Game 2 is right back on Warriors Ground as Dubs host the Rockets Tuesday night.
Game 2: Warriors vs. RocketsTuesday, April 307:30 p.m.Oracle Arena
WATCH: TNT
RADIO: 95.7 The Game, ESPNR, Warriors Mobile App and Warriors Radio Network
KEEP THAT SAME ENERGY
The Dubs held it down on Warriors Ground on Sunday against the Houston Rockets, with hopes to carry that same energy into Game 2. The team maintained a competitive edge throughout, with the Dubs' dynamic defense holding off the Rockets' diligent backcourt. On Tuesday, the Warriors will host the Rockets at home again for Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
LAST TIME OUTThe Dubs held off the Rockets in the final seconds of Sunday’s game, taking a 104-100 victory and 1-0 series lead. » Full Recap
MATCHUP AT A GLANCE
LAST GAME'S STARTERS
GSW: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green
HOU: Chris Paul, James Harden, Eric Gordon, PJ Tucker and Clint Capela
INJURY & ROSTER NOTES
GSW: Damian Jones (left pectoral surgery) and DeMarcus Cousins (torn right quad) are out. Team Notes
HOU: None. Team Notes
GOOD TIMING FOR GREAT DEFENSESince the start of the playoffs, the Warriors’ have been turning up the defense on their opponents. Draymond Green thus far has averaged nearly two blocks, while three other Warriors — Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Andre Iguodala — have joined him in getting on average at least one per game. Those same Dubs have averaged one steal per contest, and Stephen Curry has added at least 1.1 per game as well. These stat lines are an improvement from the regular season when only three of the active Dubs were above the one-steal plateau, and just two of them had at least one block per game. The collective effort translated to holding both the Los Angeles Clippers, the second best three-point shooting team, and Houston Rockets, who made the most treys this season, to shooting percentages under their regular season averages; the Warriors kept the Clippers to shooting almost two and a half percent lower in both the field goals and three pointers in their series, and the Rockets to 29.8 percent from beyond the arc in Game 1, 5.8 percent lower than during season. The individual and team contributions on defense could not have better timing as the Warriors progress through the playoffs.
TEAM PLAYOFF LEADERS
HOUSTON SCOUTING REPORTDespite a well-organized defensive effort by the Warriors, Harden was still able to put up a 35-point night at Oracle Arena by getting to the free throw line 14 times, and Eric Gordon produced 27 points of his own. Though the two posted 62 of the Rockets’ 100 points, Harden and Gordon shot well below their season averages of 36.8 and 36 percent from beyond the arc, respectively, so there is a chance they add to those scoring totals if they become more efficient in Game 2. Center Clint Capela, who averaged 16.6 points and 12.7 rebounds during the regular season, may also seek to be more active on Wednesday after an unusually quiet 27 minutes of play with just four points and six rebounds. Houston collected 14 steals as a team as they found success in pressuring the Warriors into 20 turnovers though, so they will seek to continue capitalizing on those opportunities.