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Kerr could tinker, not panic in NBA Finals

Golden State coach Steve Kerr has given little away amidst speculation Aussie Andrew Bogut could lose his starting spot for game four of the NBA Finals.

Cleveland's Richard Jefferson (R) and Golden State's Stephen Curry (L)
Golden State are refusing to panic after Cleveland trounced them in game three of the NBA Finals. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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Golden State are refusing to hit the panic button after Cleveland trounced them by 30 points in game three to put some life back into the NBA Finals.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr was quick to remind critics his side still held a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, and was confident his stars, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson would return to form - just as they did to rally from a deficit to beat Oklahoma City in the Western Conference Finals.

But Kerr concedes the Warriors need to "play their asses off" in Friday's (Saturday AEST) game four in Cleveland.

"All of this stuff about, 'Oh my God, what are we going to do?'," Kerr said.

"All we have to do is take stock.

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"We are up 2-1, we are in pretty good shape, we haven't played that well.

"Let's play better."

The NBA Finals have been a rollercoaster over the opening three games - the Warriors easily winning the first two games on their home court 104-89 and 110-77 and then getting walloped in Cleveland on Wednesday 120-90.

Kerr and Cavaliers' coach Tyronn Lue were giving little away about possible line-up changes for game four.

Lue will have to wait until Thursday to know if his All-Star forward Kevin Love will be cleared to play after suffering a concussion.

Love played in the Cavaliers' losses, but while sitting out game three his team matched up better with the Warriors, adding pressure on Lue to leave him on the bench.

"I haven't thought about it yet," Lue said.

Kerr pulled off the strategic move of last year's finals when he dropped Australian centre Andrew Bogut to the bench and promoted guard/forward Andre Iguodala to his starting five.

There is speculation Kerr could pull the trigger on a similar move for what will be a pivotal game four.

Bogut has said he will accept any move Kerr suggests.

"They're all big boys," Kerr said.

"They get paid a lot of money to not only play, but sometimes to sit.

"You have to accept whatever comes, especially in the playoffs."


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