Cavaliers vs. Warriors, NBA Finals 2015: Start time, TV schedule and live stream for Game 2
Irving’s injury takes some -- but not all! -- of the fun out of the NBA Finals this year.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals was everything we could hope for. Like a couple of cagey boxers, both teams exchanged blow after blow but could work through the defenses for a knockout shot. Finally, in overtime, the Golden State Warriors took the win away from a visibly exhausted Cleveland Cavaliers team. For a moment, it seemed like five or six more games exactly like this one were on the docket.
Sadly, Game 2 suddenly doesn't have nearly that same appeal, not since the news came out that Kyrie Irving will miss the rest of the playoffs. LeBron James was already carrying Cleveland on his back and Irving's contributions throughout this series were going to give him a necessary reprieve. Now, the chances that James can do this totally alone -- with Irving and Kevin Love watching helplessly from the sidelines -- seems ludicrous.
The Warriors are now 80-18 this season. Though luck has been on their side -- they've stayed relatively healthy while avoiding the San Antonio Spurs -- it doesn't change the fact that they were probably going to win it all anyway and it certainly doesn't take away anything from their championship if they do win. However, we were all hoping to see at least some intrigue in these Finals and Irving's injury might have taken those chances away.
But watching James’ final stand should be exhilarating. If there was ever a series that a losing player might win Finals MVP again, this could be it. And if he wins it? Well, give Irving’s and Love’s rings to him, too -- it should count for three or something.
Here’s how to watch.
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Channel: ABC
Online: ABC Live
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