The Cavs changed their defensive approach and mixed their personnel. Some of it backfired--they fouled to stop fast breaks, but Curry tied an NBA record by making all 14 of his foul shots. But with an aggressive game by LeBron James, who also had a record number of assists in the first half, the Cavs kept coming close. Still, the last actual lead they had was at 15-14 in the first quarter. The Cavs had runs. But the Warriors had blizzards. They got a healthy lead in the third quarter and pulled away in the fourth.
Curry and Durant were the big guns, with momentum-changing and breathtaking shots and plays. Klay Thompson got his 3 point stroke back. Durant's defense was dominant as the game wore on.
Coach Steve Kerr was back on the bench for the first time since the first round. In the post-game euphoria of the media, he cautioned that the Warriors turned the ball over way too many times, and if they do that on the road they are likely to lose.
Most Warriors fans probably remember the media euphoria last year, when some sportswriters wanted to declare them the ultimate winners after their first two home game blowouts, and even more so when they went up 3-1 with a fourth game win. With a healthy Curry and Kevin Durant, whose play in these games invites some to call him the best in the game, this year is likely to be different. But nobody should be counting their chickens just yet.
The important game 3--the next odd numbered one-- is Wednesday. Obviously it's must-win for the Cavs, and it's all but over if the Warriors get the victory.
While a historically excellent team plays basketball in Oakland, San Francisco's baseball team struggles on the road, losing a series to the MLB basement dwelling Phillies, prompting at least one Bay Area sportwriter to proclaim them the worst Giants team in a generation.
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