Warriors Eye 2-0 Lead, Cavs Set on Split Ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals
By Brendan Weber ••
Can the Warriors take a commanding lead or will the Cavaliers square things up? That's the question entering Game 2 of the NBA Finals Sunday evening.
Golden State's Kevin Durant and Steph Curry lit up Cleveland for 66 combined points in Game 1 en route to a 113-91 blowout.
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TV personalities Kourtney Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian attend Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on June 9, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio.
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers speaks with Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors prior to Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California.
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers watches warm-ups before the Golden State Warriors take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Comedian Chris Rock watches the game during the first half in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: (L-R) Recording artists Snoop Dogg and E-40 attend Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finalsbetween the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: (R) Actor Chris Rock attends Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Recording artist Jay-Z attends Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California.
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Recording artist Jay-Z attends Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California.
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Recording artist Rihanna attends Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California.
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Recording artist Rihanna attends Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California.
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Recording artists Rihanna and Jay-Z attend Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California.
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Professional poker player Phil Hellmuth watches the first half of Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California.
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Musician Carlos Santana plays the National Anthem prior to Game 2 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 4, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri takes a selfie shot with E-40 at the Game 2 NBA Finals at Oakland Coliseum. (June 4, 2017)
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Chef Ryan Lopez, a personal chef to Golden State Warriors Kevin Durant. (June 4, 2017)
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Von Miller of the Denver Broncos watches warm ups prior to Game 2 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 4, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Von Miller of the Denver Broncos watches warm ups prior to Game 2 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 4, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Comedian Dave Chappelle attends Game 2 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 4, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Footballer Neymar Jr attends Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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British celebrity chef Gordon James Ramsey (June 4, 2017)
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American restaurateur, author, game show host, chef, and television personality Guy Fieri at Game 2 of the NBA Finals in Oakland California. (June 5, 2017)
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California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and his wife, filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom at Game 2 of the NBA Finals in Oakland, California. (June 2, 2017)
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TV personalities Kris Jenner, Khloe Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian attend Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on June 9, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio.
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TV personality Khloe Kardashian attends Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on June 9, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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Dwyane Wade of the Chicago Bulls attends Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on June 9, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Odell Beckham Jr. of the New York Giants watches the first half of Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena on June 9, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Heading into Game 2 at Oracle Arena, Golden State appears to have the edge. According to ESPN, the Warriors have a 78 percent chance to protect their home court and take a 2-0 series lead before the series shifts to Cleveland.
Despite suffering the rout, the Cavaliers are expected to make some adjustments, namely transition defense, paint protection and ball protection. Cleveland was outscored 27-9 in fast break points, 56-30 in the paint and coughed up the basketball 20 times to Golden State's four in Game 1. The Cavs are also looking for some production from anyone not named LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. That's because the rest of Cleveland's lineup tallied 24 points on just 7-for-31 shooting.
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Golden State Warriors celebrate outside of Oracle Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the NBA Finals by a score of 129-120 to win the NBA Championship. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Golden State Warriors celebrate outside of Oakland City Hall on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the NBA Finals by a score of 129-120 to win the NBA Championship. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Golden State Warriors fans react as they watch game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Goldens State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers during a watch party at Era Art Bar and Lounge on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors lead the Cleveland Cavaliers 3 games to 1. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: A Golden State Warriors fan cheers on her team against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: A Golden State Warriors fan climbs a light pole as he celebrates outside of Oakland City Hall on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the NBA Finals by a score of 129-120 to win the NBA Championship. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Golden State Warriors fans celebrate outside of Oakland City Hall on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the NBA Finals by a score of 129-120 to win the NBA Championship. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Golden State Warriors fans celebrate outside of Oakland City Hall on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the NBA Finals by a score of 129-120 to win the NBA Championship. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Golden State Warriors fans celebrate outside of Oakland City Hall on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the NBA Finals by a score of 129-120 to win the NBA Championship. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Golden State Warriors celebrate outside of Oracle Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the NBA Finals by a score of 129-120 to win the NBA Championship. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Loris Lu Perrone
What could be sweeter? A Golden State Warriors celebration cake!
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Fans take photographs outside the arena prior to Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
Sarah Chang
All in the family: Warriors fans getting ready for Game 5 on Monday.
Michelle Delos Reyes
Pregame refreshments ready in one Dub Nation household.
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A Golden State Warriors fan takes a selfie in front of the arena before Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on June 9, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Karen McDonough
A dog sports some love for the Golden State Warriors (June 9, 2017)
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Warriors fans show their colors during in Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Cavs on Sunday night at Oracle Arena. (June 4, 2017)
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Fans celebrate after the Warriors' win over the Cavs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night at Oracle Arena. (June 4, 2017)
Warriors fans celebrate after the team's big win over the Cavs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night at Oracle Arena. (June 4, 2017)
evanuimanuia
Warrior Game Face
alinacurlz
Happy 1st day of NBA finals!
Kelly Lim
Longtime Golden State Warriors fans Kelly and Kira Lim take a selfie snapshot at the Warriors vs. Spurs Playoffs, Game One at the Oracle Arena in Oakland. (May 14, 2017)
taytay_2009
Put Me In Coach, I'm Ready
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O.co Coliseum
Sherry Polk
This youngest and cutest Warriors fan is wearing her "Warriors Girl" onesie with Dubnation Pride! (June 4, 2017)
Teresa Marzan
Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
Teresa Marzan
Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
Chrissy Raquedan
The Ulpindo Family celebrates their baby shower theme: Golden State Warriors! In time, for the NBA Finals; Golden State Warriors versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
Darren Wong
Darren and his daughter were at Warriors vs Cleveland game 2 and met the Dance Mom!
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Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
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Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
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Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
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Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
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Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
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Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
the_stanleycup
Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
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Fans celebrate Golden State Warriors win Game 2 Finals versus Cleveland Cavaliers. (June 4, 2017)
Tai Nguyen
92 yrs old and loves her some Curry! (June 5, 2017)
Chase Manning - cjmanning@me.com
Leila Reese, the biggest little fan killing you with cuteness. #DubNation (June 7, 2017)
Craig McPherson
Dub fan shows off his hat and t-shirt. (June 12, 2017)
Yamileh Serrano
Cutest boys wearing their Golden State Warriors gear. (June 12, 2017)
Edie Coronado
A family wearing their royal blue for Golden State Warrriors. (June 12, 2017)
The Warriors' task is simple: repeat Game 1. Golden State bested Cleveland in key stat lines such as shooting percentage (42.5 percent to 34.9 percent), assists (31 to 15) and steals (12 to 0).
Heading into Game 2, Golden State already received some positive news. Steve Kerr, who has missed the last 11 games dealing with back issues, will return to coach.
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 01: The Golden State Warriors celebrate the play against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 01: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a play in Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California.
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 01: Draymond Green #23 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors react after a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 01: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors is defended by LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 01: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors drives with the ball against LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 01: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts from the bench in Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 01: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 01: JaVale McGee #1 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California.
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 01: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts from the bench in Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California.
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 01: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors goes up for a shot against Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California.
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 01: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes up for a shot against the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 1, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Kyle Terada/Pool/Getty Images)
NBC Bay Area will be at Game 2 to cover the game, the fans and celebrity appearances.
