The international stars were kept relatively quiet but LeBron James would not be denied as the Cleveland Cavaliers eased past the Golden State Warriors 120-90 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Brazilian international Leandro Barbosa led the international stars with eight points in seventeen minutes of action but the others played cameo roles in a game ruled by James and Kyrie Irving.
James led all scorers with 32 points, 11 rebounds and six assists with Irving hitting 30 as the Cavaliers raced into a comfortable 33-16 first quarter lead and never looked back.
Golden State; stunned by Cleveland’s first quarter onslaught started to climb their way back in the second quarter but the Warriors still trailed 51-43 at the half.
There was a sense of belief that Golden State would pull the deficit back closer in the third quarter but the Cavs, led by their leader LeBron ended that.
Cleveland quickly established their double-lead in the third and never looked back as the turnovers piled up for the Warriors and the momentum stayed with the Cavaliers.
Stephen Curry led Golden State with 19 points.
TWITTER COMMENTARY
I called for more Kyrie/center PNRs, but I didn't expect this. What a quarter.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 9, 2016
Kyrie is not hesitating tonight…attacking quickly just as Ty wanted him to
— Fred McLeod (@CavsFredMcLeod) June 9, 2016
Cavs have been incredibly active on defense all game long.
— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) June 9, 2016
Klay is clearly not happy about that Mozgov screen. Said he stuck his knee out. Would have understood if he the screen was set on perimeter
— Marcus Thompson (@ThompsonScribe) June 9, 2016
