CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Sage veteran James Jones summed up Game 3 of the NBA Finals perfectly after the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-90 blowout win against the Golden State Warriors. "We found us," he said. The Cavs had one of their best offensive showings of the postseason, scoring 120 points and shooting 48-of-91 (52.7 percent), including 12-of-25 (48 percent) from 3-point range Wednesday night against a defense that seemingly had them flummoxed and searching for answers in the first two games of the series. But it's how they did it that mattered most. "I thought we were aggressive offensively, attacking the basket, getting out in transition, running the floor," Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue said following the game. "We talked about it before, that opens up shots for J.R. Smith and those guys in transition. So that's how we have to play." The Cavs beat the Warriors at their own game, racing up and down the court, getting easy baskets before the opposing defense could get set, and snapping the ball around in search of quality offensive looks. They also increased the intensity on the defensive end, holding the high-powered Warriors to their lowest point total of the postseason. Here are five observations: Missing MVP – The Cavaliers have made Stephen Curry uncomfortable in the NBA Finals. They are going to play the percentages, even if it means leaving other players open. Curry is the target. The Cavs are crowding him when he has a live dribble and taking away his space. When he's off the ball, he's getting grabbed, bumped and pushed, with the Cavs using physicality to frustrate him. It's what legend Oscar Robertson suggested this year when taking a veiled shot at the two-time MVP. "They were playing aggressive defense and they came out with a big punch," Curry said. "I didn't do anything about it or play my game, and for me to do what I need to do to help my team, I have to play a hundred times better than that, especially in the first quarter, to kind of control the game, and I didn't do it." The Cavs' defense had plenty to do with Curry's struggles, but their offense was a big part of the equation as well. Criticized for his defense, the Cavs went right at Curry. Kyrie Irving, who scored 30 points and dished out eight assists, blew by Curry at times. Smith shook free off the ball, making Curry pay for any minor slip-up. For the second straight game, the Cavs' approach and the Warriors' willingness to switch on defense, got Curry in early foul trouble, something that also affected his rhythm. They have made a conscious effort to wear him down and do anything possible to keep him from igniting, even if it means swatting a dunk attempt after the whistle.

• published: 09 Jun 2016
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