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What a magical ride the 2015 NBA season has been for fans of both the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and to think after tonight it could all be over. Before that is determined there is still more basketball to be played as the Cavs prepare to defend their home court in a win or stay home game 6 situation.
Stephen Curry helped propel the Warriors to cover their huge eight point spread with his 17 point 4th quarter performance in game 5. The Dubs are 3-1 this postseason in close out games and will head into Cleveland for game 6 as four and a half point road favorites according to Bovada Sportsbook. The last time the Cavs were four point dogs at home resulted in a 21 point loss in game 4.
Due to Cleveland's physical defensive pressure Golden State has yet to have a breakout game offensively that sends the game into the over/under stratosphere. Depending how one may see game 6 going, the under still looks like a solid bet as only two of the last eight games between the Dubs and Cavs have gone over or pushed according to the OddShark NBA Database. The total for game 6 has been set at 194.
One of the big story lines that has gained momentum over the past few days has been discussion if LeBron James deserves the Finals MVP.. even if the Cavs lose. Current Golden State executive Jerry West is the only player that has won a Finals MVP in a losing effort, when his Lakers lost to the Celtics in 1969. LeBron's statistics (38 ppg. 12 rpg. & 9 apg.) are considerably better than West's (31 ppg. 4 rpg. & 7 apg.) in their respective Finals. In my opinion, Steph Curry is one big quarter away away from placing his name at the top of the list for most deserving of the 2015 Finals MVP.
But seeing how Finals MVP is more of a personal achievement and not necessarily one that encompasses the achievement of the entire team as a whole, then maybe Lebron would be better suited to win the award. In a move that could make even master ego stroker Kobe Bryant jealous, LeBron arrogantly stated that he was confident going into game 6 because he is the best player in the world. Since the statement is pretty much spot on, you can't really be mad that LeBron said it, unless of course you are a fan of superstar humble pie serving chef, Steph Curry.
Andre Iguodala has also made a strong case for himself as Finals MVP and could possibly be another big game away from actually winning the award. According to Chris Chase of USA Today Sports, Iguodala is now considered the favorite to win Finals MVP after starting the series at 125/1 odds.
Regardless, as a proud member of Dubnation, my only concern is which TEAM will WIN.
Who: Golden State Warriors (1) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (2)
What: Game 6, 2015 NBA Finals
When: 6:00 p.m. PST
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH.
How to watch:
- National: ABC
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Online: ESPN3.com, Watch ESPN App
Radio: ESPN Radio (national), KNBR 680 (local)
Spread: GS -4.5
Over/Under: 194 (OVER minus-110, UNDER minus-110)
Moneyline: GS minus-165, CLE plus-145