No KD? No Problem. Warriors Dominate in Game Two

By Yousef HattarNBA

The Golden State Warriors defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs. Even with Kevin Durant sitting out due to a left calf strain, the Warriors still had no problem in blowing by the Blazers. The Warriors now have a 2-0 lead of the series following last nights win.

 

Both teams started shooting poorly for the first couple of minutes of the game. The Warriors then went on an 18-2 run as they forced turnovers and swung the ball around unselfishly. Portland however, could not get in their flow in the first as they looked a bit sloppy. Damian Lillard put up double digits in points but it was not enough as the Warriors led 33-17 at the end of the first.

 

 

Portland did their best to hang in there during the second quarter. They cleaned up their game on both sides of the ball. Dame and CJ McCollum were having an off-night but the Blazers managed to outscore the Dubs 29-22 to cut the lead down to nine at halftime.

 

 

The Warriors dominated in the third quarter especially on the defensive side of the ball. Their defense turned into offense as they outscored the Blazers 28-12. Golden State’s dominant third quarter helped lead them to a 25-point lead. The Blazers couldn’t bring the game within reach while the Warriors never looked back.

 

 

With a 25-point lead entering the fourth, both the Dubs and the Blazers emptied their benches. The game was too far out of reach for the Blazers. After a historic night of scoring for Dame and CJ in game one, they combined for a mere 23 in game two.

 

JaVale McGee along with a few other bench players, gave the Warriors a surge of energy off of the bench. JaVale totaled 15 points on a perfect 7/7 FG and also racked in four blocks. With CJ and Dame shooting poorly, this game came down to which bench could provide the most help. The Warriors bench outscored the Blazer’s 50-35. Portland will look to bounce back at home for game three and four.

Yousef Hattar