Klay Thompson scored 29 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 62-43 halftime lead over the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on Wednesday night.
Warriors vs. Spurs score update, Game 2: Klay Thompson’s red-hot shooting propels Dubs to 62-43 lead at the half
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson for 42 points through two frames, with Thompson going unconscious to put early pressure on the Spurs.
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Thompson was unstoppable, going 11-of-18 from the field and an amazing 7-of-8 from the three-point line, adding six rebounds and three steals in the process. Stephen Curry only needed to be a complementary player with 13 points on 4-of-9 shooting.
The best backcourt in the league was true to form from the onset. Curry and Thompson combined for 23 points in the first 12 minutes, while the rest of the team scored five. It was enough to build a 28-23 lead as the Spurs shot a dismal 34.8 percent. The Warriors were in control throughout the quarter, but the Spurs mitigated their poor shooting with nine second-chance points off seven offensive rebounds in the quarter.
In the second, it was the Thompson show, where he hit 5-of-6 from the three-point line and 6-of-8 overall. His 29 total points were the most in a half in playoff history against a Gregg Popovich-coached Spurs team.
Before the game, SB Nation's own Satchel Price wrote a great preview for Game 2. Let's revisit some questions he had through two frames:
1. Can Steph Curry keep rolling?
To be young again! Curry showed few ill effects after playing a career-high 58 minutes on Monday. He was still able to shoot a high percentage from the field while creating his own shot. It didn’t hurt that Thompson was keeping defenders honest by stretching the floor with a masterful performance.
If the Spurs want to stop Curry and Thompson in the second, they’ll need to improve their team defense with better communication and by knowing where the two superstars are on the court at all times.
The biggest remaining question is: Can they keep it going for another 24 minutes?
2. Will Spurs’ experience win out?
Their experience is manifesting as age at this point, as they are getting outrun and outgunned by the fleet-of-foot Warriors. They are taking care of the basketball and rebounding at a reasonable mark with nine offensive boards, but Golden State is getting easy looks inside through dribble penetration and kick-outs.
The Spurs shot just 37.2 percent in the first half.
Despite the issues on offense, the Spurs’ ability to execute on both ends will give them a chance to come back in the second half. If the Warriors want to steal Game 2, they’ll need to work for all four quarters.
if they don’t keep track of Curry and Thompson, however, it will be a long night.
3. Can Andrew Bogut be a difference maker?
Andrew Bogut's done exactly what he needed to at this point -- rebound like crazy on the defensive end and give the Warriors as many possessions as possible to keep feeding the hot shooters. Bogut has eight boards and two assists to go along with four points, and that's been enough production for the Dubs to take a commanding lead.
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