The matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies lived up to the hype in Game 1. It had all the action you could hope for, including a Draymond Green ejection and a game-winning shot attempt by Ja Morant. Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, the layup attempt at the buzzer was unable to fall and the Warriors stole Game 1 by a score of 117-116.
The job is not done and the Warriors will surely continue to come in focused in Game 2. The victory was a massive blow to the Grizzlies' chances, especially with it occurring on their home court and with Green getting ejected. It is clear Golden State's sights are on the NBA title, and getting by this tenacious Memphis squad is the next step in this.
The Warriors are sure to be locked in moving forward, so here are three predictions for Game 2 in Memphis.
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Warriors predictions for Game 2 vs. Grizzlies
Stephen Curry explodes for 35+ points
The impressive play from several members of the Warriors has overshadowed how great Steph Curry is. There has been above-average play from several members of Golden State's roster, but this does not change the fact Curry is still the lifeblood of the team. From coming off the bench to being used as a distraction in offensive sets, it has been a fairly passive playoff performance so far for Curry.
This is sure to change at some point, and Game 2 may just be that time. The Grizzlies are expected to make some notable adjustments to give themselves a better chance to win. If Memphis can successfully make these adjustments, expect the Warriors to lean on their star to produce more. The gravity that Curry holds on every play is already a benefit, but expect him to be more assertive in creating his own shots.
Steph Curry has yet to score 35 or more points these playoffs, but that is sure to change. Curry's minutes limit is now out the window, so expect the two-time MVP to produce at a high level. It feels as if Curry is due for an explosion, and the bigger the stage the more ready he will be.
Draymond Green gets a triple-double
Game 1 surely did not go as planned for Draymond Green. The four-time All-Star was ejected from the game with 1:18 remaining in the first half. Green fouled Brandon Clarke as he rose up for a la-up and received a controversial flagrant 2:
Green is sure to want his revenge, so expect him to be fired up in this matchup. The Warriors were able to get the Game 1 win without him, but this does not change what a valuable role Green plays on the team. Expect Draymond to get back to his brand of basketball and confidently fill up the stat sheet. He had already tallied six points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals before the ejection in Game 1. Look for Draymond to finish the job and stay in for all four quarters of the second matchup.
Jonathan Kuminga does not play in Game 2
One of the biggest advantages that this Warriors roster has is its depth and versatility. Steve Kerr has not hesitated to give bench players a chance with the team in need of production. This has shown great success, but is a tactic that must also be tweaked at times.
With Draymond Green ejected in Game 1 and the Warriors dealing with some foul trouble, Kerr turned to rookie Jonathan Kuminga for 15 minutes. While the youngster handled himself pretty well given the circumstances, there was a moment late in the first half that saw Ja Morant give him the business and let him hear about it:
https://twitter.com/BlessedCloudz/status/1520955132439003137?s=20&t=ZtTq8Ku4DtR9erNdlNqBng
Asking Kuminga to guard Morant is tough. The 2021 seventh overall pick actually didn't see Morant much and mostly did okay when he was on him, but the Warriors would prefer not to get stuck in that matchup. With Draymond Green set to make his return to the lineup, there will not be as large of a need for defenders off the bench. Kuminga has embraced the role of defensive stopper, but shrinking the rotation is an adjustment Steve Kerr would be wise to make heading into Game 2. There is still a bright future in the NBA for the 19-year-old, but relying on him too much at this point is a lot and should only happen in case of emergency.
Both teams should be expected to bring their best effort in the second matchup. Game 1 was a brutal result for the Grizzlies, who gave a great effort and still lost in front of their home crowd. Going down 2-0 in the series before heading to Golden State would be a difficult spot to be in for Memphis. The Warriors are set to operate with this exact goal in mind, and Game 2 is set to be another thriller.
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