Golden State Warriors: 5 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

1. Cavaliers defended the way they have to

After giving up 113 points in Game 1, the Cavs allowed 132 in Game 2. Yet their defensive game plan, and execution, was far better.

The Warriors turned the ball over four times in Game 1. It doesn’t matter that they shot 42.5 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from deep; they shot the ball 106 times. That’s how they scored 113 points.

In Game 2, they only shot the ball 89 times. After not recording a single steal in Game 1, the Cavs’ defenders swarmed, double-teamed and trapped early, anticipating cross-court passes and playing with fire. They forced 20 turnovers (15 steals), and kept the game close until midway through the third quarter.

That the Warriors scored 132 points is simply a result of their undeniable talent. After an ice-cold Game 1, Klay Thompson went 8-for-12 (4-for-7 from three) in Game 2. Draymond Green was 3-for-6 from deep. Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry each added four 3s, many of which were of the deep, contested variety.

If the Warriors get hot, they are unstoppable. And if Cleveland takes its foot off the gas, as it did in the second half of this game, it has no chance. But it showed signs of defending the way it needs to moving forward.