Cavaliers vs Warriors: Cleveland’s 3-Point Barrage Fuels Win Streak, Warriors Struggle from Deep
As the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to roll through their opponents, the old adage “Live by the 3, die by the 3” rings especially true for them this season. Currently riding a six-game win streak, the Cavaliers have found their offensive rhythm by absolutely dominating from beyond the arc. The team is making a league-leading 40.9% of their three-pointers per game — almost 2% better than the next best team. Over the last three games, this number has skyrocketed to an astounding 47.4%, leaving defenses scrambling to contain Cleveland’s offensive firepower.
The Cavaliers’ shooting surge has made them one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA right now. Their ability to knock down shots from deep is a huge reason why they have become such a tough team to beat. In their first meeting of the season with the Golden State Warriors, the Cavs shot the lights out, connecting on 20 three-pointers in a comfortable 136-117 win at home. It was a dominant performance that highlighted their ability to shoot and score at will. That victory, however, only marked the Cavs’ third win in 19 meetings with Golden State, and while they have shown improvement, their struggles against the Warriors in recent years have been well documented. In fact, in the last 15 matchups between the two teams, the Cavaliers have only covered the spread four times, a stat that looms large as they head into their next encounter with the Warriors.
However, Cleveland’s current form offers a promising outlook for their chances in Golden State. After a rocky start to the season, the Cavaliers have found their groove. The combination of excellent ball movement, efficient scoring, and hot three-point shooting makes them a formidable opponent, regardless of the venue. As their offense clicks, they seem to be turning a corner, giving them a legitimate shot to not only challenge Golden State on the road but also possibly secure a rare win at the Chase Center.
Golden State Warriors’ Struggles in December
For the Warriors, December has been a rough month. After starting the season with an impressive 12-3 record, the Warriors have faltered. They enter this game with a record of 16-15 following a narrow 109-105 win over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. Despite a 34-point outburst from Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors’ struggles from beyond the arc continued. As a team, they shot just 26% from three-point range, a stark contrast to their earlier performances in the season.
This season’s Golden State squad has been plagued by inconsistent three-point shooting. The team has had several off nights from deep, and it’s clear that when the Warriors aren’t hitting their long-range shots, they’re much easier to beat. A glaring example of this came during their loss to Dallas, in which the Warriors made just a single-digit amount of three-pointers. Their reliance on the three-point shot has always been a hallmark of their offense, and when it’s not working, the team struggles to find a rhythm. Over the last seven games, Golden State has posted a dismal 1-6 ATS record and just 1-5 ATS in their last six home games at Chase Center.
The Warriors’ poor shooting from three-point range is particularly concerning when facing a team like the Cavaliers, who are currently playing at such a high level from deep. The Warriors’ defensive schemes will be put to the test, especially if they can’t find an answer to Cleveland’s offensive efficiency. With Stephen Curry continuing to shoulder a heavy load, the Warriors need other players to step up consistently to avoid further struggles.
Cleveland’s Current Hot Streak and Three-Point Shooting Prowess
The Cavaliers are undeniably on a tear, and their success is largely due to their impressive ability to shoot the basketball. Over the last five games, Cleveland has shot 50% or better from the field in four of those contests, including an outstanding performance against the Milwaukee Bucks, where they hit 20 three-pointers. The team’s ability to score at a high clip, particularly from the three-point line, has made them a tough matchup for any team in the league.
In their recent victories, the Cavaliers have consistently been able to stretch the floor and create open looks from beyond the arc. This shooting prowess is amplified by the exceptional play of guards like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, who have both been key to the team’s offensive explosion. With the Cavaliers’ deep shooting and the scoring punch from Mitchell and Garland, the Warriors’ defense will have a difficult task ahead of them.
Cleveland has been efficient, effective, and opportunistic, particularly against teams that struggle defensively or allow easy scoring chances from the perimeter. Against Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Utah, and Denver, the Cavaliers combined for 20+ three-pointers in each of their games, showing just how potent their offense can be when their shooters are on. If they continue this trend, they could very well have the edge against Golden State, particularly if the Warriors continue to struggle with their own three-point shooting.
The Matchup: Cavaliers vs Warriors
Given the current form of both teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers enter this game as the stronger side. Their six-game win streak, combined with their efficient offense and hot shooting, gives them momentum heading into their matchup with Golden State. The Warriors, on the other hand, are still trying to find their rhythm after a difficult stretch in December, particularly when it comes to their three-point shooting.
Golden State will need to find a way to counter Cleveland’s long-range shooting while also generating more consistent offense from their own stars, including Curry. While Curry remains one of the most dangerous players in the league, the Warriors have struggled to support him with reliable scoring, particularly from the three-point line. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have been firing on all cylinders, particularly in the shooting department, which could give them an advantage in this game.
In terms of betting, the Cavaliers are favored at -4.5 (-110), which reflects their recent dominance and the Warriors’ current struggles. Given Cleveland’s form and Golden State’s inconsistency, betting on the Cavaliers to cover the spread looks like a solid pick. However, with the Warriors always capable of an explosive performance, it’s a game that should be watched closely, as Golden State has the potential to turn things around at home.
Conclusion: Cavaliers Take Control of the Game
In conclusion, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ hot shooting streak, particularly from beyond the arc, positions them as the favorites in this matchup against the Golden State Warriors. While the Warriors have the talent to compete, their struggles from three-point range and overall inconsistency this month make them vulnerable. The Cavaliers’ recent form and their ability to stretch the floor give them the upper hand heading into this game.
With Mitchell and Garland leading the way and Cleveland’s defense tightening up, the Cavaliers should be able to continue their win streak and secure a crucial victory over the Warriors. If Golden State can’t solve their three-point shooting woes and generate more offense, it could be a long night for the Warriors, and the Cavaliers could walk away with a significant road win.
