The 2018 NBA Finals will be held in Los Angeles, with Staples Center hosting the event for the third time, league and city officials announced at the arena Tuesday.
It will mark the sixth time that Los Angeles has hosted the All-Star Game, the most for any city. New York has hosted it five times, and Boston and Philadelphia have each hosted it four times. The 2017 NBA All-Star Game will be held in Charlotte.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver, AEG President and CEO Dan Beckerman, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Comission President Kathy Schloessman made the announcement collectively at Staples Center before the Lakers-Grizzlies game.
"Los Angeles is known for first-class hospitality and entertainment, making it the perfect host for NBA All-Star," Silver said. "The city is home to some of the most passionate basketball fans in addition to extraordinary facilities, including Staples Center and L.A. Live."
The game is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018.
"We couldn't be more excited to see the All-Star Game coming back," Garcetti said. "Let's think: It's 2004, 2011 and now 2018. We might just have to move it here permanently, Commissioner, but we certainly are ready for the task."
Staples Center hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 2004 and 2011. The nearby Forum in Inglewood hosted the 1972 and 1983 All-Star Games, and the soon-to-be-demolished Los Angeles Sports Arena hosted the 1963 game.
"I'm biased, [but] this is the greatest city in the world, so the All-Star Game should be here every other year, anyway,'' said Lakers coach Byron Scott, an Inglewood native.
The All-Stars haven't played farther west than Houston since 2011, with the last two games being played in New York and Toronto. Some players said the wintry conditions in both cities, including record-low temperatures in Toronto, slightly dampened the usual festivities.
Good weather was mentioned several times during the announcement of the 2018 game, but Silver laughed at the notion that sunshine was a determining factor in the NBA's choice.
"Fortunately, our game is played indoors,'' Silver said. "And actually, I think it was very much a bonding experience in Toronto for our guests. In fairness to Toronto, it was cold, but it was even unusually cold for Toronto, and it was unusually cold for New York the year before, but it didn't stop anyone from having a great time."
Of the five All Star Games held in Los Angeles, the Western Conference All-Stars have won three times, and in those three victories a Lakers player was named MVP: Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal and Jerry West.
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NBA Finals 2018 MVP
Prior to the 2018 Finals, the Vegas odds had listed Andre Iguodala as a 125-1 pick to take home the Finals MVP award. It was especially uncommon for a reserve to win this individual honor -- let alone a season-long reserve.
Here are the six Finals MVPs 2018 who account for the 10 games off the bench in the regular season:
1988: James Worthy (LAL) – 3
1989: Joe Dumars (DET) – 2
1984: Larry Bird (BOS) – 2
2002: Shaquille O’Neal (LAL) – 1
1986: Larry Bird (BOS) – 1
1982: Magic Johnson (LAL) – 1
To put everything into perspective, Iguodala stepped on uncharted territory by coming off the bench for all regular season games (played in 77) and 18 of 21 playoff games (started NBA Finals Games 4-6) while emerging as the Finals MVP. It might seem atrocious to give the MVP to a player who averaged under 18 points per game, shot below 40% from the free-throw line and allowed the opposing player to rack up one of the best statistical lines in NBA Finals history. When looking at LeBron's basic numbers, some may jump to conclusion that Iguodala barely slowed him down.
However, Andre Iguodala is worthy and deserving of the Bill Russell Award. This should come as no fluke or surprise and here's why.
Defending LeBron
A year ago, Kawhi Leonard won the Finals MVP while guarding LeBron James. Leonard, one of the elite perimeter defenders in the league today did a magnificent job on James but it can be said that Iguodala accomplished a greater feat from an efficiency standpoint. Per ESPN Stats & Information, James shot 58% from the field against Leonard in the 2014 Finals and an abysmal 33% with Iguodala as the defender. While it is hard to 'stop' LeBron James, it is not impossible to wear him down.
As the primary defender on James, Iguodala contested and forced him into tough shots throughout the entire series. James was often seen trying to get a jumper up with the shot-clock winding down because of great on-ball defense by Iguodala in the isolation. Besides that, Iguodala has also been discipline by rarely switching off of James. ESPN Stats & Information states that of the 90 possessions where Iguodala started off on James, the Cavaliers could only force him to switch 18 times (20 percent).
According to SI's Lee Jenkins, Iguodala has literally been preparing for matchups against James, studying his tendencies and moves for years. Here are James' statistics with Iguodala on bench versus Iguodala on court:
Iguodala on Bench: 44% FG, 82% FT, 47% eFG, +30 +/-, 107.4 offrtg, 88.6 defrtg, +18.8 netrtg
Iguodala on Court: 38% FG, 66% FT, 41% eFG, -55 +/-, 94.1 offrtg, 109.7 defrtg, -15.5 netrtg
Here are the six Finals MVPs 2018 who account for the 10 games off the bench in the regular season:
1988: James Worthy (LAL) – 3
1989: Joe Dumars (DET) – 2
1984: Larry Bird (BOS) – 2
2002: Shaquille O’Neal (LAL) – 1
1986: Larry Bird (BOS) – 1
1982: Magic Johnson (LAL) – 1
To put everything into perspective, Iguodala stepped on uncharted territory by coming off the bench for all regular season games (played in 77) and 18 of 21 playoff games (started NBA Finals Games 4-6) while emerging as the Finals MVP. It might seem atrocious to give the MVP to a player who averaged under 18 points per game, shot below 40% from the free-throw line and allowed the opposing player to rack up one of the best statistical lines in NBA Finals history. When looking at LeBron's basic numbers, some may jump to conclusion that Iguodala barely slowed him down.
