On brink of elimination by Warriors, LeBron James, Cavs showing frustration
SAN FRANCISCO -- Mild frustration has set in for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.
Cavs coach Tyronn Lue and superstar LeBron James are boggled that James can't get more calls in his favor and didn't shoot more than four free throws in Golden State's 108-97 victory in Game 4 on Friday.
Draymond Green has irritated James, who also exchanged words with Warriors MVP Steph Curry.
That's what happens when a team is down 3-1, as the Cavs are. The frustration grows, sensing the difficult task ahead: win three in a row, including two on the road, against a team that hasn't lost three consecutive games in more than 100 games played this season.
The Warriors can finish the series in Game 5 on Monday (9 p.m ET, ABC). James and Lue want one more game in Cleveland, and they both tried to set the foundation for more favorable calls.
Following Game 4 on Friday, Lue said, "He never gets calls. I mean, he attacks. Outside of Russell Westbrook, he's one of the guys that attacks the paint every single play. And he doesn't get a fair whistle all the time because of his strength and because of his power and guys bounce off of him. But those are still fouls, and we weren't able to get them. But we've got to play through officiating."
James also addressed issue and was careful with his words because he said he didn't want to pay the standard $25,000 fine for public criticism of the officiating.
"Well, it's been like that all year for the most part," James said. "I'm not quite sure what I can do personally to get to the free-throw line, but I've got to continue to be aggressive for our team. I'm getting hit, but the refs are not seeing it that way, on my drives.
"But I've got to continue to be aggressive for our team. That's who I am, that's what opens up the floor for a lot of our shooters, and just worry about the results afterwards”
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The topic came up in the first round against the Detroit Pistons but since the Cavs were up 3-0 in the series, it wasn't a huge story. Throughout the postseason, the Cavs have wondered why they haven't shot more free throws in some games.
Of course, if the Cavs get more free throws, they need to make them. Cleveland made just 15-of-26 foul shots in an 11-point loss. The Cavs were 6-of-25 on three-pointers. If the Cavs make four more free throws -- James was 2-of-4 -- and make two more threes, the complexion of the game changes, if not the result.
If the Cavs have any chance to force Game 6, they need to start strong in Game 5 because Golden State senses the moment. That means they must also keep their head in the game.
James and Curry had a verbal dustup that both players dismissed as nothing but heat-of-the-moment competition.
The confrontation with Green bothered James. The play started with Green falling to the floor after getting tangled up with James. James stepped over Green, who flailed his arm at James twice. He connected once in the groin area. They had words, and teammates stepped between them.
The league will review the play but few, including James, expect any discipline for Green.
"Draymond just said something that I don't agree with," James said. "I'm all cool with the competition. I'm all fine with that, but some of the words that came out of his mouth were a little bit overboard, and being a guy with pride, a guy with three kids and a family, things of that nature, some things just go overboard and that's where he took it, and that was it.”
Even if the Cavs find a way to put the frustration behind them and play better, it might not be enough.