The Golden State Warriors host the Cleveland Cavaliers in game one of the NBA finals this afternoon. We all know about Warriors sharpshooter Steph Curry and Cavaliers stars LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, but who else could make a difference? Sports reporter Robert van Royen identifies four key players NOT named James, Curry or Irving before tip-off in Oakland, California.
Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson has been a rebounding machine in the post-season.
After averaging eight rebounds a game during the regular season, the fourth-year player is pulling down 9.9 a game in the post-season.
In 14 playoff games, he has racked up 138 rebounds, including a whopping 56 offensive boards.
That has provided the Cavaliers with plenty of second and third-chance points, something they will want plenty more of against the Warriors.
• Cavaliers guard JR Smith will not be missing the New York Knicks one bit, nor should he.
Since being traded to the Cavaliers in January, Smith has flourished coming off the bench, particularly from beyond the arc.
In addition to landing a bunch of clutch three-pointers in the Cavaliers' series win against the Chicago Bulls, he broke the franchise record for most three-pointers in a single playoff game (eight) in game one of the Eastern Conference finals against the Atlanta Hawks.
The 29-year-old has connected on 36 of his 91 attempts from range in the playoffs and is averaging 13.5 points per game.
• Warriors guard Andre Iguodala might not be a starter, but his minutes off the bench will be crucial for his side.
The 31-year-old veteran will probably spend a fair bit of time defending the greatest player in the world, James, a rather daunting proposition. However, Iguodala is a big reason why the Warriors have lifted defensively as the playoffs have worn on.
While the Warriors will be wanting Iguodala to contribute offensively, they will be happier if he can stick to James and at the very least slow him down.
• Warriors forward Draymond Green is nearing the end of a breakthrough season, in which he was runner-up to Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard for NBA defensive player of the year and Bulls guard Jimmy Butler for most improved player of the year.
People always say that defence wins championships, which makes Green just the man to lead his team against the Cavaliers.
As all good players are, Green has been even better in the playoffs than the regular season. In addition to averaging a sneaky good 14 points per game in the post season, he is averaging 10.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.7 steals.
