The Golden State Warriors came back from 17-points down to win Game 2 of their Western Conference semi-final series vs. the Portland Trail-Blazers. The Warriors now lead the best-of-seven series 2-0. Here’s what you need to know from last night’s action:
Second Half Klay
It looked like Portland had found an answer for Klay Thompson in the first half, when the Blazers were much more physical with him defensively. Like most great players Thompson figured it out and made the adjustment. By the end of the night, he was being run off of multiple stagger screens just to shake the defense and get the ball, but once he did it was out of his hand as soon as he caught it. Thompson scored 20 of his game high 27 points in the second half.
Fourth Quarter Comeback
The Warriors are the more experienced team and it showed down the stretch. Once down 17 points— and as much as 11 in the fourth— Golden State got back in the game by out scoring the Blazers 34-12 in the fourth quarter. Portland was only able to produce five field goals and five turnovers in the 4th quarter. The 22 fourth quarter advantage is the most since May 10th 1987.
Festus in the Fourth
Festus Ezeli not only saved the game for Golden State he may have saved his spot in the rotation. After being a DNP—CD in game one, Festus changed game two with his defense and energy to kick start Golden State’s comeback. Although he only had eight points, six rebounds ad a block Festus’s value was on defense. Festus guarded the pick and roll astutely and did a good job when he was switched on Damian Lillard. Ezeli was a plus-13 in just 13 minutes. Ezeli and Green playing in tandem bullied the Blazers front line—the Warriors were plus 28 in the paint. Ezeli now may have his reclaimed his spot above Anderson Varejao on Steve Kerr’s big mad depth chart.
Potential Curry Return Date
Steph Curry has floated it out there that he might be able to return by game three. With the series not resuming until Saturday that gives the MVP three more days to rest and rehab his MCL sprain. The platelet-rich plasma therapy he has undergone has returned his range of motion and now it is a point in managing pain level. The question is do you even bring him back now that you have control of the series and haven’t missed a beat without him. Now that Golden State is up 2-0, Portland has to win four of the next five to win the series. Golden State has never lost back to back games or lost two the same team twice all season.
Key Stat
The Warriors have the best net rating of all the teams left in the playoffs with 20.7. The Raptors have the worst at -4.4.
