NBA Finals matchup: Rested vs. Tested

This NBA Finals matchup is the rested versus the tested.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will have five days off after eliminating the Toronto Raptors 4-2 in the Eastern Conference final. Before that series, the Cavaliers didn’t lose a game in these NBA playoffs.

The Golden State Warriors had to survive a 3-1 deficit before eliminating the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games. They trailed much of the first half of Game 7 Sunday night and needed exceptional games from guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson to survive.

Whom does all that favor? Logically, the Cavaliers. Yet I suspect something else: that all the Warriors had to overcome makes them even more dangerous.

The Warriors get only two days off between the conference final and hosting Game 1 Thursday night. That is less than optimum. But if you are the Warriors, aren’t you thinking, “If we survived the Thunder, is there anything the Cavs can throw at us that we can’t beat?”

A look at the players, personalities and matchups in this best-of-seven series:

The superstars

For the second consecutive season, the Finals will feature the two most entertaining players in the league in Curry and Cleveland’s LeBron James.

Curry, a former Davidson star, was the first player in NBA history to be unanimously voted Most Valuable Player. That seemed to rankle James, who suggested MVP and best player in the league aren’t automatically the same thing.

James is a once-a-generation talent: arguably the Cavs’ best power forward defensively and point guard offensively. He’s so athletic, massive and skilled that he transcends positional definition.

Curry will never be so physically imposing, but he is simultaneously the sport’s best clutch shooter and among the best ballhandlers. He takes shots no one else should attempt, and makes them at a stunning rate.

The stars

The Cavaliers have a “Big Three” of James, point guard Kyrie Irving and power forward Kevin Love. The Warriors’ version is Curry, shooting guard Klay Thompson and versatile big man Draymond Green.

Irving has morphed into the Cavaliers’ first scoring option, which is fine with James, since his first instinct is to pass. It took a while for Love to figure out his role with the Cavs, but he has played well in the playoffs. Love can be a prolific rebounder and might throw the best outlet passes in the game today.

Thompson joins Curry to form a backcourt that is unique: two great shooters who can both break down a defense. Hornets coach Steve Clifford says you wouldn’t try emulating what the Warriors do because no other team has that specific talent. Green plays multiple frontcourt positions and has passing and long-range shooting that makes him a tough matchup.

The supporting casts

The Cavaliers made a savvy trade when they acquired center-power forward Channing Frye from the Orlando Magic. He’s a 6-11 player making 58 percent of his 3-point attempts in these playoffs. That spreads the floor, opening up the game for Irving to drive and James to post.

The Warriors maintained depth while rewarding their stars with hefty salaries. Defensive ace Andre Iguodala has moved back into the starting lineup, replacing Harrison Barnes. Former Charlotte Bobcat Shaun Livingston is among the league’s best backup point guards. Festus Ezeli, Marreese Speights and Anderson Varejao provide options at center behind Andrew Bogut.

The coaches

Tyronn Lue was named Cavs head coach in January after David Blatt was fired. It was an odd call at the time, with the Cavaliers leading the Eastern Conference, but Lue had impact, particularly in tapping into Love’s potential.

Golden State’s Steve Kerr was named NBA coach of the year after his team won a record 73 regular-season games. Kerr missed a chunk of the season while recovering from back surgery. He will lose his top assistant, Luke Walton, who has accepted the top job with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The intangibles

This will be James’ seventh appearance in the Finals, but he is 2-4 so far in closing the deal. His legacy is somewhat at stake as far as being judged one of the all-time NBA greats.

Curry and Thompson have potential to be remembered as one of the best backcourts in league history. But such status is about winning multiple championships.

The pick

I won’t be surprised if the Cavaliers win – they have the stars and the depth to close the deal. But I’ll take the Warriors in seven games.

This story was originally published May 31, 2016 at 4:39 PM with the headline "NBA Finals matchup: Rested vs. Tested."