Warriors' adjustments pay off in Game 2 blowout of Lakers - ESPN

SAN FRANCISCO — Ahead of Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Warriors coach Steve Kerr sat at the podium during his pregame news conference touting his confidence in his team.

Coming off a Game 1 loss, Kerr said he believed in the Warriors' ability to make the correct adjustments needed and bounce back.

Golden State followed its coach's words and overwhelmingly beat the Lakers 127-100 to tie the series at one game apiece.

The Warriors' major adjustment in Game 2 was going small, removing Kevon Looney from the starting lineup and replacing him with JaMychal Green.

Green as Looney's replacement came as some surprise, but the Warriors accomplished what they set out to do — get out in transition and push the pace.

«It's using our strengths to our advantage,» Stephen Curry said. «You have to give up something. So as long as we're decisive and our floor is spaced properly, usually can find a good shot, and then you've just got to knock them down.»

Starting Green was a decision made for two reasons: One was to keep the floor spacing by having more of a shooter. The other was to keep somewhat of a bigger body on the floor to combat the Lakers' size, instead of another guard such as Jordan Poole or Donte DiVincenzo — two players the Warriors often go to when starting small.

«With Loon not being in the lineup, we knew we needed some dog out there, and he stepped up for us in a big way,» Draymond Green said.

Lakers forward LeBron James added, «JaMychal gave them big time. Those 12 minutes felt like 24 minutes, 30 minutes. He was big time for their team in the starting role tonight, too.»

Draymond Green said it was the Warriors' defense that fueled their offense — a pillar of Golden