NBA Finals: Game 4 Adjustments

The Cleveland Cavaliers still have a hill to climb to even the series with the Golden State Warriors.

by Rodney Fisher

Golden State Warriors

Matching Intensity

The Warriors allowed the Cavaliers to feed off their home crowd in the first quarter of Game 3. It is not that they were caught off guard, they know to expect the Cavs to come out swinging in their first home game of the series, but they normally match the intensity with a deadly three-pointer or block at the rim. In Game 4, the Golden Boys need to bring their own fight early.

Lineup Change

This is simple...If Kevin Love starts, so does Andrew Bogut. If Coach Lue keeps Richard Jefferson in the the starting five, then you make the move to start last year's NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala.

Make Free Throws

We all know the Warriors need to shoot better, but 17-26 from the charity stripe needs to improve. Free throw shooting on the road is all about nerves. It is one of the best indicators to see the mindset of the road team in the playoffs. Klay Thompson was 1-3 from the free throw line. Draymond Green was 2-4.

Make the Cavs Run Half-court Sets

This has been cryptonite for the Cavs offense. When they have to run plays the settle for jumpshots, and in Game 3 they made them. That is risk you are willing to take with you have a more superior shooting team overall. The Cavs looked their best on the break in Game 3, but Lebron could not finish at the rim in with the half-court offense.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Don't Get Cute Lue

Coach does not need to make the rookie mistake of thinking that not having Kevin Love in the starting lineup is the right move. If Love is cleared to play, you have to let him start regardless of what fans, media, or Lebron has to say. If you lose Game 4 and don't start Love even though he is ready to play, the decision may cost you more than a trophy. Richard Jefferson is available to come in at anytime, he does not have to start.

Run, Run, Run

Play like your hair is on fire! Start Game 4 just like Game 3 without slowing down in the second quarter. Running will get the Cavs easy points in the paint or free throw attempts. The Cavs outscored the Warriors 15-8 on fast break points.

Lebron Needs 40

James does not need to let his foot off the gas now that Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, and J.R. Smith have decided to show up to The Finals for only one game. He has way more at stake in this series than any other player on the team. He has to play like a man possessed. Yes Lebron, you have to channel the legends of the game like Jordan, Magic, Kobe, Shaq, Olajuwon, Jabar, and others to take over.