NBA Odds: Cavaliers Face Must-Win in Game 3

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost a close contest in Game 1 and then were blown out in Game 2. If they have any hopes of getting back into this series, they’ll have to win Game 3 at home and get on the board. Game time is 9 PM ET.


The Cavs blew a great opportunity to win Game 1 at the end and then couldn’t find a way to get a grip of Game 2. Although they were competitive – cutting the lead down to five points in the third quarter – they trailed by double digits for most of the fourth and rested their starters by the end.

For the Warriors, they had no problems at the offensive end, scoring 122 points while shooting 57.3% from the field. They were outrebounded, coughed up more turnovers and shot worse from the free throw line, yet won by 19. That’s a scary thought. The Cavs’ defense needs to step up, as life was too easy for guys like Kevin Durant (10-of-14), JaVale McGee (six-of-six), Shaun Livingston (five-of-five) and Klay Thompson (eight-of-13). And Steph Curry hit an NBA Finals record nine three-pointers. If the Cavs don’t find any answers defensively, this could be a quick series.

NBA Odds: Cavaliers Defense Must Step Up in Game 3

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ defense was strong in Game 1, holding the Golden State Warriors to 29 points or fewer in all four quarters. That defense was much worse in Game 2, giving up at least 31 in three of the four quarters.


The Cavs must be better as the series now shifts to Cleveland. Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant combined for 79 points on 55% shooting from the field. The good news for the Cavaliers is that they’re 8-1 at home this postseason, so they’ll have a good shot at turning things around.