The reigning champions Golden State Warriors handily dealt with Sacramento in the seventh game of their first-round series, which means a classic 21st-century clash between Stephen Curry and LeBron James in the second round of the playoffs Game 2. Who will be able to pick up the first game?
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors had a tough first round against Sacramento. Kerr’s former assistant played a classic Golden State style of basketball for the Kings and caused the Warriors a lot of trouble. Nevertheless, Sacramento could only reach the decisive game, in which they lost by a score of 100:120. In addition to advancing the Warriors to the second round, Game 7 marked the seventh all-time playoff record – Steph Curry scored 50 points.
Los Angeles Lakers
It’s too early to write off LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, winning their six games and taking the decisive game by 40 points, 125:85. LeBron had 22 points and six assists. At the same time, D’Angelo Russell was the most productive player (31 points). Overall, Russell averaged 16.7 points per game in his series with Memphis, while James had 22.2. Austin Reeves had 16.5. Anthony Davis had 20.8 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 4.3 blocked shots.
Tips of The Game
Golden State has a home-court advantage in this series, so the Lakers must win at least once in their first away games. Darwin Ham’s team seems to have an excellent chance of doing so, given the extra days of preparation and the challenging seventh game Golden State had to play in the first round against Sacramento. We’re betting on the Lakers here, as well as an underwhelming matchup, again, considering the Warriors’ fatigue and Anthony Davis’ excellent defensive work.
