Before the NBA Finals tipped off the Golden State Warriors were already down their best player with Kevin Durant out with a right calf injury. However, they had an answer with the Splash Brothers reactivating. Trip? No trip! After they finished off Portland in a clean sweep I thought that they would easily sweep Toronto because they seemed to be a better team without KD. I know that it sounds crazy but it was true. The ball moved better and their rhythm was NUTS!!
After sitting for a week and a half waiting for the Finals to start they got carjacked in Game 1. That was understandable because Toronto was still in a rhythm. That’s why they call it Game 1 right? The Warriors managed to get out of Canada with a win in Game 2 to knot the series up 1-1. However, they got back on the plane even more snake bitten than they were flying in.
Boyz had already come to the conclusion that KD would probably miss the Finals festivities. So mentally they were prepared to absorb that. Now they’re dealing with a plethora of injuries that could make a huge difference the rest of the way. Klay Thompson exited Game 2 in the fourth quarter with a mild hamstring strain which could be a problem to their Splash Brothers persona the rest of the way. Even if he comes back he won’t be the same.
Andre’ Iguodala is dealing with a calf injury too and he’s no spring chicken. Ole boy’s 35 years old and it’s takes a little longer to shake off injuries than it did when he was in his twenties. Trust me on that.
Now Kevon Looney is out for the remainder of the Finals with a right upper body fracture of the first costal cartilage. He missed the second half of Game 2 but no one can seem to pin point when the injury occurred. The costal cartilage connects the sternum to the ribs so that’s got to hurt like crazy.
Therefore, Boogie Cousins will be asked to play way more than the Warriors anticipated him playing because he’s just now returning from injury as well. He gave them 28 minutes in Game 2 and played extremely well but can he continue to do that the rest of the way?
It’s becoming a perfect storm for Toronto to pull the upset now because unless the Warriors start pulling rabbits out of hats it’s going to be difficult for them to keep up the pace with key players in dress clothes. Game 3 is in Oakland on Wednesday. In my Terrell Owens voice, “Get Ya Popcorn Ready.” Stop me when I start lyin’!