However, Andre Iguodala is worthy and deserving of the Bill Russell Award. This should come as no fluke or surprise and here's why.
Defending LeBron
A year ago, Kawhi Leonard won the Finals MVP while guarding LeBron James. Leonard, one of the elite perimeter defenders in the league today did a magnificent job on James but it can be said that Iguodala accomplished a greater feat from an efficiency standpoint. Per ESPN Stats & Information, James shot 58% from the field against Leonard in the 2014 Finals and an abysmal 33% with Iguodala as the defender. While it is hard to 'stop' LeBron James, it is not impossible to wear him down.
As the primary defender on James, Iguodala contested and forced him into tough shots throughout the entire series. James was often seen trying to get a jumper up with the shot-clock winding down because of great on-ball defense by Iguodala in the isolation. Besides that, Iguodala has also been discipline by rarely switching off of James. ESPN Stats & Information states that of the 90 possessions where Iguodala started off on James, the Cavaliers could only force him to switch 18 times (20 percent).
According to SI's Lee Jenkins, Iguodala has literally been preparing for matchups against James, studying his tendencies and moves for years. Here are James' statistics with Iguodala on bench versus Iguodala on court:
Iguodala on Bench: 44% FG, 82% FT, 47% eFG, +30 +/-, 107.4 offrtg, 88.6 defrtg, +18.8 netrtg
Iguodala on Court: 38% FG, 66% FT, 41% eFG, -55 +/-, 94.1 offrtg, 109.7 defrtg, -15.5 netrtg
NBA Finals 2018 Schedule
The 2018 NBA Finals begin Thursday (June 2) with a potential Game 7 on June 19, and it's a rematch of 2017: The defending champion Golden State Warriors vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland represents the Eastern Conference following their Game 6 victory over the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern finals. The Cavs' appearance marks the sixth straight for LeBron James, his seventh overall, and the third in Cavaliers franchise history, and their second-straight.
The Warriors advanced with a Game 7 win over Oklahoma City in the West finals, with Golden State becoming only the 10th club in league history to rally from a 3-1 deficit to win a seven-game series.
Game 1 tips at Oracle Arena in Oakland. Here's the full 2018 NBA Finals schedule.
No. 1 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS VS. No. 1 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
GAME DATE LOCATION TIME TV
Game 1: Warriors 104, Cavaliers 89 GS leads 1-0 Oracle Arena 9 p.m ABC
Game 2: Warriors 110, Cavaliers 77 GS leads 2-0 Oracle Arena 8 p.m.
ABC
Game 3: Cavaliers 120, Warriors 90 GS leads 2-1 Quicken Loans Arena 9 p.m. ABC
Game 4: Warriors 108, Cavaliers 97 GS leads 3-1
Quicken Loans Arena
9 p.m.
ABC
Game 5: Cavaliers 112, Warriors 97 GS leads 3-2
Oracle Arena
9 p.m.
ABC
Game 6: Cavaliers 115, Warriors 101
Series tied 3-3
Quicken Loans Arena
9 p.m.
ABC
Game 7: Cavaliers 93, Warriors 89 CLE wins series Oracle Arena 8 p.m.
ABC*
The Warriors advanced with a Game 7 win over Oklahoma City in the West finals, with Golden State becoming only the 10th club in league history to rally from a 3-1 deficit to win a seven-game series.
Game 1 tips at Oracle Arena in Oakland. Here's the full 2018 NBA Finals schedule.
No. 1 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS VS. No. 1 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
GAME DATE LOCATION TIME TV
Game 1: Warriors 104, Cavaliers 89 GS leads 1-0 Oracle Arena 9 p.m ABC
Game 2: Warriors 110, Cavaliers 77 GS leads 2-0 Oracle Arena 8 p.m.
ABC
Game 3: Cavaliers 120, Warriors 90 GS leads 2-1 Quicken Loans Arena 9 p.m. ABC
Game 4: Warriors 108, Cavaliers 97 GS leads 3-1
Quicken Loans Arena
9 p.m.
ABC
Game 5: Cavaliers 112, Warriors 97 GS leads 3-2
Oracle Arena
9 p.m.
ABC
Game 6: Cavaliers 115, Warriors 101
Series tied 3-3
Quicken Loans Arena
9 p.m.
ABC
Game 7: Cavaliers 93, Warriors 89 CLE wins series Oracle Arena 8 p.m.
ABC*
NBA Finals Game 7
2018 NBA Finals Game 7. In the National Basketball Association (NBA), a game seven is the final game of a best-of-seven series in the NBA Playoffs. Based on the playoffs format arrangement,[a] it is played in the venue of the team holding home-court advantage for the series. The necessity of a game seven cannot be known until the outcome of game six is determined, assuming that a series reaches the sixth contest. In other words, game seven is the only one in a series that cannot be guaranteed more than one game in advance. Due to the decisive nature of game sevens, they are often "played more conservatively" and receive more media and fan attention.
