The Western Conference Finals is now knotted at one game apiece. The Golden State Warriors were beaten by the Houston Rockets, 127-105. The Warriors were seemingly outclassed and outmatched in every possession. According to Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, it was a loss they deserved.

As reported by Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Kerr said after the game:

In Game 2, the Rockets were obviously more hungry to get a win. Everyone was actively pursuing the ball, rotating quickly on the defensive end, and there was more activity on the offensive end. They retooled their offensive system — allowing more cuts to the hoop and off-ball movement rather than letting James Harden and Chris Paul initiate.

Post-game statistics reveal that five Rockets players scored in double figures. James Harden had 27 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. Eric Gordon also chipped in 27 points, as well as three rebounds, and two assists. He was 6-of-9 from downtown.

For the Warriors, it seems that Kevin Durant was the only one who showed up, scoring 38 points. Stephen Curry had a measly 16 points and was 1-of-8 from distance.

Heading into the series and in Game 1, the Rockets were the underdogs in the series. In Game 2, they showed exactly why they were the best team in the regular season. They proved they can match up with the Warriors. They've accomplished it in Game 2. Now they need to prove that their win wasn't a fluke.

The Warriors, meanwhile, have to prove that they really are the defending champions.