NBA says moving NBA Finals not logistically possible, series to begin June 4

As it turns out, changing the schedule for a marquee, two-week-long event on short notice just isn't feasible.

The NBA has deemed the possibility of moving up the NBA Finals a logistical impossibility.

The finals will begin on June 4, as originally scheduled, killing any hope for fans that a long layoff would be minimized. It never seemed all that likely, despite the availability at Quicken Loans Arena and Oracle Arena, as changing television schedules, hotel accommodations, and media availability on such a large scale and on such short notice seemed unrealistic.

With the schedule for the finals remaining as is, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors could be given ample time off following their respective Conference Finals. Each team was up 3-0 in their series, a lead that has never been surmounted in the league's history. The Warriors failed to close out the Houston Rockets on Monday, thanks to James Harden's 45 points, while the Cavaliers can send the Atlanta Hawks home as early as Tuesday.

Assuming the Cavaliers wrap things up in a timely fashion, LeBron James is going to get a much-needed break. Kyrie Irving could also use that break, and the Cavaliers could stand to benefit enormously from a nine-day layoff before the NBA Finals begin, should they complete their sweep on Tuesday.

That's not to say the Warriors don't stand to benefit, too. While they're in far better shape physically, giving head coach Steve Kerr and defensive ace assistant Ron Adams more time to prepare for James could provide an appreciable defensive edge, even if Draymond Green isn't a big fan of the layoff.