Game Preview: Warriors v Cavaliers

The Golden State Warriors play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the
NBA Finals, at Oracle Arena on Sunday evening. The Warriors took the win in Game
1 and lead the series 1-0. However, the contest featured multiple lead changes
and nearly ended in regulation time despite the Cavaliers missing a go-ahead
free throw and failing to get a shot off when they retrieved the offensive
rebound. The Warriors were able to take over in overtime, where they outscored
Cleveland, 17-7. The Warriors shot 51 percent from the field, including 13-of-36
from long range, and held the Cavs to 44 percent shooting and 10-of-37 from
distance. Stephen Curry led the way for Golden State in Game 1, with 29 points,
nine assists, six rebounds and one steal, in 46 minutes. Kevin Durant followed
up with 26 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three blocks and one steal, while
Klay Thompson added 24 points, three rebounds and one assist. Thompson (ankle)
left the game momentarily, but returned and played well, however he is listed as
questionable for Game 2. The Warriors are 9-1 at home so far in the playoffs,
with their one loss coming against Houston in the conference finals. Meanwhile,
the Cavaliers were very close to stealing Game 1 in Golden State, and despite
the loss can find many positives to take away. LeBron James led the way with a
monstrous, 51 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, one steal and one block, in
47 minutes. James shot 19-of-32 from the field, including 3-of-7 from long range
and 10-of-11 from the free throw line, including making several huge plays down
the stretch to force overtime and almost take the win. Kevin Love followed up
with 21 points on 9-of-20 shooting, while J.R. Smith chipped in 10 points on
3-of-10 shooting. The Cavs shot 16-of-22 from the free throw line in Game 1,
while the eight missed shots could have made all the difference. They will need
to take care of the details in Game 2 in order to not only give themselves a
chance, but possibly come away with a win on the road in the Finals. They are
4-6 on the road so far in the playoffs and have won one on the road in each
round.