Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, left, is guarded by Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James during the second half of Game 5 of basketball’s NBA Finals in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, June 14, 2015. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Regardless of which team you’re cheering for, the 2015 NBA finals have been unquestionably one of the greatest match-ups in playoff history. With the help of their franchise players, the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers are certainly putting on a show.
The Warriors took game five by a final score of 104-91 on Sunday, but there is still plenty of opportunity left for the Cavaliers.
There is no denying that LeBron James is the greatest basketball player in the world at the moment – he has the stats to prove it. In the first half of game five, he nearly matched his game four total with 20 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. He either assisted or scored the first 16 of 17 baskets made by the Cavaliers in the first half. He finished the night with his second triple-double of the series: 40 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists.
However, “The King James” wasn’t able to control Steph Curry. For the first time in this series, Curry broke out and displayed his MVP caliber talent. He finished the night with 37 points and went 7-of-13 from the three-point line. This victory helped inch Curry closer to his first NBA title and the first franchise title since 1975.
All personal achievements aside, the Warriors have something that the Cavaliers just don’t have: depth. Anyone can look at Lebron’s success and know that he is an incredible basketball player, but it might not win him a championship this year. The Warriors’ up-and-down style of play is quickly wearing out Cleveland. With a traditional lineup not working very well in the first three games, Golden State has had to adjust to a smaller lineup and quicker game pace that is throwing the Cavaliers off. Steph Curry may not average as many points-per-game and rebounds as James, but he averages two more assists. His ability to work with his team is what is making this Golden State team successful. Steph Curry’s leadership on the court is noticeable, and it makes the team’s chemistry more efficient as a whole.
The Warriors now lead the series 3-2. In Finals history, the game five winner or a 2-2 series has won 20 out of 28 titles (71.4%), but LeBron didn’t seem too shaken up by it in his post game conference.
“I’m confident because I am the greatest player in the world,” James told reporters. “It’s just that simple.”
Despite the fact that LeBron James and Steph Curry are two of the greatest athletes in the world, the two men could not be more different.
Experience is definitely on James’ side. In his 12 seasons in the league, he already has two championship titles, ten playoffs appearances, 11 all-star game appearances, six MVP titles, and countless other awards.
However, his accomplishments have blatantly shifted his confidence into arrogance, whereas Steph Curry respectively refrains from posting to the media.
Humility is something that professional athletes have to struggle to maintain. Being the greatest in the world at any type of profession has to require an enormous amount of confidence. Fans tend to think that it is unattractive to see professional athletes brag about their talents.
Make no mistake, Steph Curry is not humble; but his confidence is shown on the court in his style of play and shot selection. LeBron’s physical talents may make him lethal in the game, but his “do it all myself” attitude might just cost him this NBA title like it cost him game five. Has David finally met Goliath?
