Durant stars as Warriors take 3-0 lead over Cavs in NBA Finals
Kevin Durant led the way as reigning champions the Golden State Warriors moved closer to back-to-back titles with a 110-102 game-three win against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.
Durant scored 43 points to inspire the Warriors in Cleveland on Wednesday and help Golden State take a commanding 3-0 series lead.
Every time the Warriors needed a bucket, Durant got it at Quicken Loans Arena. When Stephen Curry was in foul trouble and Klay Thompson could not hit a shot, the 2017 Finals MVP stepped up. When James threw an alley-oop to himself, Durant spearheaded a 14-point comeback.
Durant finished with 13 rebounds and seven assists to go with his 43-point performance, which was built on 15-of-23 shooting.
“Controlling what I can control, playing hard every possession and trying to do my best on the defensive side of the ball,” Durant told ESPN after the game. “And get to my spots on offense.”
LeBron James did do his part, posting his NBA record 10th Finals triple-double with 33 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.
James also tallied his 110th career 30-point playoff game which passed Michael Jordan for the most ever.
HOOD IMPRESSES IN DEFEAT
Cavaliers forward Rodney Hood finally got his chance in the Finals and he made every second count. He finished with 15 points and six rebounds on seven-of-11 shooting on the night.
Warriors forward Jordan Bell put good minutes defensively on James, the boards and on the offensive end as well. He had 10 points and six rebounds on four-of-five shooting off the bench.
CURRY STRUGGLES
Just one game after setting an NBA record with nine three-pointers made in an NBA Finals game, Curry could not hit water if he fell out of a boat. Curry finished with 11 points on three-of-16 shooting and was one for 10 from three-point range.
LEBRON DAZZLES FOR BEATEN CAVS
James produced the highlight of the night with his self-alley-oop in the first quarter, but Tristan Thompson broke out something thanks to the help of his superstar team-mate.
LeBron fake and find Tristan Thompson up and under! #WhateverItTakes #NBAFinals
: #NBAonABC pic.twitter.com/UMHAVX8uE0
— NBA (@NBA) June 7, 2018
WARRIORS (3-0) AT CAVALIERS (0-3)
It is make-or-break for the Cavaliers on Friday as they try to avoid a four-game sweep at the hands of the Warriors in Cleveland.
