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Golden State Warriors: 5 Takeaways From Game 2 vs. Rockets

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) attempts a shot over Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) in the fourth quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Rockets 115-106. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) attempts a shot over Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) in the fourth quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Rockets 115-106. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Golden State Warriors
May 27, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) and forward Harrison Barnes (40) react during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs. at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Shaun Of The Living

Steph Curry sitting out took out a lot of the intrigue from Game 2, which is only to be expected when a player who has changed the course of NBA basketball is on the sidelines. But in watching Shaun Livingston fill that starting point guard role so well, it was impossible to not think about how far he’s come since the traumatizing leg injury in 2007 that nearly ended his career.

In 29 minutes with the starting unit, one of the league’s most well-liked non-stars put up 16 points, six assists and two steals. He shot a sizzling 7-for-9 from the floor, finished with a +19 plus/minus, and brought veteran poise to a team playing with a lead and without its floor general.

The fact that he did all this and stepped up in such a huge way while feeling under the weather only makes him that much more lovable.

Livingston isn’t some starting-caliber point guard who would be putting up those kinds of numbers on a night-to-night basis in an expanded role with another team. But he’s a perfect fit for this team and its remarkable chemistry, and now that he’s finally gotten his chance to play with other winning personalities, he’s become almost universally beloved.

When you think about all that he’s been through in career, nights like Game 2 becomes even more enjoyable to watch. His high basketball IQ is constantly on display, I don’t think he’s ever missed a turnaround jumper since joining the Dubs, and he’s thriving on one of the most successful teams in NBA history.

Shaun of the Dead was a great movie, but Shaun of the Living makes for an even more entertaining watch.

Next: No. 4