Sports

LeBron Confident Cavs Can Hold Off Warriors, Force Game 7

Published

11 years ago

June 16, 2015

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James speaks at a news conference after Game 5 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, June 14, 2015. The Warriors won 104-91. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer

CLEVELAND (AP) — Wearing a leather Cavaliers cap and a steely look, LeBron James used his postgame platform to proclaim that he’s “the best player in the world.”

It’s not as if his greatness was in dispute after five dominant games of these NBA Finals. James has shown no one challenges his on-court supremacy. However, while his game and confidence soar, James knows he must do even more, if possible, to stop Cleveland’s inspiring postseason from crashing.

“I’ve got to be better,” James said.

Even that might not be enough.

Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors are one win from a golden trophy.

Up 3-2 in a scintillating series loaded with subplots and strategy, the Warriors can win their first title since 1975 on Tuesday night with a win in Game 6. James didn’t blink after Game 5 when he declared he was not only the top player on seven continents, but prepared to raise his game.

“We’ve got enough to win it,” he said. “I feel confident.”

But so are the Warriors, and James’ bravado — and his preposterous postseason statistics aside — won’t matter if Curry, who found his stroke a few games back in Quicken Loans Arena, shoots the way he did in Sunday night’s 104-91 win.

Curry scored 17 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter, when he answered every one of James’ big baskets with stunning buckets of his own as the game’s two biggest stars played a finals version of “H-O-R-S-E” to the delight of millions of TV viewers and a sonic crowd inside Oracle Arena.

Curry showed why he was the league’s MVP this season, setting the Warriors up to take home the shimmering Larry O’Brien Trophy. Curry was treated for dehydration after Game 5, but he’s expected to be fully recovered as the Warriors try to finish the Cavs.

“We fought hard all year and put ourselves in good position now to go to Cleveland and hopefully close it out,” Curry said. “We’re confident.”

James stands in Golden State’s way, and clearly intends to do everything in his power to force Game 7. It’s unfathomable to think James can give any more than he already has, but he has no choice.

“I don’t put a ceiling on what I’m capable of doing,” he said. “I know I’m shouldering a lot of the burden, but it is what it is.”

After a 40-point, 14-rebound, 11-assist performance, he’s averaging 36.6 points, 12.5 rebounds and 8.8 assists — a mind-boggling statistical line never before seen in finals history. James is doing it all with All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love recovering from postseason surgeries, sparking debate about whether he deserves to be the finals MVP — win or lose. Jerry West (1969) is the only player to win MVP honors for a losing team.

“He sets the pace,” said Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson. “He’s doing what defenses give him and he’s playing smart.”

Smart and sublime may not be enough.

Cleveland’s supporting cast isn’t pulling its weight. The Cavs got early baskets from J.R. Smith in Game 5, but the streaky shooter didn’t score in the last 33 minutes. Guards Iman Shumpert and Matthew Dellavedova went a combined 5 of 18 and were tentative with the ball.

Cavs coach David Blatt matched Golden State coach Steve Kerr’s smaller starting lineup in Game 5, electing to play center Timofey Mozgov for just nine minutes after the 7-footer scored 28 points with 10 rebounds in Game 4. Blatt was defensive about his decision, snapping that he did what he felt necessary.

“Did I make a mistake?” asked Blatt, who had James at center for long stretches and didn’t indicate he’ll change for Game 6. “I felt that the best chance for us to stay in the game and to have a chance to win was to play it the way that we played it.”

The Cavs didn’t expect to be in this position, not after losing Love in the first round, and not once Irving broke his kneecap in Game 1 of the finals.

They’ve been discarded before, so this latest adversity is nothing new to James and his teammates.

When he led the Cavs to his first finals in 2007, James watched as San Antonio finished off a sweep in Cleveland, Tim Duncan and the Spurs reveling in their championship under a shower of confetti. Now in his fifth consecutive finals, James doesn’t want this storybook postseason to end.

Judging by his demeanor after Game 5, that’s the plan.

“We’ve got enough to win it,” he said. “I feel confident.”

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

3 weeks ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

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Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

7 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

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Activism

McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

10 months ago

February 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.