By BEN LOVE
For those standing in the Cleveland corner prior to Game One of the NBA Finals, things appear understandably bleak after Thursday night’s 113-91 spanking at the hands of Golden State.
The Warriors got 38 points from the career-rejuvenated Kevin Durant, 28 points from Steph Curry, another former MVP, and truly inspired frontcourt play from the likes of JaVale McGee and Zaza Pachulia.
The Western Conference champs toyed with the Cavaliers.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking this series is over.
After all this is the same outfit that went down three games to one a year ago. After all the end goal of Cleveland’s trip to the Bay is taking one of the first two games. And, after all, LeBron James has time and again shown he’s the Rocky Balboa of professional basketball … only a helluva lot more naturally talented.
LBJ’s teams have been down and out so many times before. For my money, this might even be the best overall team James has ever led into battle – equaling his Big Three in Miami with an even deeper, more experienced bench.
So don’t fall into the trap of thinking we’re heading toward a sweep. Just because Game One was a snoozer, it might be wise to set the alarm for Game Two Sunday night.
Golden State proved why it was the favorite Thursday night, but prematurely counting out James, like Balboa, is done at your own peril.
“I didn’t hear no bell.”