From left, Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving, LeBron James and J.R. Smith work on drills during an NBA basketball practice, Wednesday, May 31, 2017, in Oakland, Calif. The Cavaliers face the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday in Oakland. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)NBA Finals
We’re here. Where almost everyone expected us to be. (No, we’re not holding the Spurs pick against anyone since Kawhi’s injury gave San Antonio no chance.) Warriors-Cavs. Cavs-Warriors.
The third chapter in what has become the most top-heavy time in league history since the days of Bird and Magic. So who wins? Who has the edge? Let’s break it down:
The Warriors are the more efficient team on each side of the floor. We know about the Warriors ability to score in bunches, but they are the most efficient defensive team in the league. Yes, a lot of that is determined by their pace, but numbers do not lie.
Neither team is especially deep.