Gameday: Will Warriors history repeat itself Thursday night?

UPDATE (5:41pm PT): Andre Iguodala will start for the Warriors in Game 6. 

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CLEVELAND – There’s no getting around the evidence that the Warriors are laboring down the stretch of their historical season. They’re hurting, too, which is why they want to finish the Cavaliers and end these NBA Finals as soon as possible.

Like Thursday night in Game 6 at Quicken Loans Arena.

It was one year ago to the day that the Warriors last stepped onto this court, and when they walked off they did so as champions. Doing so again will require solid defense and smart offense, two elements not always present this postseason.

After a 73-9 regular season, the Warriors are 15-7 in the playoffs. They’ve survived absences of Steph Curry and Draymond Green and, now, Andrew Bogut is out. They also recognize this is the last week of their season.

It’s going to be loud. There will be anxiety, more among the folks of northern Ohio than those of Dub Nation. The Warriors, up 3-2, need one win to repeat as champs. The Cavs are trying to become the first team to overcome a 3-1 series deficit.

BETTING LINE

Cavaliers by 2

MATCHUPS TO WATCH

Andre Iguodala et al vs. LeBron James: Iguodala was winning this battle until James’ powerful comeback statement in Game 5. Another such game by James is unlikely, but the Warriors can’t presume that. If Iguodala – with help from his teammates – can bounce back, the Warriors stand a good chance of drinking champagne. If not, this series likely goes back to Oakland for Game 7.

Stephen Curry et all vs. Kyrie Irving: Though Curry defends Irving only some of the time, their numbers are bound to be compared because they tell a story. There has been a direct link between their plus-minus stats the outcome of the game. The one game in which those numbers were relatively close was Game 1, won by the Warriors. Which suggests the Warriors benefit if Curry offsets Irving.

INJURY REPORT

Warriors: C Andrew Bogut (L knee bone bruises) and F Kevon Looney (L hip surgery) are listed as out.

Cavaliers: No injuries listed.

OFFICIALS

Scott Foster (lead), Ken Mauer, Jason Phillips. Alternate: James Capers.

ROAD TO THE FINALS

Warriors: Defeated Houston 4-1 in the first round, defeated Portland 4-1 in the Western Conference semifinals, defeated Oklahoma City 4-3 in the conference finals.

Cavaliers: Defeated Detroit 4-0 in the first round, defeated Atlanta 4-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinals, defeated Toronto 4-2 in the conference finals.

SERIES HISTORY

The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 4-2 in the 2015 NBA Finals and have won nine of the last 11 regular-season meetings, including 89-83 on Dec. 25 in Oakland and 132-98 on Jan. 18 at Cleveland. The Warriors have won eight of the last 10 overall, dating back to the ‘15 Finals.

QUOTABLE

“We have great memories from last year, memories that will remain forever. I remember all the championship celebrations that I was lucky enough to enjoy as a player. But more than anything, they want to feel it again. Whether it’s here or in Oakland, it doesn’t matter.” – Warriors coach Steve Kerr on quest to close out the series