The Cleveland Cavaliers staved off elimination on Friday night with an all-time great offensive performance. The Cavs scored 49 points in the first quarter and 86 in the first half—both finals records—on the way to a 137–116 win, getting stellar performances from LeBron James (31 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, one off-the-backboard dunk) and Kyrie Irving (40 points, seven of 12 from three-point range).
The series now heads back to Oakland for Monday’s Game 5 with the Warriors up three games to one. That’s a familiar scenario for these teams. The symmetry is almost poetic. Ahem.
“The Ballad of Warriors-Cavs”
Draymond got mad, but he didn’t get ejected.
Even Deron Williams scored, which was not expected.
Amazing three-point shooting, the Cavs were on fire.
Refs, meanwhile, were embarrassingly dire.
Groins were punched.
Officials looked the other way.
Draymond wasn’t involved, so they had nothing to say.
Irving was unstoppable.
Thompsons Klay and Tristan were fine.
Steph Curry shot poorly with a sweep on the line.
Amazing isn’t it? Something to behold.
Three games to one, just as the memes foretold.
Heading back to Oakland, Dubs need to get some sleep.
Rested but rueful, they didn’t lock up the sweep.
Eat some burritos, the comforts of home.
Everyone should try to keep Draymond off his phone.
One more loss and the Cavs will depart.
Need veteran leadership, maybe Deron should start?
Excuse me, loud enough for Lue to hear: DERON SHOULD START.
LeBron James, maybe let Deron start in your place?
Everyone calm down, LeBron will handle the demotion with grace.
And one last thing, please take heed:
Dear God, it’s a 3–1 lead!
