The Associated Press
OAKLAND, Calif.–Stephen Curry dribbled every which way and ran a circle around LeBron James, then drove left through the paint and beat him to the rim for a right-handed layup over the star’s outstretched arm in a move reminiscent of his recent MVP magic.
Steve Kerr got a front-row seat again for the show–delighted to be back on the bench witnessing those signature moments he has seen so many times before.
Kerr watched his Golden State Warriors grab a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals by dumping the Cleveland Cavaliers 132-113 last night in another rout, returning to the sideline with a warm welcome from the sell-out crowd after a six-week absence.
Their leader and reigning NBA Coach of the Year assuming his usual courtside seat, Curry received a special request from Kerr: “to play with passion and play with joy,” Curry shared.
“That’s what everyone wants to see, some of the best players in the world go against each other,” noted Klay Thompson.
“Steph made a great move, got by him [James], and finished,” he added. “That’s what he does.”
Curry and Kevin Durant tag-teamed the Warriors within two victories of another championship.
Curry recorded his first career post-season triple-double with 32 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds while Durant added 33 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and five blocks and suddenly is on the cusp of his first ring.
Golden State improved to 14-0 this post-season and is trying to become the first group to go unbeaten all the way to a title.
James was equally spectacular with his own triple-double of 29 points, 14 assists, and 11 rebounds, but yet again didn’t get nearly enough help to keep up with the Warriors’ depth.
Kevin Love had 27 points and Kyrie Irving 19.
James tied Magic Johnson for most NBA Finals triple-doubles with eight, and this marked the first time in NBA history more than one player had a triple-double in the same Finals game.
The best-of-seven series now shifts to Cleveland for two games, with Game 3 set for Wednesday.
Golden State needs just two more wins–yet don’t count on anybody considering this series close to done.
The Warriors squandered a 3-1 lead to the Cavs a year ago to miss a repeat.
“Well, it’s been a great run but none of that matters unless we can finish the job with this series,” Kerr stressed.
“Trust me, we know. It was 2-0 last year, we lost.”
