Kerr: Kyrie, LeBron got exhausted playing 1-on-1

The Cleveland Cavaliers have proven they can keep up with the Golden State Warriors through a half, but eventually they wear down.

Games 1 and 2 saw the Warriors pull away in the third quarter, but the Cavaliers maintained a much stiffer challenge for much longer on their home court for Game 3. Cleveland held the lead for most of the second half but surrendered an 11-0 run to lose in heartbreaking fashion Wednesday.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr explained afterward that his strategy is to wear Kyrie Irving and LeBron James down by attrition, as the two do most of the heavy lifting in isolation.

"We just felt like the way they play, Kyrie and LeBron had it going the whole game, but that's pretty taxing to go one-on-one the whole game," Kerr said, according to Baxter Holmes of ESPN.

"Both those guys were amazing, 38 and 39 (points apiece), but it takes a lot out of you. We just kept telling the guys, they're going to get tired."

Draymond Green shared a similar sentiment on "SportsCenter," as he said James and Irving wore down after trying to play at the Warriors' breakneck pace.

"They're a team that wants to get up and down as well so you're trying to run with us, and at the same time you're trying to push it back yourself," Green said. "Kyrie and LeBron, they shoulder a lot of the load, and eventually you start to wear down a bit."

Green also added mental exhaustion plays a part when the Cavaliers are unable to build substantial leads despite playing at a high level.

"Mentally, you continue to play great, you continue to make shots, you make good plays, and you look up and you're up three points, you're up five points. I think that can take its toll as well," Green said.