The Golden State Warriors have moved into a commanding position in the NBA Finals with a 110-77 romp over the Cleveland Cavaliers, with the defending champions easing to victory in front of a delighted home crowd.
Golden State Warriors MVP Stephen Curry Photo: Photosport
Draymond Green was the latest Warrior to shine as the team's All-Star backcourt was afforded another quiet game, the power forward scoring a game-high 28 points as Golden State opened a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
MVP Stephen Curry recorded 18 points and nine rebounds but played just 25 minutes and spent much of the night cheering from the bench while his team ran rampant against a lethargic and outclassed opposition.
Cleveland's misery was compounded in the third quarter when forward Kevin Love was forced to leave the game feeling dizzy, after taking a blow to the head in the second quarter.
Cavaliers talisman LeBron James finished with 19 points, nine assists and eight rebounds - but did not play in the fourth quarter, once the Warriors had opened a big lead by the end of the third.
The Cavaliers return home to Cleveland for Game Three on Wednesday, when they will try to make their first telling impact in what has been a disappointing mismatch to date.
The Cavaliers were supposed to be better prepared for a finals rematch with the Warriors as they entered healthier and more talented than the hobbling team that lost 4-2 a year ago, but they have been destroyed in the opening two contests.
Golden State have now beaten Cleveland seven straight times, dating back to last season's finals.
The latest match-up was all but decided midway through the third, when Curry went to the bench due to foul trouble and with the Warriors leading by 10.
Golden State barely missed a beat and pushed the lead to 20 heading to the fourth - and never looked back.
- Reuters
