Warriors vs Cavaliers not an easy matchup even if the epic rivalry is done

The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers have played 139 games against each other so far. Of which, 117 games were regular-season fixtures and the former has a distinct 65-52 advantage.

The rivalry was considered one for the ages. There were first-account narratives, fan stories, fan fiction, and enough material for NBA ardent’s to devour.

‘Return of the King: LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Greatest Comeback in NBA History’ provides a detailed account of not just LeBron’s return from Miami Heat, but also of his time with the franchise and his match-up against Golden State’s big three who gave him quite the challenge

Fast forward to the NBA 2021-22, the Warriors have run over some speed breakers losing to the Dallas Mavericks and the Zion Williamson-less New Orleans Pelicans in an otherwise stellar run.

Stephen Curry has seen a bit of a slump over the last three games and a quad bruise on his left leg saw him warm the bench in their second-consecutive loss. There’s good news on the horizon.

Klay Thompson is set to make a comeback. He’s been out of the game for far too long, but he seems ready to join the Warriors.

And it will be a dream weekend for him if they win against a resurgent, but injury-riddled Cavaliers. That said, the rivalry is far from done. LeBron may have joined the Lakers. Kyrie Irving may have shifted base to Brooklyn, but the Cavs are just going to re-ignite that epic matchup. Again.

It may seem like we’re making a big deal, what with the Warriors comfortably placed 29-9 and all. But the Cavs are sixth in the Eastern Conference standings and have ten away victories in their 21 Ws.

They acquired Rajon Rondo from the Los Angeles Lakers and have some players who provide the spunk. Despite their recent 110-106 loss to Memphis, they had some players who made an impact on their return.

Jarrett Allen (22 PTS and 12 REB), Darius Garland (27 PTS and 10 AST),  veteran Kevin Love (18 PTS and 10 REB) all stuffed the stat sheet against Ja Morant & Co even though they lost. They now have four losses from five games.

But, a win against the Warriors is what they will hope for. What better way to win and crash Klay’s comeback party?

It’s not an easy task as they’re up against a stinging Dubs side that’s lost two in a row themselves. They’re now second with Phoenix Suns pipping the LA Clippers.

There has been enough proof that Jordan Poole can hold his own even in Curry’s absence. His quad will be monitored and he will want to be there when Klay makes his much-awaited return, and if the duo gets going right from their game one, safe to say, the word rivalry can take a backseat.

Note that the Warriors haven’t necessarily been inconsistent. The last few games can be attributed to the fact that they were outplayed. Every player goes through a slump, and Curry is in that unfamiliar zone.

But there’s no denying that Sunday will be a night to remember.