Cavs embrace the challenge that awaits
Notes from Cavaliers practice on Tuesday, May 31.
Coming full circle: An epic rematch
During Tuesday's media session, LeBron James was asked about the Cavaliers odds in their Finals clash.
LeBron James doesn't care what the odds are in #NBAFinals. #Cavs#Warriorspic.twitter.com/h2rXCYxUAj
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) May 31, 2016
Fellow Big 3 member Kyrie Irving is chomping at the bit to take on Golden State after all it took for Cleveland to get to this point once again: "This is what it's about."
Kyrie Irving on the #NBAFinals: "This is what it's all about." #Cavs#Warriorspic.twitter.com/4OnWEyPXML — Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) May 31, 2016
He also doesn't pay too much attention to the past, either.
Kyrie Irving on #Warriors blowout vs. #Cavs last time they met: "January? Don't remember it." #NBAFinalspic.twitter.com/vM1ZhcreLN — Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) May 31, 2016
Head coach Tyronn Lue is excited to coach a fully healthy Cavs team in the Finals.
Ty Lue on #NBAFinals rematch with #Warriors: "We're a completely different team than we were last year." #Cavspic.twitter.com/ikTZWQfbYj
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) May 31, 2016
Defending Golden State's "Splash Brothers"
When it comes to the Warrior backcourt, reigning 2-time MVP Stephen Curry and sharpshooter Klay Thompson, Cleveland will have to keep a watchful eye on their whereabouts during this upcoming Finals rematch.
LeBron knows that some of the difficult shots they'll take will fall, so the Cavaliers will have to find other ways to limit them.
How can you limit #Warriors splash brothers? LeBron says it's tough. #Cavs#NBAFinalspic.twitter.com/WTDRG9upv8 — Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) May 31, 2016
Lue says he needs his guys to stay aware at all times with the duo on the floor.
Lue: #Cavs have to "keep their antennas up" with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. #Warriors#NBAFinalspic.twitter.com/IUjo4RpFAK
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) May 31, 2016
Studying the Warriors' series with the Thunder, Kyrie Irving took some things away from it to use to his advantage. Aside from different players and schemes, he feels like Cleveland and Oklahoma City are similar.
What can Kyrie Irving and #Cavs take from #Warriors series with #Thunder? He says they're similar to OKC #NBAFinalspic.twitter.com/MUQD70cSGT — Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) May 31, 2016
LeBron saw something in Game 7 that sparked Golden State's flurry
The four-time MVP won't reveal what he figured out, but he said one mistake gave the Warriors life.
LeBron says he knows what mistake #Thunder made last night to allow #Warriors to make a run, won't reveal #NBAFinalspic.twitter.com/2qcwpeKtdw
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) May 31, 2016
One of those elements could've possibly been the mismatches Curry created with Steven Adams and Serge Ibaka on the perimeter. Lue gave his answer on what to do in that scenario when it happens.
What do you do when Steph Curry gets the mismatch he wants? Lue gives two options. #Cavs#Warriors#NBAFinalspic.twitter.com/ABl4Lo7dlG — Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) May 31, 2016
LeBron's going to leave it all out on the floor like he did last year
It's clear that this series could be one of the best of all time in NBA Finals history, especially with the opportunity to land Cleveland its first championship in 52 years.
James is downplaying it, but he will leave it all on the court as he did one year ago.
Does LeBron think about magnitude of #NBAFinals and potential of CLE's first title in 52 years? #Cavs#Warriorspic.twitter.com/Atj3wUmhRw
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) May 31, 2016
LeBron: I'm going to give everything I've got. #Cavs#Warriors#NBAFinalspic.twitter.com/H6CvwMll8Z — Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) May 31, 2016
