CLEVELAND _ In a series defined by its star power, the Warriors cemented a 118-108 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday for reasons beyond Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant or Klay Thompson.
The Warriors (36-9) secured their 13th consecutive road win because of a quality that lacked in recent weeks. Golden State won on its defense. After ranking 24th out of 30 NBA teams in defensive rating (109.1) since the Warriors' last victory over Cleveland on Christmas Day, the Warriors suddenly tightened the screws against a team they might see for the fourth consecutive season in the NBA Finals.
Yes, Cavaliers forward LeBron James (30) still treated the game like a layup line. Yes, Cavaliers guard Isaiah Thomas looked more comfortable in his fifth game since nursing a hip injury, adding 19 points and four assists.
But in a game that initially went nip and tuck, the Warriors opened the fourth quarter holding Cleveland to a 2-of-16 clip. In related news, the Warriors pulled away with a 103-95 cushion with 6:16 left in the game.
Meanwhile, Durant (32 points), Curry (23 points) and Thompson (11) provided the offensive depth that can absorb James' greatness. Though Warriors forward Draymond Green had 11 points on only 5-of-14 shooting, he posted a season-high 16 rebounds and nine assists.
