When it comes to the 2015 NBA Finals, is it a question of who or what? Arguments, heated debates, and questions arise with anything related to NBA's top teams and players. What does each team have to prove? What is on the line for these players? What is at stake? Who needs to be guarded at all times? Game 1 of the 2015 NBA Finals starts on Thursday, June 4 at 6 p.m. (PT) and 9 p.m. (ET) at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. The game airs on ABC.
According to NBA's current statistics, LeBron James, the leader of the Cleveland Cavs is barely human. 30-year-old James is 6'8" and weighs at 250 pounds. His career average is 27.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game. He is the object of focus for the Golden State Warriors on Thursday's Game 1.
LeBron James with the basketball during a game on April 2008.
As for the Cavs, they must zero in on MVP Stephen Curry, the star player of the Warriors. Curry averages 29.1 points, 5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. His total for 2014-2015 is 349 points, 60 rebounds, and 79 assists. To be noted, Klay Thompson is also a valuable asset to the team, averaging at 19.6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. This past year he scored 235 points, 48 rebounds, and 33 assists. The Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr talked strategy in a recent interview.
"Sometimes your best defense is your offense. You can't get crazy with the ball. A live-ball turnover with LeBron is just a dunk at the other end," said Kerr.
Pre-game jitters and excitement had sports experts comparing and contrasting James and Curry. Reporters went straight to James for an answer to the most frequently asked questions. Who's better? How can you stop Curry? James gave a confident answer.
Stephen Curry playing against the Washington Wizards on March 2011.
"The same way you slow me down," said James, putting the focus back onto him and his game. "You can't."
ESPN's J.A. Adande labeled the 2015 Finals as "Great player vs. great team," referring to the Cavaliers' LeBron James and the Golden State Warriors. James' significance in the league reflects his history of winning 17 out of 19 playoffs. James is currently in his prime as a professional player. He is not slowing down anytime soon and surely not for Thursday.
"I've never seen so many individual-based facts associated with a team as I have with the Cavaliers these playoffs. Everything is "LeBron James' record when leading a series 2-0 is . . .," said Adande. "LeBron's fifth straight trip to the Finals."
Team Rosters:
Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, David Lee, Draymond Green, Andrew Bogut, Andre Iguodala, James Michael McAdoo, Harrison Barnes, Leandro Barbosa, Shaun Livingston, Marreese Speights, Justin Holiday, Festus Ezeli, Ognjen Kuzmic, and Brandon Rush.
Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, Kendrick Perkins, Brendan Haywood, J.R. Smith, James Jones, Timofey Mozga, Iman Shumpert, Anderson Varejao, Joe Harris, Matthew Dellavedora, Mike Miller, Tristan Thompson.