2018 NBA Finals Live
This 2018 the winner captures the NBA title, and the loser goes home empty-handed. It’s a game that surely all basketball fans will be monitoring, and you can watch along even without a television.
If you’re watching online, ESPN3 will be livestreaming it for free on WatchESPN.com. Past games on ESPN and ESPN2 have required a cable login to watch — however, all you’ll need to do is sign in with your Internet service provider to watch this game. Check ESPN Go for a list of participating Internet providers.
If you don’t have an Internet provider, or yours isn’t on the list, you can access WatchESPN.com through the Sling TV subscription service. It costs $20 per month, but, if you haven’t used it already, you can watch the game with a free seven-day trial.
Basketball fans can also watch the game via mobile, on either the WatchESPN or the ESPN apps. Both are available for free download, though you’ll have to sign in through your Internet provider or Sling TV account.
For those watching on television, the game will be broadcast live from the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., starting at 5 p.m. PST/8 p.m. PST, on ABC.
If you’re watching online, ESPN3 will be livestreaming it for free on WatchESPN.com. Past games on ESPN and ESPN2 have required a cable login to watch — however, all you’ll need to do is sign in with your Internet service provider to watch this game. Check ESPN Go for a list of participating Internet providers.
If you don’t have an Internet provider, or yours isn’t on the list, you can access WatchESPN.com through the Sling TV subscription service. It costs $20 per month, but, if you haven’t used it already, you can watch the game with a free seven-day trial.
Basketball fans can also watch the game via mobile, on either the WatchESPN or the ESPN apps. Both are available for free download, though you’ll have to sign in through your Internet provider or Sling TV account.
For those watching on television, the game will be broadcast live from the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., starting at 5 p.m. PST/8 p.m. PST, on ABC.
2018 NBA Finals Stats
2018 NBA Finals Stats, as numbers in sports, don’t always have to be an endless, contentious point of debate. Sure, it’s always fun to continuously circle back around a contrived argument between outdated television hosts and ostensibly bespectacled computer geeks, recycling the same straw man points over and over… Wait, that’s not fun at all? Right, that’s seriously not fun at all.
Let’s change the tone for a brief moment during the offseason doldrums. Here are some strange, shocking and ultimately entertaining stats you never expected to see from the 2015-16 NBA season.
Beasts of efficiency (not really): By the traditional definition and minutes thresholds, most numerically inclined NBA fans will know that Stephen Curry “led” the NBA in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) last year, with a 31.5 mark that challenged some of the most efficient seasons in league history (it ended up eighth of all-time, trailing seasons by only Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Wilt Chamberlain).
In actuality, however, small-sample theater reveals that Curry did not technically lead this category last year. In six minutes apiece, the top spots were actually held by Thanasis Antetokounmpo (32.9) and Rakeem Christmas (32), with Curry taking home bronze. In another entertaining twist, San Antonio Spurs fan favorite Boban Marjanovic was ranked fifth. Somehow, it feels like these guys might find a bit tougher sledding if they played a Curry-like minute load.
The streakiest of the streaky: Many NBA players have the ability to get hot, but which can get the hottest? That’s impossible to quantify, right? Partially wrong, actually.
Using NBAMiner.com, we can track one element of streakiness: Scoring runs. Steph Curry (surprise, surprise) tops the category for last season, scoring 24 consecutive points for the Golden State Warriors in a December game at the Charlotte Hornets, and Paul George (21 straight against the Detroit Pistons in January) is the only other to break 20 consecutive for his own team. If we include the opponent, Reggie Jackson’s 16 straight points for either team against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 8 tops the field.
A look down this list reveals a few pretty huge surprises, though. The group of guys who scored at least 15 straight during a game last season includes P.J. Tucker, Marcus Thornton and Rodney Stuckey. Also, the longest such streak during the regular season for a Cleveland Cavaliers player belonged not to LeBron James or Kyrie Irving, but to Kevin Love’s 17 in a row against the Orlando Magic in mid-November.
Let’s change the tone for a brief moment during the offseason doldrums. Here are some strange, shocking and ultimately entertaining stats you never expected to see from the 2015-16 NBA season.
Beasts of efficiency (not really): By the traditional definition and minutes thresholds, most numerically inclined NBA fans will know that Stephen Curry “led” the NBA in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) last year, with a 31.5 mark that challenged some of the most efficient seasons in league history (it ended up eighth of all-time, trailing seasons by only Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Wilt Chamberlain).
In actuality, however, small-sample theater reveals that Curry did not technically lead this category last year. In six minutes apiece, the top spots were actually held by Thanasis Antetokounmpo (32.9) and Rakeem Christmas (32), with Curry taking home bronze. In another entertaining twist, San Antonio Spurs fan favorite Boban Marjanovic was ranked fifth. Somehow, it feels like these guys might find a bit tougher sledding if they played a Curry-like minute load.
The streakiest of the streaky: Many NBA players have the ability to get hot, but which can get the hottest? That’s impossible to quantify, right? Partially wrong, actually.
