OAKLAND -- After being blown out in Game 1 by 22 points, the Cleveland Cavaliers made significant adjustments that saw a more physical defense and a more aggressive approach on the offensive end.
But after Game 2 was played out at the Oracle Arena, the Golden State Warriors still won going away, 132-113, for a comfortable 2-0 lead in these 2017 NBA Finals.
Lebron James made good on his promise to attack the Warriors by finishing with a triple double --- 29 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists --- but he alone couldn't carry Cleveland to victory as the Warriors shot a high 51.7 percent from the field, including 18 of 43 from 3-point range.
Like they've done throughout these playoffs, the Warriors came out firing from all cylinders after the halftime break, slowly pulling away from the Cavs, who were out-scored 65-49 in the third and fourth quarters.
Kevin Durant led the way with 33 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists while Steph Curry recorded a triple-double with 32 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Saddled with foul trouble, Draymond Green logged just 24 minutes and had a quiet 12 points, but Shaun Livingston and Ian Clark stepped up to the plate with 10 points apiece.
Steve Kerr and Klay Thompson also joined the fray.
After being unable to coach for most of these playoffs, coach Kerr felt good enough to suit up and be back on the sidelines for Golden State.
"It's awesome, I'm so excited." Mike did a phenomenal job though." Klay Thompson said on Kerr's return.
Klay Thompson has struggled so far but he broke the slump in Game 2 with 22 points on 8 of 12 shooting.
Kyrie Irving scored 19 points and 7 assists, while Kevin Love added 27 points and 7 boards.
Despite Cleveland taking 11 more shots and creating 20 turnovers, the Warriors still won by 19.
How can the Cavaliers beat the new Golden State Warriors? Home cooking maybe? The proud fans possibly?
I guess we will have to wait for Wednesday 9:00 pm ET on ABC, as the NBA Finals shift to the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. (JSM)
A sea of yellow floods the Oracle Arena during Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday.
Warrior's Klay Thompson makes his way to the dugout after the game.
Warrior's Kevin Durant after the game.
Warrior's Stephen Curry answers question from the media during the post-game interviews.
Comebacking Warrior's coach Steve Kerr.
Warrior's Draymond Green (L) and Kevin Durant.
Comments
Share your thoughts on the above article by Joan Secuya-Medida.