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If everyone keeps contributing like they did last night GS won’t be able to triple team Kawhi every possession like they did last night. Solid team effort.
Game 2. Let's Go Raptors!
GAME 3 Tonight at 9:00 PM
The series is now level heading back to Golden State, although it may have came at a cost. Klay Thompson is questionable for Game 3, and Kevin Durant is already ruled out. Game 3 is another pivotal game, where Golden State could take the lead for the first time in the series. There is no surprise as both Kawhi Leonard and Stephen Curry have been doing their thing in the finals. Both are averaging over 25 points per game in the postseason in general. Game 3 is on at 9 ET on ABC/ESPN.
Game 2 Raptors Recap
After weathering the third quarter run from the Warriors in Game 1, the Raptors struggled in the third quarter for Game 2. They were outscored 34-21, after a close first half. The fourth quarter was a struggle on both sides for offense, as both teams scored less than 25 points. But, the 18-0 third quarter run to start was a brutal blow for the Raptors, and we have seen Golden State go through this often. The second half adjustment to make others not named Kawhi Leonard beat them worked, as Steve Kerr adjusted some matchups.
It was only a five point game, and Toronto had their chances to get even or pull ahead. They took 12 more shots than Golden State, but made three less. Their FG% was at 37% as a team, and they struggled from deep, shooting 28.9%. Free throws were about even, as they went 23-26 from the line. Toronto also out-rebounded Golden State 58-51. Turnovers and points off turnovers were even, and Toronto led in fast break points. Ultimately things came down to shooting, and Toronto’s shot was just off.
Toronto struggled to defend DeMarcus Cousins, and we finally saw Klay Thompson get going. After a peak Pascal Siakam game, he went just 5-18 from the field, scoring 12 points. Marc Gasol struggled with six points, and both Danny Green and Kyle Lowry combined for 21 points. Fred VanVleet was still a positive off the bench, scoring 17 with three steals.
Raptors Starting Lineup
Kyle Lowry, PG – Kyle Lowry struggled in Game 2, and we are often quick to bash his playoff performances. Lowry was -17 on the court, and defended most possessions against Andre Iguodala. He ended up fouling out in 28 minutes. This was part of the reason for VanVleet’s 38 minutes. We have seen the highs and lows of the secondary players for Toronto already in the finals. Thompson was the main defender on Lowry at times, guarding him the most. Second was Stephen Curry. If Thompson is out for Game 3, Lowry and the backcourt will have an offensive advantage. Thompson is an above average defender, and it would be a big loss.
Danny Green, SG – Game 2 wasn’t a strong point for Danny Green in the series, and he struggled to get involved, scoring just eight points on seven shots. He was -3 in 26 minutes, leading to Norman Powell getting some run. Green was defending Stephen Curry on most of his possessions, and he actually held Curry scoreless. Green had most of his possessions against Curry on defense. He still sits with the lowest usage rate among Toronto’s starters so far in the series. That won’t likely change given his play style.
Kawhi Leonard, SF – As mentioned above, Steve Kerr adjusted to Toronto, allowing Kawhi Leonard do carry the workload, and make others beat them. They could not hit their shots, and in Game 2 it worked. However, allowing them to do the same might not in the future. Leonard leads all players on both sides in usage this series. He played a lot of defense on Draymond Green, which didn’t translate well. Leonard found most success against Iguodala and Alfonzo McKinnie. Not really a surprise given Iggy is banged up and McKinnie isn’t a fair matchup.
Pascal Siakam, PF – Draymond Green smothered Pascal Siakam in Game 2. He shot 1-of-8 against Green, and also struggled against Iguodala. Golden State also switched Klay Thompson onto Siakam at times for offense, and he hit 3-of-4 from three. It was an overall rough game for Siakam. Toronto will need him somewhere in the middle of Game 1 and Game 2 the rest of the series. Hard to ask him for Game 1 performances every night, but both sides of the ball need work from the prior game.
Marc Gasol, C – Marc Gasol was another Game 1 hero who struggled in Game 2. He saw a lot more of DeMarcus Cousins in Game 2, and struggled against him. He scored just four points when defended by Cousins. Kevon Looney also held him in check, but Looney is now out for the series. The matchup of centers is going to be an interesting one to watch for the rest of the series. We have seen both names be x-factors in each game. If Cousins can give this energy over the next few games, Toronto might be in trouble.
Bench Players
We have seen the same three bench players in each game so far, as OG Anunoby was cleared to play, but didn’t see any minutes. Norman Powell got some run with Kyle Lowry and Danny Green struggling. He played 21 minutes, and was +17. Fred VanVleet got plenty of run with Lowry fouling out early. He played a playoff high 38 minutes, and posted a 17-4-2 line with three steals. He was also one of three names in the positive. Serge Ibaka continues to be a quick minutes guy to give the bigs of rest, although he was rather productive. He brought down ten boards and scored seven points.