Using NBAMiner.com, we can track one element of streakiness: Scoring runs. Steph Curry (surprise, surprise) tops the category for last season, scoring 24 consecutive points for the Golden State Warriors in a December game at the Charlotte Hornets, and Paul George (21 straight against the Detroit Pistons in January) is the only other to break 20 consecutive for his own team. If we include the opponent, Reggie Jackson’s 16 straight points for either team against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 8 tops the field.
A look down this list reveals a few pretty huge surprises, though. The group of guys who scored at least 15 straight during a game last season includes P.J. Tucker, Marcus Thornton and Rodney Stuckey. Also, the longest such streak during the regular season for a Cleveland Cavaliers player belonged not to LeBron James or Kyrie Irving, but to Kevin Love’s 17 in a row against the Orlando Magic in mid-November.
NBA Finals Game 6
2018 NBA Finals Game 6. The Warriors finished off the Cavaliers 105–97, winning the series 4–2. The Warriors outscored the Cavaliers 28–15 in the 1st quarter. However, the Cavaliers went on a big run to cut the deficit to 2 at halftime, trailing 45–43. The Cavaliers led 47–45 early in the third quarter, their only lead of the second half. However, the Warriors outscored the Cavaliers 28–18 in the 3rd quarter, leading by as many 15 before taking a 12 point lead into the 4th, leading 73–61. In the 4th quarter, the Cavs cut the deficit down to 7, but the Warriors pushed the lead back to 15. The Cavaliers, led by J.R. Smith, made a late surge to cut it to 4 with under 40 seconds remaining. However, the Warriors hit their free throws and closed out the series, giving the franchise their first title since 1975, and the city of Oakland its first major league sports championship since the Oakland Athletics won the 1989 World Series.
Andre Iguodala, who did not start for the Warriors until Game 4 of the Finals, was named the Finals MVP for his instrumental defense against LeBron James, who led the Cavaliers with 32 points. Iguodala had the third lowest scoring average of any Finals MVP in NBA history. James became the youngest player to score 5000 career points in the playoffs. It was the first time since the 2011 Finals that a team has won the NBA championship on its opponent's home venue.
Andre Iguodala, who did not start for the Warriors until Game 4 of the Finals, was named the Finals MVP for his instrumental defense against LeBron James, who led the Cavaliers with 32 points. Iguodala had the third lowest scoring average of any Finals MVP in NBA history. James became the youngest player to score 5000 career points in the playoffs. It was the first time since the 2011 Finals that a team has won the NBA championship on its opponent's home venue.
NBA Finals Game 5
2018 NBA Finals Game 5. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 104–91 and took a 3–2 series lead heading back to Cleveland. The first three quarters were tight, with neither team leading by more 7. Both teams scored 22 points in the 1st quarter. The Warriors led 51–50 at halftime on a Harrison Barnes' three-point play following a dunk. They took a 6 point lead into the 4th quarter, leading 73–67. The Cavaliers opened the 4th quarter on a 13–6 run. LeBron James' deep three pointer gave the Cavaliers a 80–79 lead with just over 7:30 remaining in the 4th quarter. However, the Warriors responded with a huge run, outscoring the Cavaliers 25–11 the rest of the way. Curry scored 37 points on 13–23 shooting in the victory, including 7–13 from 3-point range. 17 of his 37 points came in the 4th quarter.
James had his second triple double of this NBA Finals series, posting 40 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. Leading all players in points, rebounds and assists, he was responsible for 70 of 91 Cavaliers points (40 scored, 30 assisted). It was his sixth career finals triple double, second all-time behind only Magic Johnson with 8. James also tied Oscar Robertson for most 30–10–10 playoff games with 8. He became the second player in NBA Finals history to score 40 points in a triple double after Jerry West in 1969.
James had his second triple double of this NBA Finals series, posting 40 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. Leading all players in points, rebounds and assists, he was responsible for 70 of 91 Cavaliers points (40 scored, 30 assisted). It was his sixth career finals triple double, second all-time behind only Magic Johnson with 8. James also tied Oscar Robertson for most 30–10–10 playoff games with 8. He became the second player in NBA Finals history to score 40 points in a triple double after Jerry West in 1969.
NBA Finals Game 4
2018 NBA Finals Game 4. The Warriors routed the Cavaliers 103–82, evening the series at 2–2 and reclaiming homecourt advantage. In Game 4, Andre Iguodala was inserted into the starting lineup in place of Andrew Bogut, and Draymond Green was moved to the center position. The Cavaliers scored the first seven points of the game and led 16–9, but the Warriors closed out the first quarter on a 22–8 run to lead 31–24. In the second quarter, the Cavaliers got a scare when LeBron James, with no headband, suffered a laceration on his head from one of the courtside photographer's camera lens after a hard foul on Bogut, but he stayed in the game without any stitches. The Warriors outscored the Cavaliers 23–18 in that period and led 54–42 at halftime. The Cavaliers outscored the Warriors 28–22 in the third quarter as they cut a 15-point deficit down to 3 in two instances. The Cavaliers had it down to 65–62, but Harrison Barnes hit a three pointer out of the timeout to stop the run.
