This year’s NBA Finals have made one thing abundantly clear—there is no longer a realistic path for the Cavaliers to recreate the miraculous comeback they pulled off in 2016 against the Warriors. Even if you can pressure your opponent into missing shots, it means little when you continuously allow them easy layups through smooth passing and cutting. After Game 3, LeBron James expressed his frustration bluntly: “We have no margin for error.” Much like the unpredictable nature of a BD Cricket Match, the tide of the Finals can turn quickly—but this time, the direction seems set.

The lack of suspense in this year’s series has left many fans underwhelmed. As the arena emptied, complaints echoed from all corners about the dullness of the contest. Even media coverage has declined compared to previous seasons. In years past, press seats couldn’t fit on a single sheet of paper; now, they’re notably sparse. For the fourth consecutive year, the same two teams have met in the Finals, and for three of those years, the outcome has felt predetermined. Regardless of the behind-the-scenes narratives, the lopsided battles raise concerns about the long-term appeal of the league. As LeBron pointed out post-game, the root cause is Kevin Durant’s presence. “It takes a lot of pressure off them,” he admitted. “Even if one guy’s off, they still have three or four more who can take over. That’s a luxury.” By contrast, LeBron has had to carry the Cavs on his own. Since Kyrie Irving’s departure, there’s no one else on the roster capable of scoring 30 points to keep the team in the game.

During the first half, disaster nearly struck. On an offensive play, LeBron rolled his ankle and limped noticeably. The reaction from Cavaliers fans in the VIP boxes was instant and heartbreaking—shouts of “Jesus Christ, God no!” echoed from the stands. It was a moment of helplessness, a feeling familiar to anyone watching their team struggle in a tense BD Cricket Match. The Cavaliers gave it their all on offense, but once again failed to close the deal at home. The Warriors clawed their way back in the second half, securing a 110–102 comeback win and pushing Cleveland to a daunting 0–3 deficit. No NBA team has ever recovered from such a hole, making a sweep seem inevitable.

Before tip-off, when Warriors players appeared on the jumbotron at Quicken Loans Arena, Cavaliers fans rained down boos. The jeers only grew louder when the referees were introduced, their awkward smiles captured in high definition on the big screen. Officiating has already become a flashpoint of controversy this Finals series, but it’s Cleveland’s defense—or lack thereof—that truly doomed them. Golden State rookie Jordan Bell scored 10 points in under 12 minutes, highlighting the Cavs’ inability to contain even bench contributors. Like a team that misfields in the final over of a BD Cricket Match, the Cavaliers have fumbled away their chances, and now stand on the edge of elimination.