The Golden State Warriors are poised to take a 2-0 series lead against the shorthanded Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. Here are three things to look for to see if they can do just that or not:
1) Can Golden State avoid a letdown?
There have been few dips on the Warriors’ 2014-15 roller coaster, but sixth man Andre Iguodala says the handful of rough stretches the team has encountered have come in similar situations to what they face in Game 2.
“We had some games where we didn’t play up to our level of talent because a guy was out,” Iguodala said. “It snuck up and almost bit us a few times. You know, Steph saved us.”
Irving’s injury pushes the needle far over into the Warriors’ favor, but don’t expect Golden State to take the Cavs like they have other teams in the past, regardless of the state of the supporting cast around LeBron.
2) Bench Production
Golden State's bench already had a big advantage over Cleveland's, but that advantage has now been made even bigger because of Irving's injury. The Warriors outscored the Cavs 34-9 in bench points in Game 1 - expect that difference to only grow in Game 2.
3) Three-point shooting
Golden State shot just 37 percent from long range, but they got hot and made a majority of their three-pointers late in regulation and in overtime during their comeback. The Warriors use the long ball as the biggest weapon in their offense, and if they can hit over 40 percent from deep in Game 2, they'll win easily.
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