With the Warriors leading 73–70 late in the third quarter, Stephen Curry hit a three to give the Warriors a 76–70 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Warriors dominated the final period, leading by as many as 23 as they outscored the Cavaliers 27–12.[38] The Cavaliers shot 4-for-27 from behind the 3-point line for the game and were 6–45 outside the paint, a season worst. The 82 points that the Cavaliers scored were a postseason low while the Cavaliers' bench scoring production (7 points) was also a postseason low. Curry and Igoudala led the Warriors in scoring with 22 apiece. Timofey Mozgov led the Cavaliers with 28. After averaging 41 points in the first three games of the Finals, James was held to 20 points on 7–22 shooting.
With the Warriors leading 73–70 late in the third quarter, Stephen Curry hit a three to give the Warriors a 76–70 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Warriors dominated the final period, leading by as many as 23 as they outscored the Cavaliers 27–12.[38] The Cavaliers shot 4-for-27 from behind the 3-point line for the game and were 6–45 outside the paint, a season worst. The 82 points that the Cavaliers scored were a postseason low while the Cavaliers' bench scoring production (7 points) was also a postseason low. Curry and Igoudala led the Warriors in scoring with 22 apiece. Timofey Mozgov led the Cavaliers with 28. After averaging 41 points in the first three games of the Finals, James was held to 20 points on 7–22 shooting.
NBA Finals 2018 Dates
The 2017–18 NBA season will be the 72nd season of the National Basketball Association. The regular season will begin on October 25, 2017. The 2018 NBA All-Star Game will be played at a venue to be announced on February 19, 2018; the original host of the game, Charlotte's Time Warner Cable Arena, was removed as the host on July 21, 2017 due to the league's opposition against North Carolina's Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act. The regular season will end on April 12, 2018, and the playoffs will begin on April 15, 2018 and will end with the last game of the NBA Finals.
he regular season will begin on Tuesday, October 25, 2017. Christmas Day games will be played on Sunday, December 25, 2017. The regular season will end on Wednesday, April 12, 2018. The schedule will be released in August 2017.
he regular season will begin on Tuesday, October 25, 2017. Christmas Day games will be played on Sunday, December 25, 2017. The regular season will end on Wednesday, April 12, 2018. The schedule will be released in August 2017.
NBA Finals Game 3
2018 NBA Finals Game 3. The Cavaliers led wire to wire as they defeated the Warriors 96–91 and took a 2–1 series lead. The first half was close throughout, with the Cavaliers leading 24–20 after the first quarter. They led 44–37 at halftime. Stephen Curry's struggles in Game 2 carried over to the first half of this game as he was held to 3 points in the first half. In the third quarter, the Cavaliers seized control, outscoring the Warriors 28–18. They led by as many as 20 in the third quarter before taking a 72–55 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The 55 points scored by the Warriors was their lowest scoring output through three quarters all season. However, the Warriors fought back, making it a 1-point game as they cut the deficit to 81–80 late in the fourth quarter. However, Matthew Dellavedova banked in a circus shot as he tumbled to the floor while being fouled by Curry. He made the free throw to put the Cavaliers up 84–80. After Curry committed a turnover, LeBron James hit a three pointer to give the Cavs an 87–80 lead. Curry hit a handful of three pointers down the stretch, but the Cavs made their free throws and closed out the win.
James led all scorers with 40 to go along with 12 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals. Through 3 games, James scored 123 points, the most points scored by any player in the first three games of any NBA Finals series, surpassing Rick Barry's 122 from the 1967 NBA Finals. Dellavedova scored 20, a playoff career high. Curry led the Warriors with 27 points, 17 of which came in the fourth quarter. This win marks the first time that the Cavaliers held a lead in a Finals series in their franchise history, as well as their first home win in a Finals series in their franchise history.
James led all scorers with 40 to go along with 12 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals. Through 3 games, James scored 123 points, the most points scored by any player in the first three games of any NBA Finals series, surpassing Rick Barry's 122 from the 1967 NBA Finals. Dellavedova scored 20, a playoff career high. Curry led the Warriors with 27 points, 17 of which came in the fourth quarter. This win marks the first time that the Cavaliers held a lead in a Finals series in their franchise history, as well as their first home win in a Finals series in their franchise history.
NBA Finals 2018 Predictions
The Golden State Warriors, not the champion Cleveland Cavaliers, head into an intriguing offseason as the favorites in Las Vegas to win the 2018 NBA title.
The Cavaliers pulled off one of the best comebacks in NBA history by rallying from a 3-1 series deficit in the NBA Finals to dethrone the Warriors with a Game 7 victory. But the Westgate SuperBook has Golden State as the favorite, at 7-4, to win the 2018 NBA Championship. The Cavs are next, at 5-2, followed by the San Antonio Spurs at 6-1 and Oklahoma City Thunder at 8-1.
Golden State couldn't cap off a record-breaking season with a second straight championship, but it returns the core of its roster. Harrison Barnes, a regular starter for the Warriors, is among the team's restricted free agents, and key bench contributor Marreese Speights is an unrestricted free agent. However, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are under contract and expected to return. Curry will be an unrestricted free agent in 2018, in time for an expected increase of the salary cap.
