Manila, Philippines – A final and Christmas rematch between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors many people and NBA fans around the world waiting for this awaited rivalry. But Cavaliers had something special this Christmas 2016 they dispatch again the heavy Warriors squad in clutch through Kyrie’s fade away jumper in dying seconds.
Cavaliers had a painful loss last Christmas against Golden State Warriors in Oracle Arena with 6pts margin (89-83) but now Cleveland Cavaliers prevailed at Quickens Loan Arena by a final score of (109-108).
Kyrie Erving, who lifted the Cavaliers Championship last NBA Finals with a clutch three pointer against Curry now against a tall defender Klay Thompson in a fade away shot.
It was a hurtful loss of the Golden State Warriors as they controlled the game mostly, Cavaliers only lead by 2pts halfway in the opening period (10-8) but after that the Golden State Warriors is always on top on the board. Warriors biggest lead was 14pts (94-80) before Jefferson ignited Cavaliers run through his dunk against Durant.
The game only decided by 11 deadlock and 5 lead changes. Cavaliers only regain the lead late in the final period with (105-103) in favor of the Cavaliers and the clutch fade away of Erving on the final seconds.
Lebron James lead the Cavaliers with a double-double performance and finished 31pts and rebounds. Erving also finished with double-double along with his 25pts and 10assist 7 steal and 6 rebounds. Kevin Love also added 20pts.
Kevin Durant lead the Warriors with his 36pts and 15 rebounds. Splash Brothers combined with 39pts but their bench don’t have any impact on the game.
Bench really matter for the Cavaliers win as their bench outscored (25-13) against Golden State Warriors.
Photo Credit: David Liam Kyle/Getty Images via bleacher website
First Quarter
It was a tight opening period of both teams as they tied 7 times, but Warriors controlled the period. Cavaliers only lead by (10-8) halfway in the period, but it was Golden State Warriors toughness, who lead as much (20-14). Although Cavaliers trimmed that lead and tied again with 25 apiece in dying seconds, but Thompson’s lay-up on the next position put the Warriors on top by (27-25).
If you think the Warriors are built to be an outside shooter, it was a tough opening period of them as they went 0-7 in the three point area.
Lead Changes in the quarter: 2
Deadlock in the quarter: 7 (2-2) (6-6) (8-8) (10-10) (12-12) (14-14) (25-25)
Biggest Lead: 6pts (Warriors)
Second Quarter
Warriors offense ignited when Thompson hit a triple in the period then another basket and went 5-2 run to extend the lead (32-27). Warriors offense lead by Kevin Durant capitalized them to (49-38) with 4 minutes left, but when the Cavaliers offense ignited, they easily erased the lead and tied again with 50 apiece but went short to end the period by (55-52).
Lead Changes in the quarter: 0
Deadlock in the quarter: 1 (50-50)
Biggest Lead: 11pts (Warriors)
Third Quarter
Cavaliers find a rhythm again to tie with 55 apiece, but Cavaliers could not hold off the Warriors they again always control the score again, but the biggest leads of the Warriors only by (87-79) late in dying minutes of the period that ends with 7pts lead going into the final quarter.
Lead Changes in the quarter: 0
Deadlock in the quarter: 1 (55-55)
Biggest Lead: 8pts (Warriors)
Fourth Quarter
Warriors lead balloon to 14pts early in the period, but Cavaliers find a rhythm started by a dunk by Richard Jefferson. Jefferson who made 6pts alone in the period really lifted the Cavaliers offense, including 2 vintage dunks against Durant and Klay Thompson and the lockdown of Kevin Durant on the final seconds.
Lead Changes in the quarter: 0
Deadlock in the quarter: 2 (103-103) (105-105)
Biggest Lead: 14pts (Warriors) 80-94
Please see below: Kyrie Erving clutch fade away against Thompson
Game Summary
Total Lead Changes in the game: 5
Total Deadlock in the game: 11
Biggest Lead: 14pts (Warriors)
Quarter Score
First Quarter: (Warriors)27-25
Second Quarter:28-27
Third Quarter: 32-28
Fourth Quarter:21-29(Cavaliers)
Golden State Warriors and the Cavaliers will meet again this coming January 16, 2017 (Eastern Time) and January 17, 2017 Manila Time at 9:00am in Oracle, Arena.
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