NBA Finals: Key Takeaways from Cavaliers vs. Warriors Game 2

Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors on Sunday might not have been the prettiest game of basketball ever played, but it's hard to argue that it wasn't among the most compelling. We learned a lot about both teams as LeBron James led the Cavs to an unexpected 95-93 overtime victory over the Warriors.

This series was supposed to be over the moment we received the news that Cleveland point guard Kyrie Irving would need surgery to repair a fractured kneecap, reported by the league's official site. Without Irving and fellow All Star Kevin Love, Golden State's coronation was merely a formality.

Even if only for one night, James made it clear he will not be going quietly into the night. James notched his fifth career NBA Finals triple double, going for 39 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists. When he needed it, help was there, mostly in the form of Matthew Dellavedova.

Replacing Irving in the starting lineup, and often shadowing Stephen Curry, Dellavedova appeared to be all over the place during Game 2. A clutch offensive rebound followed by two free throws in overtime put the Cavaliers up for good.

As for Curry, it was not his finest hour. As always, the jumpers rained from the league MVP, but this time, they didn't splash through the net. Curry went just 5-for-23 from the field, including 2-for-15 from three-point range en route to an uncharacteristically inefficient 19 points.

What did we learn from Game 2?

LeBron James Is Still Evolving as a Player

The greatest players continue adding wrinkles to their games up until they call it quits. We saw it from Michael Jordan, we’ve seen it from Kobe Bryant and we’re now seeing it from LeBron. Sunday night, though, we saw a deeper side to King James.

Emotion.

As the final second ticked away and he spiked the ball into the court, it became clear that LeBron had dragged his Cavaliers to victory through sheer force of will. He explained what he was feeling in that moment to CBS Sports’ Ken Berger:

"Everything. It was just a culmination of the game, the circumstances, us being undermanned, you name it. Not relief, because I'm never relieved until it's over, but there was a great satisfaction in that moment."

The last time LeBron’s Cavs were overmatched in the playoffs, he walked off the court overcome with frustration. This time around, the prevailing emotion was determination.

Will it be enough to drive Cleveland to three more victories?

It’s Steph Curry’s Turn to Grow

Of anything that could’ve happened to Curry during Game 2, this graphic from ESPN is probably the last thing anyone would’ve predicted:

Sometimes, the jumper just doesn’t fall. No one is immune from bad nights.

But Curry’s real problem was his inability to find a way to impact the game beyond scoring. He managed just five assists and zero steals. His six turnovers equaled his playoff high.

According to ESPN’s Tom Haberstroh, the Warriors’ ball movement was at its worst on Sunday night.

That’s not all on Curry’s shoulders, but he’s the point guard and MVP. Starting with Game 3, it’s time for him to step up, run the offense and lead his team.

Cleveland’s Other Guys Will Have Their Say in the Outcome of the Finals

Despite JR Smith’s best efforts to blow the game, Cleveland’s role players won their battle against their Golden State counterparts on Sunday night.

Filling in for Kyrie Irving, Dellavedova was immense in guarding Curry. Timofey Mozgov scored 17 points on only eight field-goal attempts. The depleted Cavs bench outscored the Warriors’ unit 21-17.

One need only look at Warriors head coach Steve Kerr to realize just how important the “other guys” are in the Finals. Whoever steps up in Game 3 and beyond might be the player responsible for the deciding the series.