Big names could be on the move this summer, though, most notably the Thunder's Kevin Durant, an unrestricted free agent. Westgate oddsmaker Jeff Sherman said the Thunder's 8-1 odds are reflective of Durant's returning to Oklahoma City. Sherman noted that the SuperBook is taking lower limits on the 2018 future bets "until after the free agency period gets going and there is more clarity."
Cleveland is the clear-cut favorite in the Eastern Conference. James has a player option to stay with the Cavs. Cleveland is the only Eastern Conference team with single-digit odds to win next year's title. The Boston Celtics are 20-1, and the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors are each listed at 25-1.
The Cavaliers pulled off one of the best comebacks in NBA history by rallying from a 3-1 series deficit in the NBA Finals to dethrone the Warriors with a Game 7 victory. But the Westgate SuperBook has Golden State as the favorite, at 7-4, to win the 2018 NBA Championship. The Cavs are next, at 5-2, followed by the San Antonio Spurs at 6-1 and Oklahoma City Thunder at 8-1.
Golden State couldn't cap off a record-breaking season with a second straight championship, but it returns the core of its roster. Harrison Barnes, a regular starter for the Warriors, is among the team's restricted free agents, and key bench contributor Marreese Speights is an unrestricted free agent. However, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are under contract and expected to return. Curry will be an unrestricted free agent in 2018, in time for an expected increase of the salary cap.
Big names could be on the move this summer, though, most notably the Thunder's Kevin Durant, an unrestricted free agent. Westgate oddsmaker Jeff Sherman said the Thunder's 8-1 odds are reflective of Durant's returning to Oklahoma City. Sherman noted that the SuperBook is taking lower limits on the 2018 future bets "until after the free agency period gets going and there is more clarity."
Cleveland is the clear-cut favorite in the Eastern Conference. James has a player option to stay with the Cavs. Cleveland is the only Eastern Conference team with single-digit odds to win next year's title. The Boston Celtics are 20-1, and the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors are each listed at 25-1.
NBA Finals Game 2
2018 NBA Finals Game 2. The Cavaliers defeated the Warriors 95–93 in overtime, tying the series at 1–1 and stealing homecourt advantage heading into Cleveland. For the first time in NBA Finals history, the first two games were decided in overtime, with the Cavaliers winning their first Finals game in franchise history. LeBron James tallied his fifth Finals triple-double with 39 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists while moving solely into second all-time in Finals triple-doubles behind Magic Johnson's 8. James, who was 11-for-35 in the game shooting, played 50 minutes and led all scorers. James either scored or assisted on 66 of Cleveland's 95 points, and his 83 points in the first two games of a Finals was also second all-time to Jerry West's 94 in the 1969 Finals. Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 34 points. Curry added 19, but he struggled mightily against the Cavaliers' defense, going 5-for-23 from the floor, including 2–15 from 3-point range. Curry set an NBA record for most missed three-point attempts in an Finals game with 13. Matthew Dellavedova's defense on Curry was huge as Curry was 0–for-8 against him.
The margin was close through the first three quarters, with neither team leading by more than 8. The Warriors jumped out to a 20–12 lead, but the Cavaliers closed the quarter on a 8–0 run to tie the game at 20. The Warriors led 31–25 early in the 2nd quarter, but the Cavaliers went on a 15–2 run, taking a 40–33 lead. They settled for a 2-point lead at halftime, leading 47–45. The third quarter was low scoring, with the Cavaliers scoring 15 points and the Warriors 14 points. Heading into the 4th quarter, the Cavaliers led 62–59. After three tight quarters, the Cavaliers began to pull away, building an 83–72 lead with just over 3 minutes remaining in the fourth. However, the Cavaliers squandered the 11 point lead as the Warriors went on a 15–4 run to tie the game at 87, capped off by a Curry finger roll layupwith eight seconds remaining. Out of a timeout, James drove towards the basket as he went for a game winning layup, but he misfired, and the rebound tipback attempt by Tristan Thompson was unsuccessful.
The margin was close through the first three quarters, with neither team leading by more than 8. The Warriors jumped out to a 20–12 lead, but the Cavaliers closed the quarter on a 8–0 run to tie the game at 20. The Warriors led 31–25 early in the 2nd quarter, but the Cavaliers went on a 15–2 run, taking a 40–33 lead. They settled for a 2-point lead at halftime, leading 47–45. The third quarter was low scoring, with the Cavaliers scoring 15 points and the Warriors 14 points. Heading into the 4th quarter, the Cavaliers led 62–59. After three tight quarters, the Cavaliers began to pull away, building an 83–72 lead with just over 3 minutes remaining in the fourth. However, the Cavaliers squandered the 11 point lead as the Warriors went on a 15–4 run to tie the game at 87, capped off by a Curry finger roll layupwith eight seconds remaining. Out of a timeout, James drove towards the basket as he went for a game winning layup, but he misfired, and the rebound tipback attempt by Tristan Thompson was unsuccessful.
