LeBron James Says Cavaliers Won’t Change Starting Lineup For Game 5
USA Today
Unlike every other NBA team in the league, it seems as though superstar LeBron James has the final say for the Cleveland Cavaliers in terms of making major decisions that impact the rotation. Head coach David Blatt may appear to be calling the shots on the basketball floor for Cleveland, but LeBron seems to have assumed that role in the NBA Finals.
After getting beat in convincing fashion in Game 4 in Cleveland, there’s been speculation that like Steve Kerr altered the Golden State Warriors’ starting lineup, the Cavaliers might attempt to do the same. According to LeBron, that isn’t happening, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:
“We’re going to play our game,” James said before practice Saturday. “We’ve gotten to this point by playing the way we play, and we’re not going to change. We’ll make adjustments throughout the game, but we won’t change our starting lineup.”
With the series tied at two games apiece heading back to the Bay Area, the NBA title is up for grabs with both teams having an equal chance of coming out on top in the opinions of many. Although the Cavaliers are going back to Oracle Arena, the series will shift back to Cleveland for Game 6 meaning LeBron and company have an opportunity to win the franchise’s first title on their home floor if able to win in consecutive games.
The Cavaliers may have been blown out in the second half of Game 4 with the Warriors going with a smaller lineup and playing up to their potential, but both teams seem to have a winning formula that has worked throughout the series. It all comes down to execution and which team will be able to perform with the game on the line.
Golden State clearly has the edge after coming out on top in Game 4, but that can quickly change if LeBron is able to lead the Cavaliers to a win in Game 5.
According to Sportsbook.ag, the Warriors are heavy favorites to win Game 5 at home with a -8 point spread. Golden State also still favored to win it all with a -370 moneyline.
