Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Takeaways From Game 2 vs. Warriors

Jun 5, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game two of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game two of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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The Cleveland Cavaliers were crushed by the Golden State Warriors 110-77 in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Here are the main takeaways from this devastating defeat.


Jun 5, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game two of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game two of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers were looking to change the narrative following a disappointing loss in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Not only did they lose that game by a double-digit margin, they also failed to capitalize on the fact that the Warriors top two scorers — Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson — combined for just 20 points on 8-for-27 shooting from the field.

On the positive side, dating back to the 2009 postseason, LeBron James’ teams were a perfect 9-0 in the second game of a playoff series following a loss in the series opener. This includes Game 2 wins in each of his previous four trips to the Finals.

Early on, the pace favored the Cavaliers, as they led 21-19 after the first quarter, and enjoyed a 28-22 advantage early in the second period.

Related Story: 25 Best Players to Play for the Cleveland Cavaliers

The rest of the quarter was a complete disaster, however, as the Warriors closed the first half with a 30-16 run to take a 52-44 lead into intermission.

As many of you may recall, the Cavaliers won Game 2 at Oracle Arena in last year’s Finals, but that would not be the case this time around. In fact, the Warriors outscored the Cavs by a 58-33 margin in the second half en route to a lopsided 110-77 victory to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

What went wrong for the Cavaliers this time? Here is a look at the main takeaways from their devastating Game 2 loss.

Next: No. 5

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