After three games in the best of 7 NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers look like a far cry from the underdogs many pegged them as.
Behind another mammoth performance from star forward Lebron James and point guard Matthew Dellevadova's career playoff high 20 points, the short-handed Cavaliers were able to survive a furious late game charge from the Golden State Warriors and move two wins closer to the franchise's first NBA title.
James was immense notching 40 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists in 46 minutes of action. His third standout performance in this series. "This is a great moment and my teammates need me,' said the four time MVP. "It's my job to go out and lead those guys, teach those guys, yell at those guys and then come back and tell them it's ok, let's move on to the next play."
The shooting slump that plagued the Warriors in Game 2 seemed to have followed them to Cleveland. The Dubs were down by as much as 20 in the third quarter before finally finding their touch in the final period of play. League MVP Stephen Curry, who struggled mightily in Game 2, finally found his range pouring in 17 points in the 4th to pull the Warriors within 3, 94-91 with 18.6 seconds to go.
The Cavs nearly let the game slip, but James knocked down two free throws and Andre Iguodala's four point play attempt was given a no call by the refs. "We've got some learning to do," said James after the final buzzer. "I've always said about this team, the best teacher in life is experience. And that last minute and a half, we've got a lot to learn from."
Warriors coach Steve Kerr was critical off the officiating after the game. He had a chat with referee Joey Crawfrod and his crew. The officiating in this series has come under fire from critics due to the number of blown calls so far.
Game 4 tips off this Friday.