Blazers Look Overmatched in Series vs Warriors
C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard came out in Game 1 and showed the world was the rest of the true basketball fans already knew. McCollum put up a career high 41 points and Lillard put up 34 points showing why they are considered arguably the best backcourt in the NBA. Unfortunately it was in a losing cause as the Warriors led by Draymond Green's great all around game (19pts, 12 rebs, 9 assists, 5 blocks and 3 steals) to win a highly competitive Game 1. Game 2 looked totally different. It looked like a playoff game in the first half but the second half looked like an exhibition especially the third quarter. The Warriors held the Blazers to only 12 points in the third quarter and coasted to a big win. The Warriors did this all WITHOUT Kevin Durant. Durant strained his left calf and did miss Game 2 but Coach Steve Kerr just wants to make sure that Durant is ready when the Warriors are deep into the playoffs. Not to take anything away from the Trail Blazers, they are a very competitive team and are capable of winning one or even two games in this series. We also know that the Warriors have one of the best defenses in the NBA and has also played games without Durant and fared quite well. In my opinion the most IMPORTANT player on the Warriors is not Durant. Its Draymond Green. Green is the motor that makes this Warriors' train run. If you don't think so then go back to Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals. It may only be one game but that one game, in retrospect, determined the remainder of the series. But that topic is a different discussion. Going into Game 3, the Blazers have to make some sort of adjustment to the Warriors' defense and are in a must-win situation in both Game 3 and 4. Going back to Oracle Area down 3-1 would not be an ideal situation for the Blazers. If the Blazers lose Game 3 then the series will be over. If the Warriors lose Game 3 and wins Game 4 then the series is still over. The Blazers MUST win, otherwise it is on to the next step which would be the NBA Draft.
