As I settled into my couch to watch Game 2 of the Warriors vs Rockets playoff series, I couldn't help but reflect on how basketball has truly become a global phenomenon. Just last year, while covering the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup, I witnessed firsthand how Philippine fans created an electric atmosphere that rivaled any NBA arena. That same international passion was palpable tonight as these two Western Conference giants clashed in what turned out to be a classic playoff battle.
The game started with both teams trading baskets, but I noticed early on that the Warriors were employing a defensive strategy we haven't seen much this season. They were switching everything, even putting Curry on Capela occasionally, which initially made me nervous. But you know what? It worked beautifully. Draymond Green's defensive leadership reminded me of those international tournaments where one veteran player can completely change a team's defensive identity. By the end of the first quarter, the Rockets were shooting just 38% from the field, and I found myself texting fellow analysts that this might be a different Warriors team than we've seen all season.
Then came the second quarter explosion from Klay Thompson that had me jumping off my couch. He scored 14 points in just under four minutes, including three consecutive three-pointers. What impressed me most wasn't just the shooting - we expect that from Klay - but his movement without the ball. He used screens like a veteran politician working a crowd, always finding the perfect angle to lose his defender. I've charted his movement patterns for years, and tonight he ran approximately 2.8 miles on offense alone, which is about 15% more than his season average. That extra effort created the spacing Golden State needed to build their lead.
James Harden tried to single-handedly keep Houston in the game, and my goodness, he nearly succeeded. His step-back three over Kevin Durant with 1:23 left in the third quarter was absolutely ridiculous - I've watched the replay six times and I still don't understand how he created that much separation. But here's where the Warriors' championship experience showed. Instead of panicking when Harden went on his personal 8-0 run, they stayed with their system. Steve Kerr made a subtle adjustment I loved - he started having Curry bring the ball up against Paul rather than waiting for half-court sets. This small change disrupted Houston's defensive rhythm and led to two easy baskets during a critical fourth-quarter stretch.
The turning point came with about seven minutes left in the game, and it wasn't one of those highlight-reel plays that will make SportsCenter. It was a defensive possession where Draymond Green correctly anticipated three consecutive passes, ultimately leading to a steal and fast-break opportunity. In my professional opinion, that single possession demonstrated why Golden State remains so dangerous in playoff basketball. Their defensive communication and basketball IQ are just on another level. I've studied the tracking data from similar situations throughout the season, and the Warriors force turnovers on approximately 18% of critical fourth-quarter possessions, which is about 5% higher than the league average.
What really surprised me was Houston's inability to adjust to Golden State's small-ball lineup down the stretch. Mike D'Antoni is usually brilliant with in-game adjustments, but tonight he seemed hesitant to match the Warriors' pace. The Rockets missed 12 of their final 15 three-point attempts, and I couldn't help but wonder if their reliance on analytics-based shooting cost them this game. Sometimes you need to attack the basket rather than settling for contested threes, especially when your shot isn't falling.
As the final buzzer sounded with Golden State winning 115-109, I found myself thinking about how this game exemplified modern NBA basketball at its finest. The international influence was everywhere - from the global television audience to the style of play that has evolved beyond American borders. Having covered basketball across three continents, I can confidently say that what we witnessed tonight represents where the sport is heading. The Warriors demonstrated that championship basketball requires both individual brilliance and collective intelligence, while the Rockets showed that even the most sophisticated systems need flexibility in critical moments. This series has suddenly become must-watch television, and I can't wait to see how both teams adjust for Game 3.