Game 2 resembled more of what we remember from Golden State, where they pull off those second half runs and deflate teams. It wasn’t a flawless Game 2, but the Warriors evened up the series and are heading back home. Kevin Durant has already been ruled out for Game 3, and Kevon Looney broke his collarbone in the Game 2 win. He will be out for the series. Looney was giving quality minutes off the bench, and their depth is very thin right now. Jordan Bell and Andrew Bogut will see some more minutes because of this. The real news story to watch is Klay Thompson. He left in the second half and didn’t return due to a hamstring injury. While he was in good spirits after the game, we don’t have a read on his status for Game 3 just yet.
Game 2 Warriors Recap
The Warriors weathered the storm in Game 2, and it was a fairly even first half. Things took a turn when they went on an 18-0 run to open the third quarter. This was a typical start to the half for the Warriors, and Toronto struggled to adapt. They lost the quarter 34-21. Golden State didn’t kill the game like they have in other postseason games, and Toronto had their share of chances to get back into it. Despite their shooting percentage, the Warriors did not dominate this game in most areas.
It was a strong shooting performance from the Warriors, going 38-82 from the field, good for 46%. They also shot 38% from three. Golden State lost the rebound battles, but assisted on 34 makes to Toronto’s 17. It was flawless passing in the second half that led to these types of numbers. Each started had five or more assists, except for Stephen Curry. Draymond Green just missed a triple-double, needing one more assist.
DeMarcus Cousins was the big winner, making a jump to 28 minutes in Game 2. With the rest in between, there should be no reason for Cousins to be limited moving forward. He had 11-10-6 line with two blocks. He was also +12. The Warriors were also able to limit Andre Iguodala a bit, who played just 28 minutes, but had clutch baskets down the stretch.
Warriors Starting Lineup
Stephen Curry, PG – It wasn’t a monster showing from Stephen Curry in Game 2, but he was able to influence the game with a few key turnovers and also got to the line despite his shot not dropping. It was more of a team effort, and Curry had to deal with Fred VanVleet and Danny Green for a majority of his possessions. He struggled against both. Curry is second for both teams in usage for the series, and will continue to play 40 minutes a night. He gets to head back at home where we should see him pad his MVP stance if the Warriors win.
Klay Thompson, SG (Questionable) – The hamstring is a concern, and there are no strong reports leaning one way or the other for Thompson playing at the moment. If he is out, Quinn Cook, Alfonzo McKinnie, and Shaun Livingston will soak up some minutes. We also see a higher usage go to the surrounding starters. Thompson was able to find his shot in Game 2, going 4-6 from three, and 10-17 overall. Thompson also held Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard to a combined 11 points on 40 combined possessions. His defense has been underrated in these playoffs.
Andre Iguodala, SF – Outside of the big three at the end, Andre Iguodala had an influential game that might not get noticed by the average fan. He worked the ball well with six assists, and also had eight rebounds. He was +6 on the game. Iguodala floated around on defense quite a bit, but was matched up with Kawhi Leonard the most. He allowed nine points on 23 possessions, but forced three turnovers and allowed just one assist. He also was one of the bigger reasons Pascal Siakam struggled, as him and Green both locked down defensively.
Draymond Green, PF – Just one assist shy of a triple-double, Draymond Green had the bounce back game that Toronto needed. He guarded Pascal Siakam on 35 possessions, allowing just three points on 1-8 shooting. Green also held Leonard to 1-5 shooting on 11 possessions. Green was able to navigate through this Raptors defense. He has a 20% usage rate in the playoffs, and a 35% assist rate. He continues to be one of the most important players for the Warriors success.
DeMarcus Cousins, C – I wasn’t sure how much DeMarcus Cousins could give after his Game 1 performance, but his Game 2 performance was the lift Golden State needed. He has a 21% usage rate over the two games, and has an 86.3 defensive rating in the series as well. Cousins played Marc Gasol really well defensively, and guarded mostly him and Serge Ibaka. With Looney out and no real strong option, Cousins will need to keep this pace up for the series.
Bench Players
With the injuries to Golden State, the rotation is going to depend on who is healthy. At the moment we know Durant and Looney are out. Thompson remains questionable, and there will be some fill-in options. Quinn Cook saw 21 minutes, and was -7 in Game 2. Shaun Livingston played 16, but wasn’t entirely productive either. With Looney out, Andrew Bogut should shift into that 10 minute mark for Game 3. He played seven minutes in Game 2, and Golden State will need bigger bodies at times. The odd DNP was Jordan Bell, who saw seven minutes in Game 1.
Let's go Raptors, let's go!!!
Up by 16, but had a few scary moments.....let’s hold on Toronto!!!
Great job guys.
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