Game 3 of the NBA Finals as it happened
The Cleveland Cavaliers' 120-90 Game 3 rout over the Golden State Warriors provided evidence that they could indeed challenge the defending champions and perhaps push them when few thought that was possible.
Steph Curry had 19 points and six turnovers. He was hardly the dynamic player he'd been throughout the majority of the playoffs - and neither were his fellow stars. The Cavs routed the Warriors Wednesday night, opening up all sorts of potential for an intriguing Finals after all.
Check in Friday for Game 4 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.
Read up on Game 3
• So where has this Cavs team been all series?: It seemed like the Cavs unleashed all of the frustrating fury tonight
• Top five moments from NBA Finals Game 3: Relive all the greatness that was
• Cavs spring to life in Game 3 rout: The Cavaliers remained unbeaten at home during the playoffs with a 120-90 victory against the Golden State Warriors
• Why the Warriors could look different next season: There’s a reason the team motto is “Strength in Numbers,” but it won’t be easy for the Warriors to live up to that mantra after this season.
So much for a sweep ...
LeBron James finished with 32 points, Kyrie Irving had 30, but with Kevin Love sidelined from a concussion, the most jarring number may have been on the glass where the Cavs won that battle 51-32.
End of the third quarter: Cavs up 89-69
Led by Kyrie Irving 25 points and LeBron James 24 points
NOPE.
LeBron's cookin' --
After some bad misses early in the game, James buried back-to-back jumpers from both elbows. J.R. Smith backed up James' shooting with a deeeep three-pointer of his own - his third of the game.
This happened, too ...
NOPE.
Halftime! Cavs lead 51-43
Barnes and Thompson each have 10 to pace the Warriors, but the back-to-back MVP is just 1-of-5 for 2 points. Kyrie Irving has 19 and Tristan Thompson (8 points, 10 rebounds) is closing in on a double-double.
GSW hanging in
The Dubs hacked into Cleveland's lead despite a strangely sub-par game from Steph Curry, who had more fouls (3) than points (2) at halftime. Golden State also survived a scary moment with Klay Thompson.
That good?
Update: Irving finished the first 7-of-9 for 16 points. LeBron was 4-of-4 for 8, and the Cavs held a 33-16 lead heading into the second quarter.
What engagement?
4:18 left in the 1st quarter
As far as starts go, Game 3 couldn't have been much better for the Cavs, who desperately needed to show they could hold their own against a team that had blown them out in the first two games. Richard Jefferson hit a huge three-pointer to make it 9-0, Kyrie Irving crossed over Steph Curry and LeBron James authored several pretty drives. What's more, the Cavs' closeout defense on the Splash Bros has been superb. Cavs up big.
Cleveland fans join together for the singing of the national anthem
A moment for Muhammad Ali
The Cavs held a moment of silence pregame for Muhammmad Ali ahead of player introductions.
Fashion
What goes into a good game? Obviously a strong entrance ... and Steph Curry takes his VERY seriously.
PHOTOS: Best from the NBA Finals
Cavs take the court!
Fans prep for Game 3 in Cleveland
Kevin Love out with concussion, Richard Jefferson starting
With Kevin Love forced to miss Wednesday night's NBA Finals Game 3 with a concussion he suffered in Game 2, the Cleveland Cavaliers will have to look elsewhere to fill the void left by their starting power forward.
They're going with Richard Jefferson.