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Game 2 of the NBA Finals was the perfect opportunity for LeBron James and the Cavaliers to prove they’re on the same playing field with Kevin Durant’s Golden State Warriors, but for a second straight game it almost felt like the two teams were playing a different sport.
Just like in Game 1 the Warriors dominated the affair, but their scoring numbers were much more efficient. The team shot nearly 52 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from three. Kevin Durant led all scorers with 33 points, as well as 13 rebounds, six assists, five blocks and three steals. James led the way for Cleveland with 29 points and 14 rebounds.
Perhaps the most exciting part of the evening was the fact that Warriors head coach Steve Kerr returned to the bench after missing 11 games due to back problems.
For the Cavaliers perspective on the loss, check out the recap from Fear The Sword. Golden State of Mind has you covered from the jubilant Warriors fanbase.
Here’s what else happened on Sunday:
Furkan Korkmaz is traveling to Philadelphia
A report from David Pick says that the Sixers first-round pick in 2016 will be traveling to Philadelphia to discuss whether he’ll come over this season or stay in Turkey. Korkmaz does have an out clause in his contract, but his buyout is worth a reported $2 million. According to Larry Coon’s CBA FAQ, the Sixers can only contribute $675,000 towards Korkmaz’s buyout. The 19-year-old’s willingness to pay the remaining balance out of his own pocket will play a large role in whether or not he joins the Sixers this upcoming year.
The Sixers are hosting their first pre-draft workout today
The Sixers are bringing in their first group of six draft prospects to go through some drills and play a little three-on-three. According to the team, the group will be Colorado’s Derrick White, Kentucky’s Isaiah Briscoe, Maryland’s Melo Trimble, Tennessee State’s Tahjere McCall, George Washington’s Tyler Cavanaugh and Middle Tennessee State’s Reggie Upshaw. Upshaw is a last minute replacement for Weber State’s Jeremy Senglin.
White is a potential late first-round pick, while Briscoe and Trimble are potential second rounders. The rest are expected to be undrafted free agents.
3-on-3 basketball to be added for Tokyo Olympics in 2020 - Pro Basketball Talk
Every four years the International Olympic Committee looks to add sports to the games (or remove some), and for Tokyo in 2020 it looks like 3-on-3 basketball will make the cut. The final vote is next Friday.
It’s a pretty frenetic version of the game because of the 12-second shot clock and the fact that play never stops — after a made basket the team that gave up the bucket gets the ball and clears it out to the arc then can instantly start. There’s no make-it-and-take-it rule, and the ball does not have to be checked before play starts.
Sounds awesome. More international basketball competitions are never a bad thing, and this one looks like it could be a ton of fun. Who’s the most effective three man unit from the U.S.? I’d probably take the Warriors core of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green. All your bases are covered there. Every game would be a blowout.
This is the most annoying debate in the history of sports, and I hate the fact that this will likely be argued for centuries to come. For those of you who are into this mind numbing and pointless conversation, Rodger Sherman does a good job of presenting the facts. Let’s just acknowledge greatness, okay?
Not a good look for the former Lakers guard and Knicks head coach. His girlfriend, Gloria Govan, the former wife of Warriors forward Matt Barnes, was also in the vehicle. Just another reason for Barnes to want to fight Fisher. Luckily nobody was hurt. Call an Uber next time.