Another game of the 2018 NBA Finals is in the books. A game where everyone will remember why Kevin Durant will most likely be the 2018 Finals MVP. Similar to his jaw dropping performance in Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals. As a result, Durant led the Golden State Warriors to an emphatic 3-0 series lead.
Durant was the headliner of this game scoring 43 points on 15-23 shooting from the field and 6-9 from deep. A performance the Warriors greatly needed since Steph Curry and Klay Thompson combined to go 7-27 from the field and 3-15 from deep.
The Warriors were 27-58 (49%) from the field minus Durant’s production. They could not find the mark from behind the arc in this game. Excluding Durant, the Warriors were 3-17 (17%) from deep.
However, the Cleveland Cavaliers shot just as horrifically. The Cavaliers were 9-31 (29%) from deep which is well off their postseason mark of 33.5%.
LeBron James put up 33 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for a triple double. While James’ teammates have been inconsistent at times in this series. He did receive contributions from multiple players in Game 3.
Kevin Love had 20 points and 13 rebounds. Along with a surprise contributor in Rodney Hood who had 15 points and six rebounds on 7-11 shooting.
It felt like the Cavaliers had a prime opportunity to take this game especially with the struggles of Curry and Thompson from the field. However, Durant’s heroics were enough to stave off the desperate Cavaliers.
Curry was the favorite to win the Finals MVP coming into the game. Due to Durant’s great performance and Curry’s underwhelming night, it is unlikely Curry will now take home the award.
Durant is averaging 31.7 points, 10 rebounds and 6.7 assists on 56% from the field and 47% from deep. Curry is averaging 24.3 points, six rebounds and 7.7 assists on 38% from the field and 39% from deep.
This series is on the brink of a sweep and Game 4 will determine who ends up winning the award. However, it feels like Durant stole the MVP right from under Curry’s nose in this game.
Just like he stole any hopes the Cavaliers had of getting back into this series.
Brendan Abban is the owner and creator of Brendanabban.com and hosts the KBR Sports podcast. Follow him on Twitter @AbbanBrendan or email him via [email protected].
