Spurs vs. Warriors, Game 2 recap, reactions: Torched by Klay Thompson

The San Antonio Spurs didn’t have an answer for Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, and they now find themselves in an 0-2 hole against the defending champion Golden State Warriors.

After a disheartening 21-point defeat in Game 1, there wasn’t much the San Antonio Spurs could do worse. For much of the first half of Game 2, it seemed like the silver and black had gotten the message. Head coach Gregg Popovich inserted Rudy Gay into the starting lineup in an effort to give the first team an offensive spark, and LaMarcus Aldridge played fearless basketball to keep the Spurs in the game early, but an offensive explosion by Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson again left San Antonio reeling in the second half.

San Antonio looked much better from the opening tip. Draymond Green picked up two quick fouls and earned a seat on the bench for much of the first quarter, allowing Aldridge to pick apart the Warriors remaining frontcourt, and the Silver and Black took care of the ball while forcing turnovers on the defensive end to keep the game even. In another lineup change, Popovich inserted Bertans earlier in Game 2, and he hit a three-pointer to put the Spurs up by 2 to end the quarter. The Spurs remained competitive in the second, and strong play by Aldridge, Gay, and Pau Gasol allowed them to take a 7-point lead into halftime.

Some ? images from the 1st half #GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/GH3ZtXkivV

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 17, 2018

The Warriors came out in the third quarter with a sense of urgency — although Aldridge continued to dominate in the post, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson caught fire and combined for 18 points to help the Warriors outscore the Spurs 33-22 in the quarter and take a 5-point lead into the final period. Things only got worse from there, as San Antonio was entirely unable to find an answer for Klay Thompson, who continued his hot shooting from Game 1 and notched 16 points in the fourth quarter. The Warriors destroyed the scoring differential, 69-45, to close out the game and take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.

LaMarcus Aldridge has the third game with 30+ points and 10+ rebounds the postseason, joining Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

— Jordan Howenstine (@AirlessJordan) April 17, 2018

Respect to LaMarcus Aldridge for this effort

— InsideHoops.com NBA (@InsideHoops) April 17, 2018

Aldridge led the way with 34 points and 12 rebounds, and Patty Mills added 21 points. For the Warriors, Kevin Durant scored 32 points and 6 rebounds and Klay Thompson added 31, and held the Spurs to 4-28 three-point shooting on the night.

Final from Oakland. pic.twitter.com/V48ncrz4LA

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 17, 2018

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The Spurs will return to San Antonio to try and even the series on their home court. Game 3 is at 8:30 p.m. CST on Thursday night.