2015 NBA Finals -- Despite injuries, Cavs giving Warriors a good fight
By Reylan Loberternos
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 14 Jun 2015
Tagbilaran City, Bohol ? Many have written off the Cleveland Cavaliers after they lost All Stars Kevin Love (separated shoulder) and Kyrie Irving (fractured left kneecap) to season-ending injuries.
Many experts have predicted a Warriors sweep in these NBA Finals, but the undermanned Cavs have put up an incredible fight and heading into Game 5 today, the series is knotted at 2-2.
Love's outside shooting has certainly been missed by the Cavs, ditto with Irving's multi-layered talents -- dribble penetration, running the offense, scoring and defense.
But two other Cavs have filled in nicely.
Tristan Thompson, who averaged 9.3 points and 11.5 rebounds in the East semis against the Chicago Bulls, is again eating up the boards in the Finals, grabbing 54 rebounds through four games. The 24-year old has also scored a modest 26 points.
An athletic big man who can obviously play on both ends of the floor, Thompson has been a valuable asset against the sharp-shooting Warriors team that likes to play a lot of small-ball.
Matthew Dellavedova, meanwhile, is making a string of star-making performances while assuming the point guard slot from Irving.
After going scoreless in Game 1, Delly has racked up 39 points from Games 2 to 4, while his assists total for the series is 12. The 6-foot-4 Australian, a combo guard, was instrumental in the Cavs' close wins in Games 2 and 3 by hitting timely threes and sinking crucial free throws.
One of Dellavedova's greatest feats yet is helping slow down MVP Steph Curry, the Warriors juggernaut who has been relatively quiet in these Finals.
Delly's physical play has bumped, held and made Curry really uncomfortable.
The loss of Love and Irving is obviously a tough pill to swallow, but thanks to LeBron James and his 38 points a game average, the Cavs are somehow still in the running to win this whole thing and end Cleveland's 51-year drought for a major sports championship.
It's amazing to see King James score these many points to fuel the Cavs' offense, but at the end of the day, its defense that wins championships.
Comments are highly appreciated. You may email them to reylanloberternos@yahoo.com.ph or follow me on twitter @reylan_l
Photo: LeBron James is keeping the Cleveland Cavaliers afloat in these NBA Finals.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Reylan Loberternos.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Andy Cruz vs Raymond Muratalla: Who Will Execute?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Libranza to fight undefeated Tso for IBF Pan Pacific bantam
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Filipino Cue Artist RJ Bautista Ready to Shine at the Las Vegas Open 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 24 Jan 2026MURATALLA VS. CRUZ WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
Sat, 24 Jan 2026Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
Sat, 24 Jan 2026Ballesteros not yet ready against Ocum
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Chocolatito Gonzalez to undergo shoulder surgery
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 24 Jan 2026NM Nika finishes Sixth in Czech Republic Blitz chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 24 Jan 2026The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Sat, 24 Jan 2026Donaire back in Cebu
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 23 Jan 2026MURATALLA VS. CRUZ IN LAS VEGAS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 23 Jan 2026Four Pinoys in line for title shots
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 23 Jan 2026After the meeting in Mexico City, the WBC is ready for 2026
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 23 Jan 2026Former world title challenger Jerry Belmontes Returns to ring at home after nearly a decade in Retirement on January 31 in Texas
Fri, 23 Jan 2026SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONNY ALVAREZ TRAINING CAMP NOTES
Thu, 22 Jan 2026