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Thanks to the dominance of the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers, it’s been a long time since we’ve had real NBA action. But the week-long break comes to an end on Thursday night, as the Warriors and Cavs meet for Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals.
Here’s everything you need to know to watch the series opener for “The Three-Match”:
Warriors vs. Cavs Game 1 Viewing Info
Date: Thursday, June 1, 2017
Start Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Preview
The Cavs and Warriors met twice during the regular season. The first, which came on Christmas Day, saw Cleveland erase a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit and prevail, 109-108, thanks to late bucket by Kyrie Irving.
While Irving had 25 points, 10 assists and seven steals, LeBron James tallied 31 and 13, and Kevin Durant put up 36 and 15, Steph Curry was the star who struggled, finishing with 15 points on 4-of-11 shooting with three assists and three turnovers. It was somewhat reminiscent of last year’s finals, in which he shot just 40.3 percent from the field and averaged more turnovers (4.3) than assists (3.7).
Curry, who has been lights out this postseason (28.6 points on 50.2 percent shooting, 43.1 percent from deep, 5.6 assists and 3.3 turnovers), will need to be better this time around. His margin of error is obviously much bigger with KD next to his side, but a poor Game 1 will seriously increase the pressure–especially with how last year’s finals went.
On the other side of things, LeBron is seeking to add to his legacy as he chases a fourth ring.
17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson (@Jumpshot8) discusses how winning this year’s title would impact LeBron James’ legacy. VIDEO:
LeBron has shown time and time again he’s capable of putting a team on his back, but his supporting weapons have been undeniably key. In the postseason, Kevin Love is shooting 47.5 percent from three, Tristan Thompson is pulling down a whopping 4.2 offensive rebounds per game, Irving has taken over multiple games, and bench players such as Iman Shumpert, Kyle Korver and Deron Williams have made important contributions.
This postseason has been full of blowouts and snoozefests, but this matchup is the perfect remedy.