NBA Finals Game 1
2018 NBA Finals Game 1. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108–100 in overtime, taking Game 1 and the 1–0 series lead. The Cavaliers got off to a strong start, opening up a 29–15 lead before settling for a 10-point lead after the 1st quarter. In the 2nd quarter, the Warriors went on a big run and led 46–41. However, the Cavaliers went on a 10–2 run to close out the first half, capped off by a J. R. Smith three with .7 seconds left in the first half. The Cavaliers led 51–48 at halftime. The second half was a back and forth affair, with neither team able to gain separation. Late in the 4th, Timofey Mozgov hit two free throws to tie the game at 98. The Warriors ran a play forStephen Curry out of a timeout. Curry beat Kyrie Irving to the basket and went for a go-ahead layup, but Irving blocked the shot, and the Cavaliers called timeout after Smith secured the rebound. The Cavaliers had two chances to win in the final seconds of regulation. However, LeBron James' potential game winning jumper was off. Iman Shumpert got the offensive rebound and threw a shot at the buzzer, but he also missed, sending the game to overtime. In overtime, the Warriors dominated. They opened overtime on a 10–0 run to seize control. The Warriors had 7 made free throws in the extra session, with Barnes' three pointer being the Warriors' lone made basket. Cleveland's only score in the extra period was James' layup with 9.5 seconds left as the Cavaliers shot 1/12 and committed 3 turnovers in the game's final 5 minutes.
Only three Cavaliers players scored for the Cavaliers after halftime: James, Irving, and Mozgov. The trio combined for 83 of the Cavaliers' 100 points. James had a career NBA Finals high of 44 points while attempting a postseason career-high 38 shots, and Curry led Golden State with 26 points. The Warriors' bench outplayed the Cavaliers' bench, outscoring them 34–9, with all 9 Cavaliers bench points coming from Smith. Andre Iguodala led the Warriors bench in scoring with 15 points. Irving suffered a knee injury in overtime and was forced to leave the game early. The following day, he was diagnosed with a fractured left kneecap that would require surgery and was ruled out for the rest of the Finals, joining Kevin Love, who suffered a dislocated shoulder against the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, and Anderson Varejao.
Only three Cavaliers players scored for the Cavaliers after halftime: James, Irving, and Mozgov. The trio combined for 83 of the Cavaliers' 100 points. James had a career NBA Finals high of 44 points while attempting a postseason career-high 38 shots, and Curry led Golden State with 26 points. The Warriors' bench outplayed the Cavaliers' bench, outscoring them 34–9, with all 9 Cavaliers bench points coming from Smith. Andre Iguodala led the Warriors bench in scoring with 15 points. Irving suffered a knee injury in overtime and was forced to leave the game early. The following day, he was diagnosed with a fractured left kneecap that would require surgery and was ruled out for the rest of the Finals, joining Kevin Love, who suffered a dislocated shoulder against the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, and Anderson Varejao.
2018 NBA Finals Odds
2018 NBA Finals Odds, Golden State is a 5-point home favorite in Game 7 at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com. The spread hasn't been a factor in the NBA Finals this season with all six games in this series being decided by 11 points or more.
Draymond Green's return did little to slow down Cleveland's suddenly red-hot offense as the Warriors allowed 115 points in a 115-101 loss as 2-point road underdogs in Game 6.
Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry combined for 55 points in the loss, but Leandro Barbosa was the only other player on the team to reach double-digits with 14. For the second straight game, starter Harrison Barnes was extremely ineffective, scoring zero points in 16 minutes with an 0-of-8 shooting day.
The Warriors return home for Game 7, where they are 13-2 SU and 12-3 ATS in 15 postseason games according to the OddsShark NBA Database. Historically, home teams have dominated Game 7s in the NBA Finals with a 15-3 SU record all-time.
With 41 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists, LeBron James once again completely dominated the Warriors as he did in Game 5. The clear star of the series has already done enough to lock up NBA Finals MVP in the eyes of many regardless of what happens or who wins in Game 7.
Andrew Bogut's absence helped open the door for Tristan Thompson to dominate inside the paint with a 6-of-6 shooting day and 16 rebounds. Cleveland is 15-5 SU and 12-8 ATS this postseason.
Sunday night's total is set at 206.5 points. The UNDER is 5-1-1 in Golden State's last seven home playoff games.
James has willed the Cavaliers into a Game 7, and suddenly his team has all of the momentum heading into the big game. But Golden State has home court and two of the best shooters of all time in Curry and Thompson on its side. The entire NBA season comes down to one last game on Sunday.
Draymond Green's return did little to slow down Cleveland's suddenly red-hot offense as the Warriors allowed 115 points in a 115-101 loss as 2-point road underdogs in Game 6.
Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry combined for 55 points in the loss, but Leandro Barbosa was the only other player on the team to reach double-digits with 14. For the second straight game, starter Harrison Barnes was extremely ineffective, scoring zero points in 16 minutes with an 0-of-8 shooting day.
The Warriors return home for Game 7, where they are 13-2 SU and 12-3 ATS in 15 postseason games according to the OddsShark NBA Database. Historically, home teams have dominated Game 7s in the NBA Finals with a 15-3 SU record all-time.
With 41 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists, LeBron James once again completely dominated the Warriors as he did in Game 5. The clear star of the series has already done enough to lock up NBA Finals MVP in the eyes of many regardless of what happens or who wins in Game 7.
