BY AYODELE ODUMADE

The Golden State Warriors are on the verge of winning back-to-back NBA titles and their third title in four years as they beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in their own backyard 110-102.  The Cavs came out first in the first quarter as they led by as many as 13 points. But gradually the Warriors began to find their feet and stayed in touch.  By the break they were only down by 6. 

Usually the Warriors have a strong third quarter as they make a decisive move in games. However Cleveland knew that realistically to make this game a series they had to win this game. Kevin Durant was the shining light for the Warriors as he scored 43 points with 7 rebounds. Andre Iguodala who last made an appearance of game three of the Western Conference final returned for this game and helped them look more solid in defence.

Steph Curry and Klay Thompson had an off day as they scored 11 and 10 points respectively.  Curry missed 9 three pointers in a row but crucially down the stretch he scored a three pointer, which decisively helped to clinch this game as Durant put the icing on the cake with another three pointer. LeBron James who still managed to score 33 points said:” It is a tough loss but we will have another opportunity on our own court on Friday.”

 The Warriors will have a chance to sweep the Cavaliers    and clinch the title on Friday (June 8) at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland in game four.

Their Coach Steve Kerr said “Kevin was the story in the first half just keeping us in the game. He was also the story in the second half closing out.  It helped us to have Andre back tonight. LeBron is always going to do what he does. But having Andre out there 20 plus minutes helped.”