Before I get to the events that took place at the Oracle Arena on Sunday night, let me just go back to NBA Finals Game 1 for a second. If you thought that J.R. Smith’s mental lapse
didn’t cost the Cavs, think again. Winning in Golden State is nearly impossible, especially with the majestic four on the floor. Furthermore, the Cavs are huge underdogs in the series, proven by the 1.10 to 6.50 odds to win the Finals in favour of the Warriors. Golden State is the biggest favorite in the last 16 years and LeBron James has never been such an underdog in any of his nine consecutive NBA finals. Yet, he and his teammates had a chance to steal Game 1 and shock the world. If only J.R. hadn’t been sleepwalking with the game on the line… Let’s not put all the blame him, though. George Hill was the one who missed the clutch second free throw that would’ve likely won the game. That moment somehow gets lost in all the fuss created around what J.R. did.
The chance was missed, Steve Kerr had time to make adjustments and Golden State didn’t give a second opportunity to its opponent. Despite LeBron’s best efforts, Game 2 was all about Curry and the Warriors. Steph had a career night, hitting an NBA playoff record nine three-pointers on 9-for-17 shooting from behind the arc. Most of them were typical Steph Curry shake-and-bake, quick-release shots, but one was especially ridiculous.
JR Smith is receiving MVP chants in Oakland. pic.twitter.com/M6y4VXwxPi
— ESPN (@espn) June 4, 2018
Even Curry himself seemed surprised that it went in.
Kevin Durant had an efficient night like he did for most of the regular season when he shared the floor with his fellow sharp-shooters, going 10-for-14 with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Klay Thompson, who was questionable coming into the game with a high ankle sprain, didn’t appear to be bothered by it in an equally efficient 8-for-13 from the floor. The wonders of modern medicine were in full display here. Steve Kerr made a tweak to the starting lineup as well, giving JaVale McGee a spot between the four superstars. He showed that he’s not always a nuissance, going 6-for-6 from the field without a single turnover in 18 minutes.
The Warriors also did their best to limit LeBron, who was forced to pass more than in the first game. The double-teams meant that his teammates had plenty of open shots, but failed to hit them. “The King”, who played with blood in his eye after being poked by Draymond Green in the first matchup, finished with 29 points, 9 rebounds and 13 assists on 10-for-20 shooting. It’s a great stat-line for any other player. However, compared to the 51-point performance in Game 1, this was just an ordinary day at the office for the world’s best basketball player.
After a hottly debated Game 1 in which the referees received their share of scrutiny, they were better in Game 2. Although, Tyronn Lue did get a technical foul for protesting an obvious missed call. The Golden State Warriors now go into Game 3 full of confidence, while the Cleveland Cavaliers will need to regroup and find a way to come back into the series. As unlikely as it seems, I’m scared to doubt LeBron after what he has done during these playoffs.
In the meantime, I leave you with this year’s Finals MVP:
😱 STEPH GONNA STEPH… 😱#DubNation #NBAFinals
📺: #NBAonABC pic.twitter.com/jraCjn8bih
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2018
