The Alternate Side: Cavs Writer Gives Outlook On Warriors

Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shakes hands with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the fourth quarter of game six of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Warriors won 105-97. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

For the “The Alternate Side” on the NBA Finals, I turned to David Zavac (@DavidZavac), who covers the Cavs for Fear the Sword. After the Finals ended last week, I asked David about the Warriors, his thoughts on the series and the future of both teams.

1. What were your expectations coming in to the series?

I switched my pick from Cavs in six or seven to Warriors in seven the night before the Finals. I wasn’t convinced that Kyrie Irving was going to be healthy, and while Cleveland had been able to grind out games with the Atlanta Hawks and win, I did not think that could happen against the Warriors. Irving was the key to the Cavs offense for much of the season, and LeBron James’ usage rate spiked anytime Irving left the court. When Irving looked healthy in Game 1, I thought the Cavs had a chance. Alas…

2. What (if anything) surprised you about the Warriors?

Jun 9, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

It wasn’t Klay Thompson’s best series, and I don’t want to overreact, but I wasn’t as impressed as I thought I’d be with him. It happens, and I know that Warriors fans might not have been thrilled with how the series was officiated with him, but he, quite simply, could have been a lot better. On the other hand, even when Steph Curry’s shot wasn’t falling I was still impressed with him. The Warriors have one elite playmaker and it’s a testament to their trust and system that they score like they do.

3. Did you think that the Oakland/Warriors fans lived up to the hype?

They didn’t, but I’m not sure they could have. I was falling in love with the NBA for the We Believe Warriors, and so I’ve romanticized the fans and team quite a bit. Asking this team to replicate that raw emotion and fun isn’t fair, at all. This Warriors team had expectations and pressure, and I think they largely handled it very well. The fans had expectations as well. So I suppose my answer is that even if they didn’t, I will continue to think very highly of them, and we’ll always have 2007.

4. Rank the Warriors starters (Curry, Thompson, Barnes, Iguodala, Green, Bogut) in terms of their importance to Golden State’s success

In the playoffs, I’m very big on creating abilities. Things slow down and you have to be able to score. I think the Cavs showed the Warriors this, at times. It’s also why the Cavs struggled; they had just one guy who create for himself or others for five of the series’ six games. That being said, Andre Iguodala’s importance for the series can’t be understated. So, in terms of who I thought were most important to the Warriors beating the Cavs:

Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

5. How do you think the series would have turned out if Kyrie had not gotten hurt in Game One?

Cavs in six, though the fact that they couldn’t steal Game 1 might have ultimately sealed things for the Warriors. Even if I am correct (and I might not be!), it doesn’t cheapen the Warriors title in my eyes. There were games to win, the Warriors won them. I’m happy for their fans.

6. What are the odds that we see a rematch of this Finals in 2016?

I’d say relatively high. The Cavs will have an eventful offseason, unless they don’t. The team was very, very good with Irving, James, Kevin Love and one of Mozgov or Thompson on the floor. We should see a lot of that next season. The Warriors come in as the favorites out West. I wouldn’t bet on someone else.

Thanks to Mr. Zavac for taking the time to answer my questions. You can follow him on Twitter @DavidZavac and read Fear the Sword.

If you have any feedback on this series or suggestions for future interviewees, let me know @DannyLeroux.