Western Conference Finals - Game 2: Spurs defeat Warriors, 122-111 (2-0)

Steph Curry played a great game, but the Spurs spoiled his night.

In dramatic fashion, after a remarkable defense by San Antonio to hold the smallest of leads, in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, Steph Curry took over this game and made everyone believe it was about to turn into a home victory, until a terrible turnover took place, an unbelievable shot went in by Kawhi Leonard, and then, well--another one.

The crowd fell silent.

It began with the Spurs going up by 11 points after the first quarter, out-shooting the Warriors. Steph was far more aggressive out of the starting block, unlike in Game 1. However, before long, the Spurs proved to be too strong and Curry began to force shots from way out ('Wow!' shots he's made in the past, mind you), giving the defending champions opportunity to increase it to a 20 point advantage. The Warriors would rally back here and there, but the Kawhi Leonard would hit a shot at the buzzer going into the final period, his team up 94-82. A furious pace had set the outcome in this game, despite Golden State struggling to score a high amount in the first half.

Chef Curry would hit a huge 3PTer, like he does so well, to tie the game as San Antonio had previously clutched a hair-thin lead in the final minutes--all NBA fans on pins and needles for this one, completing the comeback to knot the score at 111-all. The cherry-on-top (unfortunately so) appeared to be an ankle twist for Patty Mills, who had to be pulled from the game. The Spurs plan to rest him in Game 3, back in San Antonio. This comeback was preceded by a block on Tony Parker by Draymond Green.

Then, Curry lost the ball, hounded by Tony Parker and Pau Gasol. A mad scramble took place, the ball rolling out of bounds--last touch by Stephen Curry. Iman Shumpert would catch an inbound pass from Kawhi Leonard (36 points, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals) for an awesome dunk. Then Shumpert would steal the ball on the next possession for yet another jam. The lead was now back to 4 points.

And it only got worse.

The inbound to Kawhi Leonard would cause Durant to foul him on a 3PT shot attempt. Leonard, falling out of bounds, would somehow make this shot, increasing the Spurs lead to seven after an even score in less than seven game-time seconds. Klay Thompson would miss a 3PTer after yet another timeout by Golden State (its final one), only for Leonard to bury the Warriors with a final bomb from long range. The Spurs went up 122-111, in a matter of mere seconds. In those few seconds, the Warriors went from having the Spurs on the brink of a 1-1 split to falling to a 0-2 hole, going back to the opponent's home turf.

It goes to show...anything can happen in the NBA.

In the heartbreaking loss, Curry finished with 29 points and 17 assists (including seven threes), but 9 ominous turnovers. Andre Iguodala had 18 points to Kevin Durant's meager 17 points (0-2 3PT%) and Klay Thompson's putrid 13-point showing. The rookie Jordan Bell just missed a double-double with 10 points and 9 rebounds. For the Spurs, Pau Gasol was a big part of this win: 27 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks. Jeremy Lamb was a nice spark (after struggling so far in the playoffs) with 10 points. Before his injury, Patty Mills had 18 points. The Spurs shot 41% from 3PT territory, whereas the Warriors went 9-30.

Tonight proved to be the type of inspiration that a team without Rudy Gay needed to press onward. Going into Game 3, the Spurs have a bonafide chance to take total control in this series.