NBA Finals Game 2 Preview: The Warriors Perspective
SteemSports Presenter:@mateonav53
SteemSports Editor:@scottybuckets
The Golden State Warriors escaped with a win last Thursday night after being surprisingly challenged by the Cleveland Cavaliers in Oracle Arena. A George Hill missed free throw and J.R. Smith mental error for the ages were the two breaks they needed to push the game into overtime, where they would eventually steamroll the Cavs in a convincing fashion. They may not get as many lucky breaks this time, so are they going to come out flat or firing in Game 2?
Over their last few playoff games dating back to the Rockets series, they've made a habit of performing sub-par in the first half while demolishing their opponent in the second. They were down for the majority of the first half in Game 1 versus the Cavs until they surged at the end to tie it with a ridiculous Curry three at the buzzer. Curry has often being their second half catalyst, running the offense and draining unbelievable three's while Kevin Durant gets to his spots nailing jumpers off of mismatches.
I don't know what kind of magic goes on at halftime in that locker room. Steve Kerr either loads them up with MJ's secret stuff from Space Jam or gives a Braveheart-level motivational speech. I foresee them falling into familiar habits by putting up a dud again in the first two quarters which then they'll follow up with a beast of a third quarter to pull away. I could also see this being a total blowout since they're at home and the Cavs are coming off that spirit-depleting Game 1 loss. Now is the time to strike if you're Golden State
In Warriors injury news, Andre Iguodala is being considered "doubtful" for Game 2 per coach Steve Kerr. Klay Thompson is also not operating at full strength after he sustained a seemingly scary leg injury from a collision with J.R. Smith in the first quarter. But Klay insists that he's good to go. It was determined to be a left leg contusion, but postgame analysis showed that the impact happened closer to his ankle as opposed to his knee per an article by CBS Sports. Klay acknowledges that he's slightly ailing, but there's no way he's sitting out. He remarked, "I'm just looking forward to getting 100%. But I'm not missing Sunday." He was still limping into the locker room after the game ended though, so I don't think we will get a full-strength Klay Thompson. Look for Kevin Durant to make up for his so-so Game 1 shooting performance (8/22 from the field) in the absence of 100% Klay.
Keep an eye out on the Warriors in the battle for the boards too. Golden State got substantially out-rebounded which is what kept the Cavs in the thick of it when GS tried pulling away. Cleveland muscled down 64 total rebounds compared to only 42 for the Dubs (19 offensive for the Cavs vs. 4 for Dubs) Tristan Thompson was able to dodge a suspension for his late-game antics involving Draymond Green. He's going to come out firing, looking to take Draymond's basketball soul. With Larry Nance Jr. by his side, they make up a formidable rebounding duo when they're in a groove. We'll see how Draymond reacts to the increased aggression. I think the Tristan vs. Draymond battle down low that has potential to be one of the most entertaining facets of Game 2.
They're just lucky that Cleveland made so many mental mistakes at the end of Game 1. But credit must be given for the Warrior's ability to capitalize in overtime while Cleveland fell apart. This will be a massive test of Cleveland's resolve coming back from a meltdown like we witnessed. Can enough of the non-LeBron Cavs take it up a notch on offense to steal a road win from the defending champs? I think Golden State are the likely victors of Game 2, coming away with an easy win 120-104.
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Cavs in 5
that'd be a trip
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Its over for Lebron. He had to win the close games and he lost the first game of the series. I can see a sweep but I'll go with Warriors in 5.
As I wrote after game 1 Tonight we will watch how the King has put back in order his teamamtes' ideas. It will be a tough game, but they have to keep fighting. THey lost a battle, not the war!