Andrew Bogut's absence helped open the door for Tristan Thompson to dominate inside the paint with a 6-of-6 shooting day and 16 rebounds. Cleveland is 15-5 SU and 12-8 ATS this postseason.
Sunday night's total is set at 206.5 points. The UNDER is 5-1-1 in Golden State's last seven home playoff games.
James has willed the Cavaliers into a Game 7, and suddenly his team has all of the momentum heading into the big game. But Golden State has home court and two of the best shooters of all time in Curry and Thompson on its side. The entire NBA season comes down to one last game on Sunday.
NBA Playoffs
At the 2018 NBA Playoffs, San Antonio Spurs have made the biggest splash this offseason, and it could help them win their second title in three years. After signing LaMarcus Aldridge to a four-year contract, the Spurs are the favorites in the West for next season, even ahead of the defending champion Golden State Warriors.
San Antonio has +500 betting odds to win the 2016 NBA Finals, according to Sportsbook.ag. They are just ahead of the Golden State (+600), and just behind the Cleveland Cavaliers (+300), who are the favorites to win the title.
The signing gives San Antonio what is probably the best frontcourt in the league, pairing Aldridge with Tim Duncan. Duncan recently announced that he would be returning for next season after his contract expired.
Aldridge has proven to be one of the best big men in the NBA, averaging 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game last year. Without Aldridge, the Spurs won 55 games in the 2014-2016 regular season, losing to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. San Antonio has also re-signed Danny Green and traded Tiago Splitter this offseason.
Cleveland hasn’t made any major additions in free agency, but it’s the players they’ve kept that has them favored to win the championship. Kevin Love agreed to a five-year contract with the Cavs after much speculation throughout the season that he might sign elsewhere. Free agents Iman Shumpert and Tristan Thompson look like they will also return.
LeBron James opted out of his deal, but he isn’t going anywhere. Even without an injured Love and Kyrie Irving in this year’s NBA Finals, James led the Cavs to two wins against the Warriors.
After losing Aldridge to the Spurs, the Portland Trail Blazers are longshots to win the 2016 NBA Finals with +12500 betting odds. Portland will aslo be without Wes Matthews next year, since he signed with the Dallas Mavericks.
San Antonio has +500 betting odds to win the 2016 NBA Finals, according to Sportsbook.ag. They are just ahead of the Golden State (+600), and just behind the Cleveland Cavaliers (+300), who are the favorites to win the title.
The signing gives San Antonio what is probably the best frontcourt in the league, pairing Aldridge with Tim Duncan. Duncan recently announced that he would be returning for next season after his contract expired.
Aldridge has proven to be one of the best big men in the NBA, averaging 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game last year. Without Aldridge, the Spurs won 55 games in the 2014-2016 regular season, losing to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. San Antonio has also re-signed Danny Green and traded Tiago Splitter this offseason.
Cleveland hasn’t made any major additions in free agency, but it’s the players they’ve kept that has them favored to win the championship. Kevin Love agreed to a five-year contract with the Cavs after much speculation throughout the season that he might sign elsewhere. Free agents Iman Shumpert and Tristan Thompson look like they will also return.
LeBron James opted out of his deal, but he isn’t going anywhere. Even without an injured Love and Kyrie Irving in this year’s NBA Finals, James led the Cavs to two wins against the Warriors.
After losing Aldridge to the Spurs, the Portland Trail Blazers are longshots to win the 2016 NBA Finals with +12500 betting odds. Portland will aslo be without Wes Matthews next year, since he signed with the Dallas Mavericks.
NBA Finals Score 2018
NBA Finals 2018 season has become a year-round process at this point, as these kids are pretty well-scouted already by the time they hit the NCAA or hit the major international hoops stage. So it's not that surprising that last season, Gary Parrish nailed 11 of the top 23 picks in 2018 in his lottery preview.
In 2018, things are much murkier. The incoming freshman class is not nearly as strong or deep once you get past the top-three players, in my opinion, which is going to lead to more uncertainty at the top. Basically, there are fewer sure things in the Jahlil Okafor, Karl Towns, Emmanuel Mudiay, or even Myles Turner mold this season. Most of the guys involved here have more questions or need some sort of development to get them to the one-and-done level. Also, seemingly fewer players decided to return to school than average, leading to a bit of a lull in the returning NCAA product pool.
So what does that mean moving forward? Well, that means once you get past the top-seven or so players, this one is going to be wide open. Here's how I'm tentatively listing out my top-14 prospects for 2018.
In 2018, things are much murkier. The incoming freshman class is not nearly as strong or deep once you get past the top-three players, in my opinion, which is going to lead to more uncertainty at the top. Basically, there are fewer sure things in the Jahlil Okafor, Karl Towns, Emmanuel Mudiay, or even Myles Turner mold this season. Most of the guys involved here have more questions or need some sort of development to get them to the one-and-done level. Also, seemingly fewer players decided to return to school than average, leading to a bit of a lull in the returning NCAA product pool.
So what does that mean moving forward? Well, that means once you get past the top-seven or so players, this one is going to be wide open. Here's how I'm tentatively listing out my top-14 prospects for 2018.
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