San Francisco Chronicle

Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant spark 116-101 victory.

- Al Saracevic is Sports Editor of The San Francisco Chronicle. Email: asaracevic@ sfchronicl­e.com Twitter: @alsaracevi­c

The Warriors unleashed their full repertoire Monday night against the Spurs.

First, it was defensive intensity and surprising offense from Andre Iguodala. Then came a stretch of putrid basketball, marked by sloppy turnovers and naps on defense. Finally, it was time for the real Warriors to show up and all was right at Oracle Arena.

But make no mistake, even though Golden State was able to turn it on and hold off San Antonio 116-101 in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series, it’s clear the Warriors have not fully shaken the lackadaisi­cal malaise that plagued them like a stubborn cold all season.

The switch they supposedly flipped in Game 1, reverting to championsh­ip form, is working more like a dimmer. The brightness in the room all depends on the mood.

“I didn’t really have to say much,” head coach Steve Kerr said about the halftime locker room. “They knew it. We knew what was coming. This is the NBA. Those guys are talented. They’re great players. This is what you expect.

“Next thing you know, we’re down and they’re dominating the game. But I’m proud of our guys for staying with it.”

Fortunatel­y for the Warriors, they employ Kevin Durant (32 points) and Klay Thompson (31). With Stephen Curry still sidelined with a sprained knee, Durant and Thompson stuffed the team into their backpacks and carried Golden State to a 2-0 series lead. Next stop: Texas.

It’ll be interestin­g to see how the Warriors react when the series resumes Thursday night. If Game 2 is any indication, don’t bet on a sweep.

It’s hard to put your finger on one single thing — and, yes, the Warriors prevailed by double digits — but there was a disturbing element to Monday’s win. Sure, Gregg Popovich pulled some interestin­g levers, slowing the game and pounding the ball down low to LaMarcus Aldridge (who responded with 34 points and 12 rebounds). Sure, Curry’s absence is absolutely huge. The Warriors can’t push it and pop with any consistenc­y without the man. And, yes, it’s hard to play with a six-headed center.

But the Warriors have no business struggling with this Spurs team. Popovich might be a genius, but he really has only one offensive threat in Aldridge. The rest of the team is closer to AARP than MVP.

Now, I know a win is a win, but we’re here to nitpick, so you don’t have to. During that stretch of bad basketball, which happened in the first half Monday, the Warriors reverted to many of the bad habits that kept popping up all season. Kerr identified sloppy ball-handling and turnovers as things he was worried about after Game 1, and his players didn’t disappoint. They coughed it up 11 times in the first half and only four in the second half. It was like watching two different teams. Is focus the issue?

“I wouldn’t say it’s focus. It’s the playoffs,” Thompson said. “It’s hard to have a smooth game, every game. They were physical. Some of it was on us. But giving them credit, they came out and responded very well after the last game.”

There was also a general lack of ball movement and creativity on the offensive end — especially in the first half — with many sets reverting to clear-outs for Durant. Four players on one side, while the big man created his shot. Iguodala has been a serviceabl­e stand-in at point guard, but the Warriors need Curry back yesterday.

Golden State also proved susceptibl­e on the low post, which is not surprising considerin­g its roster of centers. Aldridge might be the best in the game at that craft, and he had his way for most of the night. The rest of the league will take notice. Without a regular rim-protector, others surely will pound it down low and slow the pace when and if the Warriors advance.

So, what are we saying here? It was nice for the fans to see the Warriors gut one out on the home court Monday, but it wasn’t pretty at times. The Spurs might succumb in the first round, but upcoming matchups against the likes of Portland or New Orleans, and eventually Houston, will prove much tougher.

Bottom line: The Warriors have been flirting with inconsiste­ncy all season long. Sooner or later, that will catch up with them.

As the clock wound down on Game 2, the Warriors salted away the game. Iguodala, who hit three early treys in a surprising burst of shooting, hit another with two minutes left. Oracle erupted and the fans serenaded the court with their favorite chant: “Waaarrrior­s!” Then they headed for the exits.

It was a fun end to a fitful night. Two down, 14 to go for a repeat championsh­ip.

To make that happen, the Warriors need to pick up a couple of things on the road: Curry and consistenc­y.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States