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After Game 3: Questions with King James Gospel

By Charles Rahrig V

Jun 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball over Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the first half in game three of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball over Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the first half in game three of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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2014 FanSided Divisional Editor of the Year, Jared K. Mueller, stopped by to answer some questions prior to Game 4.

The Cavaliers finally won their first game of the NBA Finals and the Warriors lost yet another Game 3 in their series. With the Cavaliers having a chance to tie things up in Game 4 on Friday night, 2014 FanSided Divisional Editor of the Year, Jared K. Mueller, stopped by to answer all of our questions.

1.What did the Cavaliers do defensively to keep the Warriors out of rhythm

The Cavs defensively were far more active while continuing to blitz Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson on the pick and roll. With Richard Jefferson in and LeBron James at the 4, Cleveland was more athletic. Maybe most importantly, they didn’t let up the intensity when the Warriors “other” guys got the ball. They closed out on Draymond Green, Shaun Livingston, Harrison Barnes and Andre Iguodala hard and played physical with everyone.

The refs allowing tough, physical play was also key. Not many touch fouls called.

2. What will the Cavaliers do with Kevin Love when he returns this series?

It looks like Love is going to come off the bench, at least for Game 4, where he can be a spark for the second unit that has struggled to score and be played against very specific lineups where the Cavs can put him on Anderson Varejao, Mo Speights and maybe even Festus Ezeli and Andrew Bogut. The key will be to not play him with Kyrie Irving or Channing Frye too much and, instead, surround him with very good defenders.

3. Is James better suited playing the four the rest of the way?

LeBron James might be better suited playing the 4 for the rest of his career. Against the Warriors, LeBron at the 4 gives the Cavs a ton of options and speed to burn. The Cavs’ struggles defensively came because Green and the rest had 2 big men they could take easily. LeBron means the Cavs only have 1 slow footed, compared to the Warriors Sonic the Hedgehog set of speedy players, to have to cover for on defense.

On offense, LeBron at the 4 (or sometimes the 5) lets the Cavs have far more open space, quicker decisions and a better ability to get downhill.

4. Does Mozgov need to seed the floor more?

No. Timofey Mozgov was a great story and big part of the Cavs last year. This year, he struggles to catch the ball, is slow to react and doesn’t have the confidence of his teammates. Tristan Thompson, Frye and Love are fine as the Cavs only bigs. If it invites the Warriors to try to play through their centers, instead of their actual studs, all the better.

5. Who will be the one to step up for Cleveland in Game 4?

That is a great question. I think Frye or Matthew Dellavedova would be the guys to really break out in Game 4. The Warriors will do a great job adjusting to what the Cavs did in Game 3, leaving either of them available to make a huge impact.

That said, the Cavs will ride or die with LeBron, Irving and J.R. Smith in the starting lineup and Love giving them something off the bench. Frye and Delly will get their chances because of the havoc the main 4 offensive cogs cause.

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