Cleveland Cavaliers: A guide to coming back from a 3-1 deficit

By Zac Robin | Jun 12, 2017

Jun 9, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors center Zaza Pachulia (27) fights for a loose ball against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyle Korver (26) and guard Iman Shumpert (4) during the third quarter in game four of the Finals for the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jun 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) is defended by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first half in game two of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Attack Steph Curry

Irving was red-hot in game 4 for a game-high 40 points, so hopefully, Uncle Drew returns to Oakland. He has been sensational in the four elimination games in his career, all in the last 2 Finals.

However, he has been on-and-off this series, in large part due to the fact that he has Klay Thompson guarding him. That leaves Stephen Curry guarding whoever is playing the shooting guard position. If that is Smith or Shumpert, they need to drive on Curry, whether characteristic or not.

He is the only defensive liability in the Warriors lineup. The Cavaliers need to understand that he is their weakness and attack him as much as possible.

Also, Irving played much better in Cleveland where the officiating was tighter on Thompson guarding him early in the game. Irving needs to assert himself against Thompson nonetheless, but in highly important moments of the game, it doesn’t feel like the high percentage option.