The Golden State Warriors pulled off a huge 25-point comeback to beat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, with that comeback occurring after Spurs All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard left with an ankle injury. Can the Spurs win without him in Game 2, or will the Warriors take a 2-0 lead with them to San Antonio? Here's a preview & prediction for tonight's game:
Game Info:
When: 9:00 PM EST
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA
TV: ESPN
Spread: Warriors (-13.5)
O/U: 210.5
What They're Saying About The Golden State Warriors:
Klay Thompson’s extended playoff struggles a Warriors concern
Even Bruce Bowen, Godfather of the Closeout, Says Zaza Pachulia Went Too Far
Game 2 preview: Will Warriors’ Iguodala play vs. Spurs?
What They're Saying About The San Antonio Spurs:
Kawhi Leonard out for Game 2
Pachulia’s Dangerous Play Becomes Story of Series
Kawhi Leonard's MRI: no structural damage to ankle
Key To The Game: Who steps up for the Spurs?
Without Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio needs someone - or a number of players - to step up and really have big games if they are going to have any chance to win. In Game 1, San Antonio's offense looked dysfunctional without their go-to guy (LaMarcus Aldridge clearly was not ready to carry the entire scoring load), and it totally changed what they were doing defensively. Instead of having Leonard and Jonathon Simmons on Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, San Antonio had to pick their poison - and Curry took advantage by scoring 40 points while leading the comeback effort.
The Spurs are expected to rely heavily on Aldridge on the offensive end, as he is now their only player who can consistently get his own offense. However, they also need someone else (Patty Mills, Danny Green, etc) to be a viable threat just to keep pace with the Warriors.
Defensively, Gregg Popovich has to come up with a whole new gameplan that will rely more on team defense, but this game will come down to where the Spurs get their offense from.
Prediction: Warriors win 120-97
Simply put, I don't think the Spurs stand much of a chance on the road without Leonard. He means too much to their gameplan on both ends of the floor. Expect this to turn into a blowout early as the Warriors cruise to an easy win.