1) Game 2 turned on two runs: the Warriors’ 8-0 spurt to end the first half and the 15-2 romp that the MVP engineered by himself. In both instances the Warriors’ defense was in peak form, sealing the paint on drives, switching to cover every shooter, and all hands on deck to rebound the ball. Offensively they were able to get out and run off the resulting misses and turnovers and take quick buckets in transition that didn’t compromise efficiency. I re-watched the third quarter explosion, and while Steph’s shooting easily catches the eye, don’t miss the Warriors’ manaical, roving defense that completely flummoxed OKC’s offense.
2) As much as Russell Westbrook saved the Thunder with that 19-point third quarter in Game 1, his penchant for jacking threes (1-5) and poor shot selection overall (5-14) last night severely limited the Thunder’s chances of charging back. Although he had 16 points and 12 assists, at no point did Russ look to be in control of the game or his game. Mark Game 2 as one of Russ’ bad bad games (as opposed to his good bad Game 1 where he shot 7-of-21 but also completely took the game over and willed his team to a win).
3) It’s easy to forget with Steph’s scoring deluge and the 27-point blowout, but OKC’s length severely hampered the Warriors passing and shooting in the first half. The crevices that are usually available to slip through for layups or passes just aren’t open against this Thunder defense: they’re long and athletic enough to make up space after getting beat on the initial move. That lack of airspace was a large part for the Warriors early turnover issues. They couldn’t find a shot after getting in the lane, and resorted to making risky passes through a thicket of Adams, Ibaka and Durant limbs.
4) Andrew Bogut must’ve caught the Festus Ezeli disease. Bogues dropped three for-sure buckets from Curry in the first quarter alone. He managed to finally corral a pass for a dunk in the third quarter, but just barely. The Aussie did grab six boards and set a few mean screens to free Steph and Klay, but he hasn’t looked right since the adductor injury.
5) Dion Waiters is definitely the Mario Chalmers of this OKC team. After dropping 10 points on only six shots in Game 1, the unconscionable shot-jacking Waiters we know and love reverted to form in Game 2. Dude was taking hurried jumpers with a hand in his face and ill-advised attempts in transition. As if going 3-of-11 from the field wasn’t bad enough, Waiters had the temerity to look off KD on the break, which didn’t sit well with the Slim Reaper.
6) After KD gave him an extra push while he was on the ground, Steph went off for 14 points in the next four minutes. Why wake the sleeping dragon, KD?
7) Although the sight of Anderson Varejao at the scorer’s table nearly stopped my heart, I have to give the backup center credit. He was not terrible during his two stints that mattered. AV had 4 points and 4 rebounds.
8) Ezeli came in for Bogut late in the second quarter and finally took advantage of his athleticism on both ends of the court. In the final three minutes of the first half, Festus managed to jam home a missed 3-pointer, tap out an offensive rebound that resulted in a layup, and thwart a Dion Waiters drive and secure the rebound in heavy traffic. Those three minutes were a huge catalyst in the Warriors reversing a one-point deficit into an 8-point lead heading into the break.
9) These fans know that Steph is the best basketball player in the world, right? Maybe they should try and break the MVP’s fall.
10) The three days rest before Game 3 should be advantage Warriors. Bogut is clearly still hobbled, Draymond’s ankle has been bothering him, and Steph now has a grapefruit-sized elbow to go with his knee strain. Though the time off might be good for the Dubs, we fans have to suffer through the interminable wait. I guess we could check out what’s happening in the East, but I want to make the time pass faster, not slower.