Curry breaks three-point record
‘‘We trained a lot on hard court, clay courts and we actually trained this year. I know now his game.’’ Novak Djokovic talking about Italian Marco Cecchinato
Stephen Curry backpedalled in pure joy. He skipped, hollered and let it fly from everywhere with that feeling he gets there’s no way it will miss – unwavering even with a defender’s hand in his face.
Curry dazzled in outduelling LeBron James as the two superstars traded big shots and celebratory moves, hitting an NBA Finals-record nine threepointers and scoring 33 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 122-103 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday for 2-0 lead.
‘‘It’s hard to think back to all the games, but he was tremendous – nine threes and seemed to hit a big shot every time we needed one,’’ coach Steve
Kerr said. ‘‘He was fantastic.’’
Kevin Durant found his steady stroke to score 26 points to go with nine rebounds and seven assists while also handling a load of the defensive assignment against James. Klay Thompson added 20 points playing on a tender left leg to put the defending champions two wins from a repeat title they have talked about since the season began last fall.
James followed up his 51-point performance in game one with 29 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds in a far tamer finals sequel – and a much more lopsided one – minus the utter craziness of a drama-packed opener three days prior.
Game three is on Thursday in Cleveland.
Kevin Love had 22 points and 10 boards for the cold-shooting Cavs, who will now try to gain some momentum back home.