Game 1 of the 2016 NBA Finals was as puzzling as they come.
The Golden State Warriors saw their top two scorers "combine for their lowest point total of the season," per NBA.com—Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson scored 20 points between them—and still secured a 104-89 victory over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers. Does an anomalous contest like that contain any useful information with which to forecast forward?
Yes and no.
Key battlegrounds surfaced on both sides; they just weren't decided in ways likely to become repeat patterns. Of course, that might be fitting for this series, since it's probably going to tear apart some more patterns along the way.
First up in the "Something's Gotta Give" department: The Warriors have now won six straight over the Cavs dating back to last year's Finals, but LeBron James has won the last nine times immediately after his team lost a series opener, according to Fox Sports Ohio.
Who holds the edge for Sunday's Game 2? Even the historical trends don't seem to know. But we have enough information to pinpoint five specific areas where the contest will be decided.
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Zach Buckley
5 Keys That Will Decide Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals
June 4th, 2016 by Zach Buckley Leave a reply »
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