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NBA Finals: Behind Enemy Lines Up 2 – 1

By Jared Mueller

Jun 5, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Fans celebrate outside the arena after game two of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Fans celebrate outside the arena after game two of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NBA Finals have not had any interesting games. Up 2-1 we go Behind Enemy Lines with Blue Man Hoop.

We continue to try to bring you a feel from those who cover the Cleveland Cavaliers opponent. We hope it gives you insight into what they are thinking, feeling after games.

With three blowout losses, including a 30 point loss, what do those covering the Golden State Warriors think?

1. What surprised you most about the Warriors performance in Game 3?

Once again the Warriors came out flat in road three, which has happened every single series in the postseason thus far. It’s being dubbed “The Game 3 Curse” and it’s clear that the Warriors have a disconnect with that first road game on the road in the series. With a longstanding trend dating back about seven or eight straight playoff series now, it’s clear that the Warriors have a major issue when it comes to playing their first road game in a series. Are they not ready for the road atmosphere? It’s weird and it’s surprising to me that a team of this caliber allows themselves to play such a way. It’s unacceptable to say the least.

2. Are the Cavs defending the Splash Brothers in a way they haven’t seen before, leading to their poor overall NBA Finals performance?

The Cavs have something not any other team has on the Warriors and that is the ability to know where each cut is and follow it. Because of this, the Warriors are not able to run away with some plays to Curry and Thompson, which has gotten them out of their groove. They don’t just follow them on the ball, but they make sure to body them up every single time off the ball.

3. What is the adjustment that Steve Kerr makes to try to get Game 4 on the road?

The Warriors have to eliminate the turnovers and they have to find a way to not let Kyrie Irving get open looks. They might be better off switching someone else onto Irving and making him uncomfortable, rather than letting him shoot all day.

4. What is the general sense of Warriors fans after Game 3’s blowout?

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They realize after OKC and Portland that no series is to be taken for granted in this league. They aren’t oblivious to the fact that they’re playing LeBron James. Are they worried? Definitely not. Do they know the Warriors have to bring a better effort? Absolutely.

5. Who steps up in Game 4 if the Warriors are to win?

It has to be Draymond Green. You saw what he did for the Warriors in Game 1 and Game 2 with his intensity and focus. That wasn’t completely there in Game 3. He needs to find himself again in Game 4. As you have seen in previous series now, when Green struggles, the whole team struggles. He really is the x factor of this Warriors basketball team.