Warriors stun Cavaliers to seize 3-0 Finals lead

After getting blown out in Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals, the Cavaliers — up five points on Golden State — seemed poised to again save their championship pursuit from the brink of ruin.

[...] this Warriors team boasts Durant, the type of transcendent player who doesn’t need anyone to ask him to take over a game’s defining stretch.

[...] as the Warriors aim to cap the sweep Friday, they stare down a chance at history: becoming the first NBA team to go 16-0 in the playoffs.

After Cleveland’s Kyle Korver — one of the league’s elite three-point shooters — missed an open corner jumper, Durant caught the rebound near the top of the key and netted a three-pointer to give Golden State a one-point lead.

The Warriors, with their blend of All-Stars and capable role players, appear as unlikely as any group to be the first to squander such an advantage.

With Durant, Klay Thompson (30 points) and Curry (26 points, 13 rebounds) leading the way, Golden State weathered inspired performances from James (39 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists) and Kyrie Irving (38 points).

After posting their two worst offensive outings of the playoffs in Games 1 and 2, the Cavaliers scored 46 points in the paint.

By the time the Warriors entered halftime up 67-61, they had assists on 21 of 23 field goals.

In the third quarter, with a mix of pull-up jumpers and driving layups, Irving made the best defense in these playoffs look pedestrian.

Much has changed since Cleveland stormed back from a 3-1 Finals deficit for perhaps the most stunning championship in NBA history.

Unlike last year, when the Cavaliers slowed the pace to grind out victories, they have a roster these days better suited to play at the Warriors’ torrid tempo.