The Warriors played one game with MVP Stephen Curry and one game without him. They won both to build a 2-0 series lead. That’s not very comforting for the Rockets, who hope getting on their own floor can change the tide in this series.
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LOOK AHEAD
That whole strength in numbers thing worked out pretty well for the Warriors on Monday night. With soon-to-be two-time MVP Stephen Curry shelved with a tender ankle, Golden State still rolled to a 115-106 victory to go up 2-0 in the series that heads to Houston for the next two contests. Golden State’s deep supporting cast picked up the slack with Curry hurt, and the Rockets considered it a missed opportunity. “Obviously when you lose the MVP you’ve got concern, but we believe in our depth and in our ability to win when we’re down a man even if it is Steph,” coach Steve Kerr said.
Breakdowns. Missed shots. Failing to block out. Houston must get back to fundamentals to get back in these playoffs against a Golden State team ready to ride the momentum of its record 73 wins all the way to a second straight title. The Rockets will have to shake off the two games they dropped in Oakland and find the missing ingredient that made them so good a year ago. They better find it fast or they’ll be done real soon.
INJURIES
Curry missed Monday’s victory over the Rockets with a sore ankle and an MRI revealed no structural damage. He will receive treatment and rest ahead of Thursday’s Game 3, and Kerr mentioned there is ample time for Curry to get healthy. Up 2-0 in the series gives the Dubs a little cushion, but Curry’s playing time will be based on his health and not the series score.
KEY MATCHUP
The Warriors needed everybody to pick up their game a notch on Monday with Curry sitting out. And, it’s safe to say, they did. One player in particular who enjoyed the moment was Andre Iguodala, who appeared more aggressive and more efficient than he has been since returning two weeks ago after missing 13 games with a sprained ankle.
Iguodala finished with 18 points, the most he’s ever scored coming off the bench in a postseason game. It was enough to offset the loss of the NBA’s leading scorer. Remember, Iguodala was the MVP in last season’s Finals, and Kerr said Iggy’s performance Monday reminded him of that. “Andre has a knack for just kind of knowing when we need him,” Kerr said. “He was brilliant. He carried our second unit while he was out there.”
QUICK PICK
The Rockets said they missed an opportunity in Game 2 with Curry on the shelf because of a tender ankle. It may have been their only chance at getting a victory in the series. Golden State has probably the deepest team in the NBA and it showed on Monday. Insert Shaun Livingston in place of Curry and watch him go for 16 points and six assists. Or lean on Klay Thompson for more scoring and have him drop 34. Draymond Green puts up another near triple-double with 12 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists.
In other words, the Warriors are stacked and the Rockets don’t have the firepower to compete. A return home may be worth some points, but not enough for Houston to get a win. The discord between James Harden and Dwight Howard is apparent and while the Rockets made a fine push to make the playoffs, they really are no match for the Dubs.
NBA Odds: Golden State 111, Houston 103
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets will go down Thursday, April 21, 2016, at 9:30 p.m. ET at the Toyota Center. The contest will be broadcast nationally on TNT.
