The Golden State Warriors can’t let their guard down
The Golden State Warriors are have a 2-0 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. They are in good position, but have more work to do.
The Golden State Warriors have taken a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals. They’ve completely dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers through the first two games. They can’t let their guard down.
The series now shifts to Cleveland. It’s hard to imagine that the Cavaliers will be as lifeless on their home floor. As defending champions, they know that they have to defend home court.
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Role players perform better at home. Key Cavs like Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith who have struggled could turn it around at the Quicken Loans Arena. And, for a star like Kyrie Irving, the friendly confines of the Q should help him feel more comfortable, particularly on the offensive end.
The Cavaliers’ trip to the Bay Area could not have gone any worse. Unless someone suffered an injury, this was worst case scenario for Cleveland. The Warriors have dominated them for two games.
Golden State should feel good–they’re in the driver’s seat. They’ve played, mostly, good basketball. They turned the ball over more than they would have liked in Game 2, but the offense is flowing and the defense is stifling.
Better yet, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are playing their best basketball since joining forces. Curry, equipped with two functioning knees, is playing the type of series he was robbed off last year. Despite that, he hasn’t even been the best Warrior. Durant has been absolutely incredible on both ends, outplaying LeBron James in both games.
The Warriors are in control of the series, but they are heading into enemy territory. Their opponent still has LeBron James, the best basketball talent to ever step on a court. And, of course, the Warriors have lost a lead before.
Last season, Golden State owned Cleveland through the first two games of the NBA Finals. The series looked like it was going to be over. The Cavaliers bounced back and, understandably, defended their home court and won Game 3. The Warriors answered back and built a 3-1 lead. We know what happened next.
The Warriors should be proud of what they’ve accomplished thus far, but they haven’t really done anything yet. They still need to win two more games to be truly satisfied. Even though the series looks like it’s Varsity versus JV through two games, this round is far from over.
Golden State can’t take their foot off the gas. They can’t expect to repeat what they did in Games 1 and 2 and come away with victories on the road. Going to James’ house is a different story.
The Warriors are far more talented than the Cavaliers (or any other team in the league, possibly ever), but they can’t expect that to win them games. They have to go out there, take care of the ball, get to the line, and rebound the basketball.
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If they do that two more times, they will win. Now is not the time to rest. Now is the time to stay focused, composed, and to go for the kill.
With a core that blew series leads last year, the Warriors should have a renewed focus.