NBA: Game 2 Breakdown
Game 1 was a tight victory for the Golden State Warriors, and I said it "might have been the best chance for the Cleveland Cavaliers to pull off an upset" which has reigned true so far. Game 2 was a blowout for most of the second half, as the Warriors ended up winning 122-103, after leading by 13 points at halftime. Stephen Curry was incredible and is the leading candidate for Finals MVP in my eyes. He finished the game with nine threes, which broke a record set by Ray Allen in 2010. Curry shot 52.9 percent from outside, totaled 33 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Kevin Durant struggled mightily in Game 1, but was exponentially better in the second meeting. He ended up with 26 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.
The role players were better than usual, as well, as Shaun Livingston and Javale McGee combined to hit 11-11 from the field. Steve Kerr decided to start McGee for the first time in the playoffs, switching him out for Kevon Looney, and the decision made a difference right away. McGee scored the first four points for the Warriors, and had 12 points in just 18 minutes. He adds a ton of athleticism, and despite having a number of comical plays, is a pretty good player. Livingston couldn't miss either. He knocked down all five of his shots and finished the game with 10 points and five rebounds in 15 minutes. The Warriors had five players score in double figures, while the Cavaliers had four: Lebron James, Kevin Love, George Hill, and Tristan Thompson.
James obviously wasn't as good in Game 2 as he was in the previous matchup, but that would be unreasonable to ask. He still had 29 points on 50.0 percent shooting, but he was struggling to score in the paint which is usually one of his strongest attributes. Love was second on the team in scoring with 22 points, and he has scored 20+ points in both games to this point. J.R. Smith was a huge disappointment. After having the mental lapse at the end of Game 1, he was only able to muster up five points on 22.2 percent from the field in 31 minutes. Luckily for the Cavs, Smith tends to play a whole lot better at Quicken Loans Arena. Game 3 is set for June 6th. If Cleveland has any chance of winning this series, Game 3 becomes a must-win.
Photo Credit: Sporting News.
