Four major talking points ahead of NBA Finals Game 6

Jay Asser 12:05 16/06/2016
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  • Who will win the crucial game 6?

    Friday’s morning’s game 6 will see the Cleveland Cavaliers attempt to take the Finals to a decisive final game, while Golden State Warriors again attempt to seal the trophy.

    Who do you think will emerge victorious? Share with us your thoughts by commenting below, using #360fans on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.

    LEBRON’S JUMPER

    The one constant weakness in LeBron James’ arsenal throughout his career has been his jump shot, but he found his form in Game 5. After making 11-of-39 jumpers in the first four games of the series, LeBron netted 9-of-21 in Game 5, including 4-of-8 on 3-pointers. When his jump shot is functioning like it was last game, James is practically unstoppable. He has to continue being confident in attacking a defence that has chosen to sit back and dare him to shoot.

    BEING BOGUT-LESS

    Though he hasn’t played more than 15 minutes in any of the five games and has had a reduced role, Andrew Bogut’s injury will rob the Warriors of a rim-protector. Golden State have elected to go small more often than not, but Bogut had still been effective for stretches, including Game 2 when he blocked six shots. To fill his shoes, the Warriors will play centre-by-committee with Anderson Varejao, James McAdoo, Festus Ezeli and Marreese Speights.

    DRAYMOND’S IMPACT

    Can LeBron James and Kyrie Irving be as good attacking pick-and-rolls and isolating with Draymond Green back on the floor? When Green serves as the big man in Golden State’s small-ball lineups, the Warriors are plus-51 in point differential, with 56.3 per cent shooting from the field and 48.0 per cent on 3-pointers. When Green is replaced by any other player, the Dubs are minus-16 with 43.1 per cent shooting, including 32.7 per cent from long range.

    NO LOVE LOST

    A joke from Game 5 was Cleveland’s Big Three combined for 84 points. The problem is, Kevin Love only contributed two of those points as he’s struggled badly in the series. Love is going to get playing time, but he needs to produce when he sees the floor. Even if he continues to be a big question mark on the defensive end, he has to help take the scoring load off LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. He also needs to bring more rebounding to the table.

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