The big surprise of this Game 2 is the tenure of JaMychal Green on the Warriors side in place of the sick Kevon Looney. Despite a defensive intensity that dropped a bit from Game 1, the Lakers finished the first quarter 14-7 and took the lead thanks to 14 points from a much more aggressive LeBron James and a 5/ 8 from afar (33-26).
While they had suffered the rhythm of their opponent, the Warriors push the tempo and start the second quarter on a 12-2 (38-35). The Lakers offense is struggling to keep up but three new award-winning shots, including two from a Rui Hachimura at 4/4 in the drill, keep LA in ambush but Golden State adds a layer. Klay Thompson catches fire with 14 points in the quarter and the Warriors break at +13 (67-54).
The Warriors roll out
Steve Kerr’s men drive the point home as soon as they return from the locker room. Klay Thompson, twice, then JaMychal Green, and Andrew Wiggins make a string from afar and the gap increases to +18 (82-64). Behind an 8/10 three-pointer and an intractable defense led by Draymond Green, the Warriors stick 43 points to the Lakers in the third quarter time to take a 30-point lead (110-80)! Darvin Ham then did not hesitate to release the white flag in anticipation of Game 3 on Saturday in Los Angeles.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
— Steve Kerr changes his rotation to stretch the Lakers defense. The end of Game 1 had given a clear indication to the Warriors. When they play with just one inside or just one non-shooter, they can push the pace and put the Lakers defense on edge. That night, with a diminished Kevon Looney, Kerr tried the JaMychal Green bet to start the game. Successful bet as the pivot made the Lakers pay with a 3/6 three-pointer. Kerr then followed up with either Draymond or Looney at center, playing with four outsides and four threats from range, except for a few possessions. For this reason, he also preferred Donte DiVincenzo over Gary Payton II.
— The Warriors boost in the second and third quarters. While the first quarter was played at a pace favoring the Lakers, Steve Kerr implored his players to up the tempo, as they had done in the last quarter of Game 1. This change of pace is first came from a much more aggressive defense. By limiting the Lakers to 8/22 on shots and causing 6 loose balls, Golden State was able to run. They scored 10 of their 41 points on the break and blasted the LA defense by alternating three-point shots and incisive attacks from the circle. It was Klay Thompson who spearheaded the defending champions with 14 points from 4/5 away, taking advantage of the attention generated by Stephen Curry. The Dubs continued even better in the third quarter, sticking 43 points to their opponent to win both periods with a score of 84 to 47!
— The Lakers without the slightest intensity. Like Anthony Davis, the Lakers had been dominant in commitment and intensity during Game 1. Like Anthony Davis, transparent in Game 2, the Lakers seemed disinterested from the first minutes. 14 points from LeBron James and a good outside address had allowed them to take the lead but as soon as Golden State raised their voices, the Lakers disappeared from circulation. With the home advantage in hand and a series that goes on every two days, Darvin Ham’s men were satisfied with their trip to San Francisco. They will show a completely different face in Game 3.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Klay Thompson. Clumsy for two games, the “Splash Brother” caught fire last night. He scored 30 points in 31 minutes at 8/11 from a distance to the delight of the Chase Center.
✅ Draymond Green. Disgusted by his performance in Game 1, Green extinguished Anthony Davis in the first minutes of the match before finishing with an assist of a triple double (11 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists)
✅ Stephen Curry. Always marked in the pants by Jarred Vanderbilt and doubled on every pick & roll, Curry played fair. He opened the game for his partners, finishing with 11 assists and 20 points on 12 shots.
✅ JaMychal Green. Starter surprise, Green played his role to perfection scoring 15 points at 3/6 from three points to make the defense of the Lakers pay.
✅ LeBron James & Rui Hachimura. LeBron scored 14 of his 23 points in the first quarter. Hachimura impressed with 21 points from 4/6 three-point range. His height continues to be a problem for the Warriors and he could become the X factor when playing games in Los Angeles.
⛔ Anthony Davis. Davis went from legendary in Game 1 to transparent in Game 2. He finished with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 fly balls, and 3 blocks. However, he cannot afford to play without the slightest aggressiveness, especially in attack.
THE FOLLOWING
Game 3 in Los Angeles on the night of Saturday to Sunday (02:30).
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D= defensive rebound; T = Total Bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
