(CNN Philippines, June 6) — Does defense really win championship?
It looks like the Golden State Warriors are on their way to proving this old sports adage after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers, 132-113, to take a 2-0 series advantage on Monday at the Oracle Arena.
The Warriors have limited the Cleveland Cavaliers to under 40 percent from the field so far in the NBA Finals.
For reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Steph Curry, Golden State is playing on a higher level defensively so far.
“I think the biggest thing for us is our defense has been amazing. Playing with a lot of energy, playing smart, trying to make them work for everything that they get,” said Curry.
“I think we have done a lot of things well. But we haven’t put together — every category hasn’t been great at the same time,” he added.
Golden State is now riding on the longest winning streak in playoffs history with 14 victories
Curry notched his first-ever triple double in the playoffs after tallying 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists for Golden State.
According to Curry, it is his responsibility to generate more possessions for his squad in the next game in order to gain more positive results.
“Obviously did a lot of other great things and tried to impact the game across the board, other than just scoring and a total team effort tonight with how we played and withstood their first punch coming out of the first quarter,” Curry said.
“So a lot of positives. That’s one thing I need to correct going into Game 3, give ourselves more possessions, and good things will happen,” he said.
Curry added that they are all glad to see coach Steve Kerr back on the bench.
Kerr has not been out since April 19 due to complications on the back surgery he underwent nearly two years ago.
“To see him back on the bench was huge,” Curry said.
Game 3 of the Finals is set on Thursday (Manila time) at the Quicken Loans Arena in Ohio.
