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By Rickey Hampton, For The African-American Athlete
Last season the Golden State Warriors went on an epic run that led them to a historic, record-breaking 73-9 regular season mark. Of course, they fell short of their ultimate goal, as the Cleveland Cavaliers won the 2016 NBA title.
This time around the Warriors have things in the right order. They are on an epic run in the playoffs. The Warriors continue their perfection in the playoffs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals with a 132-113 of Cleveland at Oracle Arena.
The Warriors will take a 2-0 lead to Cleveland for Game 3 on Wednesday, and seeking to put a lock on the 2017 title.
What is evident so far is the Cavaliers cannot play at the frenetic pace the Warriors operate. They simply can’t match the firepower of the Warriors. The combination of Steph Curry 32 points, Kevin Durant 33 points and Klay Thompson 22 points has been devastating.
The Cavs actually played well for most of the game. They trailed only 67-64 at halftime. However, the fact the Warriors had 67 points was an ominous sign.
The Cavs could not maintain the pace.
“We had a couple of turnovers, had a couple of miscues defensively, and they made us pay for it,” said LeBron James, who was outstanding, scoring 29 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and handing out 14 assists.
A three minute scoring lapse by the Cavs in the third turned a close game into a 102-88 lead at the end of the quarter. That is just how quickly the game can get away from you against Golden State.
Actually, the series is where it should be. All the Warriors did was hold home court, yet they seem in complete control of this series. And there is a good reason for that, because the Warriors are rolling. They have only lost one time since March.
Now, anyone that thinks the series is over, should remember that LeBron James plays for the Cavs. He will not go quietly. They will be home for the next two games, and perhaps Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson will play better than they have in Games 1 and 2.
The Cavs are going to have to figure out what they are willing to give up, and who they are going to take away. They can’t allow Curry, Thompson and Durant all to get off, not to mention Draymond Green.
The Warriors are in complete control. Meanwhile, the Cavs are searching for answers to a problem that may not be solvable.
