The Golden State Warriors have a chance to redeem themselves, though this isn't the way to talk after having a chance to win Game 1. The San Antonio Spurs have all the swagger and advantage heading into Game 2 because the Warriors will be too paranoid and will never feel comfortable with any lead.
There are certain elements outside of skill and talent when it comes to sports. This series will be filled with head games. The Warriors can jump out to the biggest lead they want and it won't bother San Antonio. Not only are the Spurs the veterans who can close out games, but they now know that Golden State can't close out a ball game. Mark Jackson, Golden State's coach, knows all too well about comebacks as he saw for teammate Reggie Miller put away the New York Knicks 18 years ago. It was all head games. 18 years later, the minds of the Warriors, no matter what they say, will remind them of their Game 1 debacle.
One recommendation, if possible, would be for the Warriors' Stephen Curry to turn it up on the fourth quarter. He needs Clay Thompson on the floor and Harrison Barnes to knock down shots. That's one thing, no matter what happens on the floor, the Warriors will either shoot their way into the lead or shoot themsevels out of a game.
Manu Ginobili seemed shocked in all his interviews. He probably couldn't believe they had survived a 16-point deficit with only four minutes to play. He was shocked that the Warriors had blown their defense scheme as time was winding down in the 2nd OT and he was left wide open.
All in all, because of the Game 1 result, this young Warriors team will simply be haunted for the rest of the series. Yes, they came back from Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets, but they never had a big lead and they trailed for most of it. It was shocking that they fought in Game 1 against the Nuggets and made it close. They almost blew a double-digit lead at home in Game 6 and they follow it up with a loss to the Spurs in Game 1. It's not good for the mental aspect of the game.
The good news for Warriors nation, the team is young. The Oklahoma City Thunder went through the same trial and tribulations at the start of their run, improving little by little. The Spurs are healthy, skilled, well coached and more importantly, experienced. Had the Warriors won Game 1 then prediction would have still had the Spurs in 6.
Again, if the Warriors are to win in this series, they need Curry to turn on the fire in the fourth quarter. The Warriors seem to do a great job pressuring the other team instead of being the ones pressured to hold a comeback.
Game 2 Final Score: 98-91 Spurs. It should be another great game.
