"109 points is plenty to win the game," says Steve Kerr following a Game 2 victory against the Toronto Raptors. The Warriors scored 109 points in each of the first two games, however suffering a loss in game 1. After allowing a combined 52 points to Pascal Siakam and Marc Gasol in Game 1, defensive intensity was a major point of concern for Kerr and the Warriors in game 2. Although Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points seemingly at will, no other Raptor scored more than 17 points.
With the absence of Kevin Durant looming over the team, role players of the Warriors have needed to step up. Game 2 was Quinn Cook's night to shine, scoring nine points on three clutch three-pointers late in the second half. DeMarcus Cousins also chipped in with a near triple-double, totaling 11 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists, all of which a large bonus considering he just returned from his second injury in just one year.
The injury bug has seemed to be out to get the Warriors of late, however. With Durant already sidelined, Kevon Looney exited early in game 2 with a chest contusion, Andre Iguodala briefly left the game with an apparent head injury, and Klay Thompson's health is up in the air after suffering hamstring tightness in the 4th quarter.
Golden State opened up the offense in the second half by going on a 20-0 run- a feat that has never been done in the NBA Finals, since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976. Despite the nagging injuries, the Warriors were able to outscore Toronto in the second half 55-45, ultimately leading to a 109-104 win.
The Splash Brothers again led the way for the Warriors, as Klay Thompson topped Warrior scoring with 25 points and Stephen Curry just behind adding in 23 of his own. The often unsung hero of the Warriors, Draymond Green, had a very strong performance himself. Green played 41 minutes of the possible 48, all while shooting 50 percent from the floor and coming just short of another triple-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.
Game 3 shifts back to Oracle Arena in Oakland on Wednesday night, after two much needed off days for both teams.
Tune in to ABC at 9 P.M. Eastern on Wednesday night to see if the Warriors can keep the momentum rolling, or if the Raptors can steal back home-court advantage.