NBA schedule and results: Warriors up 2-0 with dramatic win over Rockets

Through two games, it has basically been just that. There is a level these two competitors that has risen above all the other players in this series. Curry scored 34 and 33 points in consecutive games with 11 total three-pointers, while Harden came an assist short of a triple-double twice. Not to mention his own back-to-back scoring games of 28 and 38 points. So many expectations were heaped on these two preparing for this series, which usually foreshadows disappointment. Not so, here.

But, that’s why the final possessions for each team felt like betrayal. In the final six minutes of the fourth quarter, it had been all about the two superstars. Curry worked inside a couple of times and swished a couple jumpers that barely even touched the net. Harden went back to his basics and drew fouls, keeping his team in the game at the line and with a huge hammer dunk, too. It was all set up for a finish that suddenly turned disappointing.

The entire game was about the two MVPs trading blows back and forth. Harden, just like the regular season, fell short of Curry by a microscopic margin and that was all it took for the regular season’s best team to take a 2-0 lead. Give them an inch and the Warriors will pounce on you. They’ve done it all season and Thursday was no different.

For the game, Harden nearly recorded a triple double with 38 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, but it fell just shy of Curry’s 33 points, six assists and the several shots just like this down the stretch of the fourth quarter that were basically impossible to guard.

Warriors up by one. Game on the line. The Rockets grab the rebound, get it across half court with several seconds left to go. Then ... this:

Harden, your final play ... woof. In fairness, that was a HELL of a double team by the Warriors, but still. Yiiiiikes.

The Rockets seemed dead, but roared back and had the ball with under ten seconds to go, down one. They put the ball in James Harden’s hands ... and ... he ... well, let’s just say it didn’t go well. As Harden came off the court, he took out his frustration on some Oracle Arena decorations:

It’s not the curtains’ fault, James. It’s not the curtains’ fault. (It was Lil B’s.)

We’re not worthy, Steph. None of us are worthy.

We’re all witnesses, though. To Steph Curry destroying the playoffs.

Dwight Howard understands that discretion is the better part of valor.

Update: Steph liked it.

Maybe the league should force Steph to start playing wearing a blindfold or something. Maybe ankle weights. Maybe he can only play from the stands.

Nah, it still wouldn’t be fair.

Howard was in and out of the lineup during the regular season with knee issues. Fortunately, those affected his right knee, so there’s no risk he will aggravate that injury by playing in Game 2.

GET READY, WARRIORS.

NEXT STOP: FLAVOR TOWN

It was two of the game’s best players putting their talents on full display, and the result was one of the most pleasing basketball games of the postseason. This is the way basketball will increasingly be played in the future, with guys constantly swapping positions and a heavy emphasis on shooting. In the opener, it was a treat to watch.

This isn’t a series designed for those kinds of players, and it’s a glimpse into a future where slower big men will become increasingly obsolete. There will always be a place for rim protectors in the NBA, but this series underscores the necessity to have big men who can do that while stepping away from the basket and guarding other positions as well. Otherwise, a player like Bogut needs to be hidden for large stretches when the lineups go small.

Smith scored a playoff career-high 28 points in the win, and he got to those 28 points by knocking down eight three-pointers, a Cavaliers’ playoff franchise record. He shot 10-of-16 overall, nailing a variety of tough jumpers from all over the court. The 29-year-old made an impressive 6-of-9 contested shots, per SportVU.

Cleveland’s depth has come into question much of this season and especially of late with some of the injuries that have hit the team. However, the Cavaliers have gotten some sterling performances from their thin bench, with Smith providing consistent contributions since returning from his two-game suspension.