Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

NBA Finals Preview: Questions with King James Gospel

By Charles Rahrig V

June 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) passes the ball against the defense of Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9), forward Draymond Green (23) and guard Shaun Livingston (34) in the second half in game five of the NBA Finals. at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
June 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) passes the ball against the defense of Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9), forward Draymond Green (23) and guard Shaun Livingston (34) in the second half in game five of the NBA Finals. at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Jared Mueller of King James Gospel stopped by to answer some questions ahead of the NBA Finals.

With the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors set to engage in their second straight meeting in the NBA Finals this year, there is plenty of hype surrounding the two behemoths squaring off with full squads.

With plenty of takes, thoughts and opinions on the series flying about, it only made sense to go to the other side of things and find out what those over at King James Gospel think of the pending series between the two squads.

Their editor and FanSided’s Divisional Editor of the Year in 2014, Jared Mueller, kindly answered some questions about the upcoming series and gave his thoughts on what he thought would happen along with what to watch out for.

1. What is the biggest matchup for the Cavaliers heading into the NBA Finals?

I think it is J.R. Smith versus Klay Thompson. Stephen Curry is likely to get his but JR needs to be all over Klay and make him pay on the other end. In the Hawks series, JR never left Kyle Korver. It actually led the Hawks to bringing their sharp shooter off the bench so he wasn’t in against Smith as much. If he can frustrate Klay enough, while also hitting his jumpers, the Cavs should win the game.

2. What role will Channing Frye play in this series?

Frye’s role will be huge for a couple of reasons. First, he is the guy whose shot we expect to go in every time. He has the gravity factor on the defense and the complete confidence of his teammates. He also has shown some ability to play out of the post and take the ball to the hole off the bounce. If the Warriors play small, Frye can give the Cavs a counter to that. Having both Kevin Love and LeBron James who can play out of the post, unlike last year when Timofey Mozgov was force fed there, will also open up shots for Frye.

3. Is Dellavedova going to have an expanded role like last year? Or will it be reduced with Kyrie Irving back?

Delly just hasn’t been himself in the NBA Playoffs. His shot has been off, his defense has been a little slow and his decision making has been hit or miss. He plays a vital role in the Cavs “Death Play”, Horns Rub, but besides that has been a disappointment. Kyrie’s role is obviously huge and has given LeBron time to rest, both when they share the floor and with LBJ on the bench. Delly could see an uptick in minutes if the Warriors go with 3-4 guard lineups but his somewhat sluggish play is concerning.

4. What do you think LeBron’s average stat line will look like this series?

40 minutes (probably the most telling number) 26 points, 8.5 assists, 10 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. I expect an all around game from LeBron James all series. He was rested most of the season, hasn’t had huge minutes in the Playoffs and showed an emotion after the Raptors series that I’ve never seen from him.

5. Is Love the X-factor in this series?

Love is an x-factor but may not be THE x-factor, JR or Tristan Thompson seem more fitting in that spot. Love’s ability in the post may be more important than his ability to shoot. Whether he can guard anyone and how Tyronn Lue uses him against certain Warriors lineups will be most interesting. If Love can defend within the team concept, play inside and out and rebound the ball, the Cavs chances rise. LeBron and Kyrie run the show though.

6. What is your prediction for the NBA Finals?

Everything Cleveland has taught me says the Cavs lose the series. Something feels different. Remembering what Game 1 looked like last year, having both Irving and Love back, adding depth with Frye, Richard Jefferson and Mo Williams and whatever got into LeBron after the East Finals tells me something else. Cavs in 6.

Jared has the Cavaliers in 6 and much like a lot of predictions from everyone, this series seems to be split right down the middle. His thoughts on Frye raises some good points and that should be a big player to watch in this series.

This should be a great series and if last year is any indication, we should be in line for a classic. Plenty of thanks to Jared for taking time out of his day to answer these questions for the site.

For our answers with them, be sure to check out their article.

Home/Warriors News