Warriors outgun Cavaliers to take 20 lead
OAKLAND: Golden State’s highpowered offence was too much for the Cleveland Cavaliers as the Warriors claimed a 122103 victory in game two of the NBA finals yesterday to take a 20 lead in the bestofseven series.
Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant combined for 59 points in a wiretowire victory that puts the defending champion just two wins away from its third championship in four years.
Twotime league MVP Curry ended with nine threepointers, an NBA finals record, while dishing out eight assists and grabbing seven rebounds in his 33point performance.
Despite the offensive fireworks, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said it was an improved defensive effort that led to the win.
‘‘We just played a more intense defensive game tonight than we did in game one,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s not about scoring, it’s about the defensive intensity.
‘‘We’re happy with the way we played. But we know this is just getting started.’’
Surprise starter JaVale McGee ignited the home crowd by hammering down some alleyoops to give the Warriors an early lead.
Coming off a tough loss in game one, the Cavs stayed within striking distance for most of the contest until a flurry of secondhalf threepointers by Curry overwhelmed the visiting side and sealed the win.
LeBron James, who scored 51 points in Thursday’s loss, faced a more dogged defence yesterday but still managed 29 points on 1020 shooting while playing nearly the entire game.
Cavaliers forward Kevin Love provided a spark with 22 points but it was not enough to pressure the Warriors, who shot 57% from the field and 41% from behind the arc.
Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said he was happy with how his team battled back from a 13point halftime deficit to keep it a singledigit game for much of the third quarter.
‘‘I was very proud of our guys, the way we competed in that third quarter because we could have let go of the rope down 13,’’ he said.
‘‘We came out, we fought. We kind of saw some things offensively that worked, so we have to continue to keep capitalising on that.’’
Kerr said the Warriors would not take their series advantage for granted, especially since they blew a 31 lead to the Cavaliers in the 2016 finals.
‘‘We’ve been here several times; I don’t think I’ll need to say much,’’ Kerr said.
‘‘The guys in the locker room, they already know that. They know how hard it’s going to be in Cleveland.’’
Game three is scheduled is in Cleveland on Thursday.