The Cleveland Cavaliers have their backs against the wall. The Golden State Warriors have taken a 3-2 lead in the series and the team now enters a must-win situation if they intend to contend for a title. LeBron James has tried carrying this team as far as they can go, but without a little help the series could end on Tuesday night with the Golden State Warriors winning their first championship since 1975.
The Golden State Warriors have the confidence as they head on the rod to get the trophy in Game 6. Reigning MVP Stephen Curry has found his shot once again to lead the team. In Game 5, he scored 17 points in the fourth quarter while notching 37 overall. He showed off his MVP skills with big shots in the clutch moments while his teammates answered with support. Andre Iguodala stepped up in Game 5 while Draymond Green and Klay Thompson continue to be clutch as well. James has been doing it all himself.
James' could easily win Finals MVP even if the Cavaliers do not win the series, but that will not matter to him much. Triple-doubles have been the norm for the forward as he is playing more minutes than ever before. James is currently averaging 36.6 points, 12.5 rebounds and 8.8 assists during this series. In Game 5 he had a 40-point, 14-rebound and 11-assists performance. James has simply been unstoppable in the Finals, but the issue is he lacks the supporting cast. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love are both out. Iman Shumpert has been dealing with an injury. JR Smith is inconsistent. James might be the best player in the league, but no one can win a Finals trophy on their own.
Head coach David Blatt tried a different strategy in Game 5, opting to play small. Timofey Mozgov notched just nine minutes in the entire game after having a 28-point, 10-rebound performance in Game 4. Blatt stands by his decision to play smaller ball in Game 5, but might not opt to do the same thing twice. The Cavaliers did not get the points in the paint they had the previous games which might have factored into the loss.
James wants nothing more than a Game 7. After stating that he was the best player in the world, James wants to prove the statement true. The Cavaliers will have home-court advantage for the game which might be the biggest factor of all.