Golden State had the perfect opportunity to take early control of their Western Conference Semifinal series against the San Antonio Spurs.
Holding a 16-point lead with 4 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of Game 1, Golden State looked like they'd jump out in front to start the series. A ferocious comeback by the Spurs however thwarted Warriors' plan as San Antonio won in double overtime 129-127.
Golden State would respond in tremendous fashion in Game 2, evening the series at one game apiece. Hot shooting and timely defensive stops late in the contest help the 6-seeded Warriors depart Texas in a 1-1 tie although the team has to feel they should be up 2-0.
As the series now shifts to California, Game 3 between the Spurs and Warriors will tip Friday, May 10th at 10:30pm, EDT. Coverage will be provided by the ESPN television network.
Playing in their first home playoff game since defeating the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 of their first round postseason series, the Warriors hope their hot shooting continues.
Superstar guard Stephen Curry tallied 44 points in the Game 1 loss and Klay Thompson controlled Game 2 with a career-high 34 points while nailing 8 three point baskets.
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Applauding his team's effort this postseason, Warriors head coach Mark Jackson watched his team quickly put the upsetting Game 1 defeat behind them.
"I truly believe that trials and tribulations are transportation for where you're going," Jackson said to NBA.com reporters. "Game 1 made us better. We didn't panic. We made plays."
While offense is never an issue for Golden State, their defensive effort during the last win was phenomenal from start to finish.
Spurs superstars Tim Duncan and Tony Parker did combine for 43 points but pesky defense from their opponents caused San Antonio to struggle mightily, as the team shot a dismal 36% from the floor.
Watching his team struggle on the offensive end, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich isn't worried about his squad moving forward. He is however, hoping to find a way to slow down Golden State's electrifying shooters.
"I thought it was very polite of Thompson and Curry to at least take turns and not both be on fire on the same night," Popovich said. "Maybe neither one of them will be hot in Game 3. That's what I'm hoping."
Popovich and the Spurs can certainly hope the Warriors slow down offensively - especially Curry - but the record-setting sharpshooter is not likely to dial it down considering his overall level of talent.
With the series now tied at one, both the Spurs and Warriors know the challenge to advance becomes that much harder as the series progresses.
Be sure to catch Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals between the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors Friday, May 10th at 10:30pm, EDT. Television coverage will be provided by the ESPN network.
WATCH Highlights from Golden State's Game 2 Victory:
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