to the physical play of Matthew Dellavedova and Tristan’s ability to switch off on him in the Finals. He adjusted later in the Series and dominated. His adjustment was one of the biggest keys to the Warriors winning the title.
He ranked 2nd among point guards and 3rd overall in PER. His combination of scoring and playmaking, 23.8 points and 7.7 assists, somehow make Irving’s look a bit pedestrian. He also averaged 1.1 more rebounds a game than the Cavs star.
Curry’s play is not a one time thing as he posted similar numbers the last three seasons. The only thing that could derail his season is a return of his ankle problems that led him to signing an under market deal.
Advantage
While Irving is great, and could soon overtake LeBron as the Cavs best player, Curry’s consistency over the past three seasons gives him the edge.
Warriors – 1 Cavs – 0
Next: Starting Shooting Guards