LeBron James Says Kevin Durant Is The Difference For Warriors
Kevin Durant makes the Warriors a different team
The Cleveland Cavaliers loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 1,113-91. When a reporter asked LeBron James which Warriors player made the biggest difference on the court, James responded with a simple answer.
"“KD”"
Kevin Durant rocked the rim with thunderous dunks on his way to a game-high 38 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. Durant made 14 of his 26 shot attempts and never turned the ball over in his 37 minutes of action.
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The Cavaliers had a whole week to prepare for Golden State, but as LeBron learned in Game 1, practice is never as intense as a Finals game, per Sports Illustrated’s Ben Golliver.
"“You cannot simulate what they bring to the table no matter how many days you have to prepare.”"
The Cavaliers must defend better in Game 2
The loss on Thursday night moves James’ Game 1 record in the Finals to 1-7. When LeBron won it all in the 2012, 2013, and 2016 NBA seasons, his team loss Game 1 in all three of those Finals series. So don’t expect to see LeBron lose his composure.
The next step for the Cavaliers will be to figure out how to defend Golden State. James said in an interview after the game that the Warriors do everything well, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
"“I wasn’t surprised at anything,” James said. “They’re a high-powered offensive team. They can shoot the ball from the perimeter; they can get into the paint. They do everything exceptionally well, if not great. So never surprised by anything they do.”"
For the Cavaliers to bounce back in Game 2, they will need to improve their defense. The Golden State Warriors committed only four turnovers Thursday, which matches the lowest number of turnovers in a game in NBA Finals history.
The Cavaliers repeatedly gave the Warriors wing players uncontested lanes to the hoop. Kevin Durant had six slam dunks in the first half. Prior to Game 1, Durant’s previous career high for dunks in a playoff game was four.
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If the Cavs want a tied series on their way back to Cleveland, they will need to protect the paint better in Game 2.
How can the Cavaliers contain Kevin Durant in Game 2? Leave your thoughts in the comment section or on Twitter @KJG_NBA.