Warrior Wonder: Splash Bros. , Green shine in Warriors’ game 2 victory

The Portland Trailblazers made the proper but obvious adjustments. They trapped Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Pressing them on defense,and daring the others to score. They took advantage of a casual Golden State Warriors team and boasted a 15 point lead at the half.

But eventually, all of Portland’s energy was for naught.

Once again, the Warriors proved why the opposition must remain locked in and engaged for the entire 48. The Warriors erased a 15 point deficit at the half and outscored the Blazers 39-25 in the third due to Thompson detonating for 13 points.

Despite not shooting the ball particularly well (8/22 from the field), Thompson was aggressive in spite of the Blazers’ best efforts to contain him and made timely shots down the stretch.

Meanwhile, the Blazers as expected made an effort to trap Curry, but that didn’t matter. Curry still managed to punish the Blazers’ defense for 37 points/8 rebounds/8 assists. He was also aggressive in initiating contact and getting to the line. However what really stood out in game 2 once again is the effectiveness of the Curry-Draymond Green pick and roll.

Those high screen and rolls are so powerful because of Green’s decision making. Obviously, the defense is so focused on Curry and Thompson, which created opportunities of Green and others on the floor to get those easy baskets.

I don’t know what it is about the Blazers but Green plays his best ball against this team. Last night, Green had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. Green also shot 8 of 12 from the field and and had his imprint on the game on both ends of the floor. Offensively the Blazers had little answers for the pick and roll with he and Curry. Most of Green’s baskets came off of the attention that Curry drew and he capitalized.

What was really impressive about Green last night was what he managed to do while in foul trouble. His explanation was simple: Just play.

For their performances in different segments in a well earned victory, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are the Warrior Wonders for Game 2.

The Warriors will look to push the Blazers to the brink of elimination Saturday night as the series move to Portland for game 3.