Warriors-Cavs gets big Christmas ratings

Last June, the six-game NBA Finals averaged a 7.6 rating in adults 18-49, the best for the event in 11 years. The Cavaliers’ 29-point halftime deficit Saturday was the largest a James team has ever faced, and it was the most a James team had been outscored in a half of any game he has played. His jersey is the best-seller in the league, his team’s games get record television ratings at home and in opposing markets and even his 3-year-old daughter Riley became a star by overshadowing her dad at playoff news conferences.

For his modest efforts, the AP has named Curry Male Athlete of the Year, beating out golfer Jordan Spieth and horse American Pharoah, who actually got more first place votes according to the AP.

Michael Jordan (1991, 1992, 1993) and Larry Bird (1986) as the fourth basketball player to win the award in the 85 years of its existence.

While many National Basketball Association greats rely on uncommon height and athletic ability that average fans can only dream of having, Curry’s game relies on the traits that every casual player can work on: shoot, dribble and pass. More than one-third of the voters left American Pharoah off their list.

“Throughout the season, there’s going to be bumps and bruises you’ve got to deal with”, Curry said.

The Warriors got off to a NBA-record 24-game winning streak to start this season before losing.

“I have to talk to him”, Curry told Yahoo Sports.

The sequel was not almost as dramatic as the original as the Golden State Warriors again came out on top, leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers with a lump of coal for Christmas. Chicago Bulls 105, Oklahoma City Thunder 96 Jimmy Butler scored 23 points, Spaniard Pau Gasol had 21 with 13 rebounds, and the visiting Bulls held off the Thunder to snap a three-game slide.

But Curry said he understood what Jackson meant when the ESPN broadcaster spoke of how the reigning MVP has “hurt the game” to a degree by inspiring youths to focus on shooting 3-pointers rather than becoming all-around players.

LeBron James isn’t happy about the way he played against the Warriors in the Cavaliers’ 89-83 loss on Friday. “I see the guys who are barreling down”.