Cleveland Cavaliers: 2017 NBA Finals Game 2 Review

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Jun 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) with Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second half in game two of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Durant outplayed LeBron James again

Kevin Durant has been the best player in the Finals. Durant outplayed LeBron James again but not as drastically as he did in the Finals’ first game.

LeBron was outplaying Durant in the first half. It was clear that LeBron knew he had to be the best player on the court for the Cavaliers to have a chance of evening the series at one game apiece. He was in attack mode in the first half, getting to the rim at will. Not only was it extremely impressive to watch, but it was extremely effective.

LeBron was going 100 miles per hour, which ended up being detrimental in the second half. Not even King James can play at that type of pace for 48 minutes.

LeBron looked exhausted in the second half, which is when he switched his style from attack mode to facilitator mode. That allowed him to record a triple-double, but his facilitating style wasn’t helping his team.

LeBron is one of the best facilitators in NBA history, but his teammates weren’t giving him the help that he needed. He’ll need to be in attack mode for an entire game for the Cavaliers to have a chance to win, so they’ll have to slow down the pace to help LeBron to not tire in the third quarter like he did in Game 2.

Durant was in attack mode too, but his style isn’t as exhausting as LeBron’s. Durant can rely on his teammates more, and was attacking by knocking down jump shots.

Durant scored a game-high 33 points on 13-22 shooting from the field. When Durant’s shot is going in, he’s almost unstoppable. The Cavaliers will need to find a way to slow down Durant in Cleveland if they want to hold serve at home. But that’s easier said than done, especially because Durant has a better supporting cast than LeBron that he can depend on. Both superstars had fantastic games but Durant played slightly better than King James.