06 June, 2017
LeBron James delivered a powerful counterpunch after a sluggish Game 1, but the Warriors held sturdy, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant dominated in different ways and Golden State flies to Cleveland up 2-0 in The Finals. Even more impressive? Durant, Curry and Thompson shot 28-of-51 from the field and 12-of-26 beyond the arc, good for an effective field goal percentage of 80.4.
Durant, seeking his first NBA crown after leaving Oklahoma City last July to join Golden State, became only the third player in NBA history to score 25 points in his first seven NBA Finals appearances, joining Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal.
LeBron James had no time for one reporter's question after the Cavaliers lost Game 2 of the NBA Finals to the Warriors.
Golden State's effort wasn't quite as pristine.
In the meantime, the Warriors head to Cleveland looking to potentially finish off a clean sweep of these playoffs and win their second championship in three seasons.
"[This] was a game based on talent, we had a lot of guys who played exceptionally well individually and we played with great energy". Two years ago, Steve Kerr made a lineup change based on the suggestion of a 28-year old assistant. Barnes went 5-of-32 in the last three games of the 2016 Finals.
Love gave the Cavs a needed second offensive threat with 27 points but against a team filled with a pair of former MVPs in Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, two other 2017 All-Stars in Draymond Green and Klay Thompson and several role players who have made key contributions, it wasn't been almost enough.
He plays offense. He plays defense.
The accomplishment is colloquially known as "50/40/90" and is considered one of the highest marks of efficiency for a player during a season.
OAKLAND, Calif. - There was a bit of a sense of calm around the Cleveland Cavaliers as they arrived for Game 2 on Sunday afternoon. Maybe Kyirie Irving will make a few shots off his isolation game, maybe the Cavs will find a way to get some stops, the role players will shoot better, and the Cavaliers will break the streak and end this conversation on Wednesday. Livingston was a flawless 3-of-3. "We were much more physical today than we were in Game 1, and we forced them to 20 turnovers. Playing smart. Trying to make them work for everything that they get".
"It seems like it's personal for both of them".
Meanwhile: Kyrie Irving missed 15 of 23 shots and was a non-factor in Game 2, while the meek contributions of Tristan Thompson, an energetic force through much of the post-season, continues to dog the Cavs; Curry has more rebounds (16-8) in this series than Thompson.
Laying off Green, Iguodala and Livingston doesn't only encourage them to shoot, but neutralizes Golden State's deadly off-ball movement. Thompson has the mindset of a shooter, that no matter what the next shot is going in. Durant is eating them alive.
Warriors center Zaza Pachulia was excited to hear the news, as was a sellout crowd of home supporters who gave Kerr an thunderous ovation.
The Cleveland Cavaliers hoped Game 2 of the NBA Finals wouldn't look at all like Game 1. Just because it worked once, though, certainly doesn't mean it will one year later.