One thing that’s for sure about the Golden State Warriors is just when you think they’re finished, they turn it up to a level that is unmatched across the NBA.
The Warriors defeated the Portland Trailblazers 114-111 in a Game 2 thriller that will be remembered as one of the best battles of the 2019 postseason.
The Trailblazers came out as the aggressor early on. All season long Portland has responded to adversity, so coming off a 22-point defeat in game one, a more competitive team was expected no matter the final outcome.
The second quarter is where the Trailblazers began to create separation and had a lead as high as 17 points. The Warriors would trail at the half 65-50.
A 15-point lead is not enough to keep the Warriors from being within striking distance. With the firepower they have from beyond the three-point line, along with their defensive intensity, they can get back into a game within a matter of seconds.
Klay Thompson, who was struggling in the first half, caught fire in the third quarter with 13 points and some sound defensive play.
Stephen Curry is proving why he’s one of the best point guards in the league. Since the absence of Kevin Durant, Curry has averaged 35 points per game and led the Warriors to a 3-0 record.
After putting up a lethal 65 points in the first half, Portland only managed to put up 46 points in the second.
Down the stretch, the ‘Dubs’ were the more poised team and when Portland took away the three ball option, guys like forward Draymond Green stepped in to make the right play using the pick and roll.
The Warriors protected home court and now head to Portland with a 2-0 cushion.
The Blazers will now have to come into game three with a must-win mentality because no team has ever come back to win a series after trailing 3-0.
Game 3 takes place on Saturday, May 18th at 9 PM EST.