And it begins

CEBU, Philippines — The fourth installment of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers begin today. This series had generated so much interest that people whom I know to only have passive attention are now confidently dangling their resources for their favorite teams.  Odds are so favoring the Warriors that in the US, a $100 bet for the Cavs can get them $1,000. 

In this politically fragmented republic and soon-to-be province of China, bets are coming in faster than inflation.  Not only six-figure amounts but also cars and appliances are being offered as bets.  You guessed it, most are for Golden State.

You don’t need a PhD to analyze why the Warriors are the top choice to win.  Cleveland is too dependent on LeBron James.  Golden State?  If Steph Curry and Klay Thompson both have an off night, Kevin Durant or Draymond Green will step up.  With Andre Igoudala still iffy today, fate would be too cruel if the four of them all of a sudden gets soft.

Kevin Love still has to complete the league’s protocol on concussions that he still might not be available for a few games when in fact a couple of Tylenols would have done the trick.  Without K-Love, Coach Tyronn Lue will be forced to go small and we’ll see major minutes from Jordan Clarkson and Rodney Hood.  Tristan Thompson as well as Larry Nance, Jr. can defend the perimeter and can match up with Kevon Looney and Zaza Pachulia, if Coach Steve Kerr decides to use his brand of basketball.

LeBron will have his hands full and unless Kyle Korver, JR Smith and Jeff Green find their shooting rhythm early, he could playing above 40 minutes.   And for them to win, he has to score also in the 40s.  Then the man every non-Cleveland fan loves to hate will already be spent by Game Four.

Igoudala is a very good defender but he’s not a LeBron stopper but still GSW needs his defense.  Durant with his length can defend him but the effort spent on guarding LBJ will compromise his offensive production.  Green will also do but that will loosen Warrior defense and LeBron can then whip a pass to an open teammate. 

For the moment, the NBA hasn’t found a player capable of neutralizing a rampaging 250-plus pound freak of nature.  For reference, check the dying minutes of their Game 7 Conference Finals series with Boston when Marcus Morris tried to climb over a fast-breaking LeBron yet he still made the shot plus a free throw.

I want LeBron and the Cavs to win the series not because I’m an LBJ fan.  I want them to win knowing fully well that it is next to impossible winning a battle between a superstar against four superstars.  Yes, in Cleveland, LeBron does whatever it takes.  Over at Golden State, with Steph, KD, Klay and Dray, there is strength in numbers.