NBA FINALS: Game 2 - THE AFTERMATH

The Cleveland Cavaliers came out with intensity, attacking the rim and a sense of resilience under pressure when the Warriors ran off their usual runs in spurts. They committed less turnovers (9) than the (20) a game ago, as well as they recorded 15 steals on the defensive end. LeBron James recorded an NBA Finals record 8th triple-double (29 pts / 11 reb / 14 ast / 3 stls - 12/18 shooting) tied with Magic Johnson for most ever. With all that being said the Golden State Warriors won their record 14th straight postseason game, scored 132 points; most of any team since 1987 in the NBA Finals and have taken a commanding (2-0) lead in the series.

Even with GSW having (20) turnovers, you never felt like the Cavs were in the game even down by just 3 points at the half. Cleveland was optimistic on the offensive end of the Warriors early turnover woes. Steph Curry had (6) of his (8) turnovers in the 2nd quarter but redeemed himself with his first career playoff triple-double (32 pts / 11 ast / 10 rebs). The dynamic duo of he and Kevin Durant (33 pts / 13 rebs / 6 ast / 5 blks / 3stls - 13/22 shooting, 50% 3PT) followed their combined (66) points in game 1 with (65) combined points in game 2. Draymond Green got into foul trouble early again but still managed (12 points / 6 boards / 6 assist) in 25 minutes. Klay Thompson finally had his breakout performance with (27 pts / 7 rebs - 8/12 shooting). Thompson shot (57%) from 3PT (4/7) and is now 9th all-time in NBA Finals history in (3PT) shots made. While once again his stellar play defensively shut down the likes of JR Smith (scoreless) and Kyrie Irving who finished with 19 points but was (8/23 shooting).

The Cavs starter’s tallied up just (83) points compared to the Warriors (104). Kevin Love who scored (27 pts / 7 rebs) has played much better following his (8.5 ppg / 23% shooting - 2016 Finals) averaging (21 pts / 14 rebs / 41% shooting - 2017 Finals). Besides Love and James, Kyrie Irving's play has been a little erratic at times with his turnovers and more length now getting thrown at him when he drives to the basket this time around. Cleveland did get more help off the bench; however, (9/27) is not going to get it done. As well as the play of Tristan Thompson (8 pts / 4 rebs) and now is averaging (4 pts / 4 rebs) for the series. Thompson seems to be "Keeping up with the Kardashians" more than keeping up on the boards and being an anchor defensively in the middle the Cavs were hoping for. Cleveland had more points in the paint by halftime in game 2 than all of game 1, but was ultimately out-rebounded. While they were even in transition points LeBron needed more help from his role players once again which has become a theme in the first 2 games of these Finals.

LeBron James was (4-2) following a game 1 loss in the NBA Finals, until they ran into the Fantastic 4 from Oakland. James cannot do it all by himself as he was in attack mode to begin the game and was dishing out dimes left and right to the avail of still needing more. Mr. $82 million dollar man Tristan Thompson has been a no show, JR Smith is showing why the Knicks got rid of him, father time has met Richard Jefferson, Deron Williams is slow and aged out, and when the reserves are not on, they are not winning no matter how many triple-doubles Bron gets. They allowed the Warriors to hit a NBA Finals record (18) 3PT shots (41.9%) in route to another Finals blowout. GSW shot (22/24) from the FT line including Steph Curry going (14/14) for the game and (10/10) in the 1st quarter alone. Cleveland got burned on the pick and rolls as the Warriors got to the basket at will and found life easy shedding off those screens to an open man behind the arc. Not to mention, the team that wins the 3rd quarter has won the game. GSW has had magnificent runs in both games outscoring Cleveland (33-20, game 1) and (35-24, game 2). As well as the Warriors tenacious defense that has stifled Cleveland into scoring droughts in both games during the 3rd quarter. Also the Cavs have been depleted energy wise late in games because of the up and down pace the Warriors force you into. Transition offense alongside (23) second half assist had their ball movement crisps and the Cavs gasping for life defensively. Curry has scored (26 pts) in the two games during the 3rd quarter. While LeBron and the Cavaliers settled on contested jumpers deferred from driving to the basket and Cleveland as a team shot (9/26) from the field in the 3rd quarter.

The Cavs were in this same situation last year down (2-0) vs Golden State. However they didn't have this monster of an athlete in Kevin Durant to deal with a season ago. Unlike Harrison Barnes, Durant has already scored (71) points in this series, in comparison to Barnes who only scored (65) points the entire 2016 NBA Finals. GSW has also shot (62%) when being guarded by LeBron unlike last year, and let's not forget they ranked 22nd this season in defense efficiency so their lackluster performance on the defensive end should be at no surprise. Ty Lue has shown that it’s going actually take some coaching and to be honest a revamped roster and maybe even a fresh signal caller from the sidelines to beat this 4-headed monster by the Bay. More than talent alone is not going stop GSW this time around. Now if Durant mysteriously gets kidnapped, food poisoned, maybe than maybe the Cavs have a chance. Other than that, give KD Finals MVP and the Warriors their 2nd title in 3 seasons today.