Coming into the NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors were clear favorites to win it all especially after Kyrie Irving went down with a season-ending knee injury. The Cleveland Cavaliers were completely written off after Irving’s injury and were down 0-1 in the series at the time.

However, with their smothering defense and physical play, Cleveland has worn down the Warriors and has taken a 2-1 lead in the series.

The Warriors offense is potent, as they have a variety of three-point shooters, versatile players, and a deep bench. Without doubt, Golden State is the more talented team. They have the league’s MVP in Stephen Curry, his All-Star backcourt mate in Klay Thompson, runner up in Defensive Player of the Year in Draymond Green, and at least five or six quality players off the bench.

The Cavaliers have LeBron James and their defense.

“With Kyrie being out people are writing us off,” LeBron James said after Game 1. “So, I mean that’s fine. That’s fine. I’m motivated to get our guys ready to go…we will be ready.”

First and foremost, James has been a monster on the offensive end, singlehandedly leading his team to victories. He is averaging 41.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game during these Finals. No matter who the Warriors throw on him defensively, they haven’t been able to slow him down.

But aside from James’ assassination on the offensive end, it’s been Cleveland’s defense that has answered the call for David Blatt and his coaching staff.

To hold Stephen Curry to 5 of 23 shooting in Game 2 is one thing. But to hold the entire Warriors team to 92.0 points on 39.8 percent shooting in the last two games is another. The most impressive part of Cleveland’s defense came in Game 2 when they held Golden State to 93 points in front of the roaring Oracle Arena crowd even after the game went to an extra session.

“To hold Golden State under a hundred points or under 95 points, you’re doing something on defense,” coach Blatt said after Game 2. “And our guys are really, really, really locked in and defending and making an effort and making multiple efforts on every single play.”

Let’s not forget that the Warriors won 67 games during the regular season and had the best and most efficient offense. But the Cavaliers have dismantled the Warriors offense with their pesky, shadowing defense.

Curry has been hounded by Matthew Dellavedova the past two games, to the point where he has been even missing wide open shots all because he is rattled by the defense. Sure, Curry got going in the fourth quarter of Game 3, but his points haven’t been coming too easily.

What the Cavaliers are doing is shadowing Curry with two guys even when he doesn’t have the ball. They are allowing other guys, such as Harrison Barnes, Andrew Bogut, and Draymond Green, to beat them offensively, and those three have been struggling tremendously.

“And that is the only way to play against the Warriors,” coach Blatt said of the team’s defensive effort. “Because they’re so potent offensively and they can put up points so quickly and in a multitude of ways that you have no choice but to be aware or get beat.”

The NBA Finals have come down to whichever team can play better defense, chase down the 50-50 balls, rebound, and give multiple efforts. Cleveland has fulfilled those aspects so far, and Warriors’ offense and talent hasn’t been enough.

The guy who has been in the middle of all these hustle plays has been Matthew Dellavedova.

“He gives us everything until the tank is empty and then he has a reserve,” James said of his teammate.

It has been Dellavedova’s scrappiness, Tristan Thompson’s energy on the offensive glass, and team’s overall defense that has complimented LeBron James’ offensive dominance. The Cavaliers have worn down Golden State’s big men. They have frustrated Curry, forced Barnes, Green, and Bogut to lose confidence in themselves, and pushed Steve Kerr’s coaching abilities to the limit.

“They’re a great team,” Curry said. “LeBron’s making some crazy plays, and I think they’re just fighting hard and we have to match their intensity.”

Perhaps James’ experience and leadership has been too much for the Warriors to handle. The Cavaliers have been mentally tougher and physically stronger.  

So forget that they are playing without Anderson Varejao. Forget that they are playing without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. Forget that it’s just LeBron James and a bunch of role players. Forget that the Warriors are the more talented, healthier, and deeper team.

Because in the end defense wins championships, and the Cavaliers understand that.