In Hollywood, blockbuster summer movies are often advertised in the winter to build anticipation. The studios usually provide behind-the-scenes snippets and clues of how the story will unfold. However, by the time the movie is released, there can be a feeling of fatigue. Sadly, after watching the film, many conclude, “This movie was overhyped.” The matchup of Steph versus Lebron feels like that much-anticipated blockbuster movie in the sports world. Some fans probably feel the series would be a letdown, but Game 1 met or exceeded expectations. In athletic terms, the game ended in a photo finish with Jordan Poole missing a 28-foot three-point shot that could have tied the game. Instead, the Lakers won by 5 points in a game that featured ten ties and eleven lead changes. In a playoff series, the team that loses the preceding game is considered the most desperate and needs to make the necessary adjustments. In this article, we will examine three points as we preview the action from a highly anticipated Game 2 in this wild series.
1. Who will win the clash of styles? -what made Game 1 and this series a compelling matchup is the contrasting style of both teams. The Lakers were a like a 90s team that dominated the paint by outscoring the Warriors 54-28. The aggression to attack the paint resulted in the Lakers shooting 25 of 29 from the charity strike compared to just six attempts by the Dubs. On the other hand, the Warriors represent the new generation of the NBA reliant on the three-point shot. The defending champions kept the contest close because they made 21 of 53 three-pointers compared to only 6 of 25 for the Lakers. Heading into Game 2, the key for both teams is to impose their style of play while trying to limit the damage from the opponent. Yes, it is a classic contest of twos versus threes, and it will be an interesting trend to watch as this series continues.
2. How will the Warriors guard Anthony Davis? -Anthony Davis was dominant in Game 1 scoring 30 points, 23 rebounds, and five assists. The Warriors started the game by having Kevon Looney and Draymond Green try to slow down the man nicknamed the unibrow. However, the plan backfired with Davis torching his defenders by scoring 23 points on 9 for ten shooting in the first half. In the 4th quarter, the Warriors made the 14-0 run after employing a zone defense and playing a smaller lineup with Andrew Wiggins as the center. However, the Lakers nudged ahead because Lebron James began making passes to the center of the zone that stopped the bleeding. I think the Warriors will try to mix up the coverage by employing man-to-man, zone, and double teams to throw off AD. Ironically, Davis averaged 28 points in round 1 in odd-number games and close to 14 points in even-number games during the Grizzlies series. The Lakers coaching staff cannot tolerate such inconsistencies during this series in a favorable matchup, and it will be interesting to see the chess match play out on the court.
3. How will they get Steph to detonate? -Steph Curry delivered a virtuoso performance in Game 7 against the Kings to propel his team to victory. It was understandable that in 48 hours, he could not repeat that kind of performance against the more rested Lakers. In what many will consider a mediocre performance, Curry dropped 27 points including 10 for 24 from the field and 6 for 13 from the three-point distance. The Lakers are one of the best defensive teams in the league and proved in Game 1 in the way they guarded Curry. James Vanderbilt used his length to bother Steph, while Austin Reaves and Dennis Schroeder did not make it easy on the future Hall of Famer. Steph seemed to get into a rhythm when he became the primary ball handler instead of being face guarded by the Lakers defenders. If the Lakers continue to adopt a drop coverage where Anthony Davis chooses to remain in the paint on pick and rolls, Steph is poised to detonate in Game 2.
Warriors win 115-Lakers 109