Game 3 of the NBA Finals took place in Cleveland, where LeBron James and the Cavaliers used their home court advantage to beat Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors 96-91 on Tuesday night. Game 4 will take place at the same location on Thursday night, and live stream free can be watched online via live stream free below.
According to Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, the Cavaliers held a 2-1 series lead after winning Game 3 on Tuesday night. The Cavs managed to pull off the victory without Kyrie Irving or Kevin Love, who are both out for the season due to various sports injuries.
"Four-time MVP and two-time champion LeBron James continued cementing his status as the best player in this series with 40 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, four steals and two blocks," Buckley wrote. "But second-year guard Matthew Dellavedova, starting in place of the injured Kyrie Irving, may have stolen the spotlight with 20 points, five boards, four assists and a slew of difference-making hustle plays."
Dellavedova's performance on the court led him to the hospital, where he was treated for dehydration. Tom Withers of the Associated Press reported that despite the setback, the Australian plans to show up for Game 4.
"Dellavedova cramped up following Tuesday night's game, and after receiving IV treatment, he was taken to the hospital for more procedures," Withers wrote, adding that he was released from the Cleveland Clinic on Wednesday.
Dellavedova elaborated on his performance during Game 3 and how he felt afterwards.
"I've felt like I've pushed the limit a few times, but that's probably the tiredest I've been," Dellavedova said. "I'm feeling good now, though, so it's good we don't have to play back-to-backs."
According to the Associated Press, Cavs guard Iman Shumpert also received good news regarding his medical status. Despite bruising his shoulder in Game 3, an MRI did not reveal any structural damage on it; he previously dislocated his shoulder earlier in the season, leaving him unable to play for six weeks.
"Really, really good news," Cavs coach David Blatt said.
James told the Associated Press that he was inspired by Shumpert's ability to carry on in the basketball court.
"When he came back on the floor with his shoulder wrapped and knowing that he wasn't at 100 percent, it means everything to the team," James said. "But we just can't afford any more injuries. We're already depleted."
As for the Warriors, Buckley noted that Golden State scored 36 of their 91 points in the fourth quarter, helping trim Cleveland's lead to as little as one point. However, it wasn't enough to overcome Cleveland's dominant performance.
"I didn't like our energy. I didn't like our body language for much of the first three quarters," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. "This is what we have to fight through."
According to Buckley, Golden State scored more points in the fourth quarter (36) than in the second and third combined (35). Curry scored 27 points overall, and David Lee, in his first appearance in the series, contributed 11 points.
"The Warriors' strength in numbers is a wasted weapon if they don't bring the right effort inside the lines," Buckley wrote. "They need to force the issue offensively and push the pace as often as possible."
Buckley contended that that it would be up to Curry to lead the Warriors out of their slump in this series.
"Whether I'm making shots or not, I've got to stay-I'll use the word 'vibrant'-just kind of having fun out there," Curry said. "The team definitely feeds off my energy and the joy for the game."
Based on how the series is playing out so far, Buckley predicted that the Warriors would win Game 4. He argued that Cleveland's overreliance on James would make it "almost impossible" for them "to win a series."
"The Cavs have momentum on their side, a raucous crowd behind them and easily the best player in this series," Buckley wrote. "But the Warriors are one win away from going back to the Bay with home-court advantage in a best-of-three battle."
Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Cavaliers and Warriors will air Thursday at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on ABC. Because it will be aired via broadcast, online viewers can freely stream the game on WatchESPN.com or through the WatchESPN app.
