Analyst Michael Wilbon said it after the game. The Warriors just “goof” around too much, and play in a “loosey-goosey” way. I’ve noticed that for some time. They have this cool, nonchalance, a devil-may-care way about them that transforms high-percentage plays into risky ones and inevitably leads to turnover, after turnover. Dunks? Alley-oops? Fails. Some successes. But on Sunday, fails. And when you shoot terribly to boot, forget about winning game 2 against LeBron James.
Everyone can see LeBron James is the best player on the court, period. He cheats with his physicality and bullies his way to the hoop. But he made Game 2 a bit more about team, and the Cavs found their way to beat the Warriors. Put tall defenders at the three point line. Get Dellavadova to mark Curry like a soccer player. Get Mozgov involved inside to beat Bogut at the basket and on the line. And then let LeBron invoke his will and distribute.
The downfall to that strategy will be fatigue. The Cavs aren’t that deep. The every other day schedule could limit them.
Warriors should be able to counter easily to steal back home court advantage.
But as we’ve seen the first two games, they are prone to slow starts and a lack of intensity. If they play to their season best, they’d be 2-0 now. The pressure really is on Barnes, Speights, and Livingston to pick up when Curry isn’t showing up. The bench strength is the X factor.
But overall, the Dubs need to start caring about the ball like men on a mission.
They’re just too loose for their own good. They get sloppy. And loose leads to loss.
If they don’t tighten things up, LeBron will make them pay.
