The Golden State Warriors are taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers in game six of the NBA Finals on Thursday night, looking to lock up their second consecutive NBA championship. Fans of the teams will no doubt have some deja vu as similar to last season, the Warriors are looking to close out the Cavs in game six.
Despite the fact that the Cavs were without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love last Finals, they were able to jump out to a 2-1 series lead. This of course was before the Warriors implemented their “Lineup of Death” and took the next three games. Lets look back for a moment at the title clinching game six.
Obviously the Warriors will be looking for a repeat performance of 2015 on Thursday so they can put a cap on what would be the most statistically impressive season in NBA history.
Game six this year will be no walk in the park though, as in game five, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving put in masterful performances and led the Cavaliers to victory.
In G5 of the #NBAFinals, LBJ & Kyrie became the 1st pair of teammates to score 40+ PTS in the same #NBAFinals game! pic.twitter.com/CnDnX9xWGK
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) June 14, 2016
If the pair can replicate their play in game six, it may be a long night for the Warriors. Making matters worse for the Dubs, is the generally poor play of splash brothers Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Plainly stated, Irving has outplayed Curry, and furthermore, if this disparity in play continues, the Warriors may be in deep trouble.
Kyrie Irving has more points, same number of assists, fewer turnovers, 3x as many steals, better FG pct than Stephen Curry in NBA Finals
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 16, 2016
But the Warriors will no doubt be helped by the presence of Draymond Green as he returns from a one game suspension he served in game five. The Warriors have played much better basketball with Green on the floor and I’m sure he will be looking to prove a point against the Cavs in game six.
Another interesting wrinkle to consider is the ref crew for game six. Scott Foster is the lead official and the Warriors have an interesting history with Foster this season. In games where Foster has officiated, the Warriors are 5-4, and 23-7 without him on the court. The full officiating crew can be found here.
The Warriors will surely be hoping that Curry and Thompson both come out looking to prove a point after their so far lackluster series. They will also be counting on Green coming back strong and providing the spark and energy he has all season.
Game six takes place in Cleveland on Thursday night at 6 PM PT.