The Cavaliers take a defensively comfortable approach, but thanks to a strong LeBron James, they still have to win an obligatory away win at the end. Kevin Love is also convincing.
As in the past, the Nets made it clear right from the start that they were not afraid of any team in the league and wanted to set the pace with their fast ball. Especially thanks to DeMarre Carroll they got off to a good start. So they defied LeBron James – who with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists after 12 minutes also did not need any starting time – a tight lead after the first quarter (30:28).
Also in the following time the New Yorkers remained cheeky and even extended their lead with beautifully played threesomes and alley-oops. But the vice champion did not let himself be shaken off and so it went with a 2-point lead for the hosts to the break tea.
After this, the pace remained enormously high. In the middle of the third quarter the Cavs went through a dry spell, making Brooklyn’s lead comfortable for the first time (78:69). After a break of Associate Head Coach Larry Drew, however, the guests managed a quick run so that they were within striking distance again. This remained the case until the final phase, during which an exchange of blows with several leadership changes developed.
Almost 5 minutes before the end, the strong LeBron pulled up the pace and made sure that his team generated an 8:0 run as well as a 107:100 lead with spectacular plays. The Nets didn’t want to give up yet, but Cleveland’s offense was too good and didn’t let anything burn anymore.
James finished the evening with 37 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists, Kevin Love contributed a strong double-double (20 points, 15 rebounds), Jordan Clarkson supported by the bank with 18 points. Topscorer Brooklyns was Joe Harris with a career high of 30 points, Carroll came in at 18.