News

Actions

NOT YET: 3 big takeaways from the Cavaliers' win over the Warriors in Game 5 of the NBA Finals

Posted at 9:03 PM, Jun 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-14 00:03:00-04

Back to Cleveland we go.

Behind a pair of incredible efforts from their superstars, the Cleveland Cavaliers kept their season alive and beat the Golden State Warriors 112-97 in Oakland in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on ABC15.

Here are three big takeaways from the Cavs' surprising win to force a Game 6.

1. LeBron, Kyrie create the 40/40 Club

For the first time ever, two teammates scored 40 points in an NBA Finals game. LeBron James, who was mercilessly booed and mocked throughout the game for his part in Draymond Green's Game 5 suspension, had one of the best nights of his career: 41 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and three blocks. 

But unbelievably, his teammate was even better. Kyrie Irving put up 41 points of his own on 17 of 24 shooting from the field, including 5 of 7 shooting from 3-point range.

The only question is: If the Cavs are going to come all the way back and win this series, will they need both men to be just as good in Game 6 and (if necessary) Game 7?

2. Warriors fall flat in second half

The Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, came out hot in Game 5. Thompson, in particular, was unstoppable in the first half, scoring 26 points -- more than he had scored in any of the first four games during this series.

But in the second half, it was a much different story -- not just for Curry and Thompson, but throughout the lineup.

Obviously, Green's absence has to be factored in, and it's hard to believe the Warriors will be as collectively cold on Thursday. But still, it's a surprising stat, and one has to wonder whether their cold shooting will carry over as the series returns to Cleveland.

3. Bogut's injury looms large

The Warriors will get Green back in Game 6, but they may be without starting center Andrew Bogut, who suffered a sprained knee in the third quarter and didn't return.

Bogut is hardly a force on offense, but the 7-foot, 260-pounder's defense is one of the keys to the Warriors' success. If he misses Game 6, it could change a lot for both teams.