© Kyle Terada | 2019 Jun 2
The Warriors stole Game 2 of the NBA Finals 109-104 in dramatic fashion, with an unusual lineup coming up big in Toronto. It was no secret that Golden State came into this game a little banged up, but Sunday’s injuries took it to another level; allowing a few unlikely players to step up when the team needed it most.
Warriors play-by-play announcer Bob Fitzgerald came on the Murph & Mac Show Monday morning to discuss his thoughts on the teams’ huge victory.
“The game was won by DeMarcus Cousins, Andrew Bogut, and Quinn Cook,” Fitz said. “I mean they won the game. That incredible kick in with Klay (Thompson) hurt, (Kevon) Looney hurt, and Steph (Curry) out of sorts. I mean DeMarcus was magnificent, Bogut was excellent, and Quinn Cook was just something special with those three threes.”
It was a gritty win for Golden State. Fitzgerald went on to recognize the improbable second half effort it took for the Warriors to tie the series 1-1.
“You’re there because look at the fourth quarter; look who your leading scorers are. Steph and Klay did not score in the fourth quarter…Quinn Cook was your leading scorer and then you had guys with four points. Shaun (Livingston) had four, Quinn had six. It was an unbelievable fourth quarter that you have to hold on to win that game.”
Following an eventful Game 2, it will be interesting to see which lineup the Warriors will roll out come Wednesday night. Fitzgerald noted a few brief thoughts of what may happen in the future regarding Thompson and when Durant could make his return to the court.
“The question on Klay’s availability might make Wednesday a little more urgent [for KD].” Fitzgerald said.
However, the announcer wonders if it will really be worth rushing Durant back.
“If KD is only capable of only a small-minute cameo; do you do that, or do you try to gear him for Friday?”
Time will only tell what Steve Kerr chooses to do with the roster in Game 3 of the Finals. Now that the first two games are behind us, Fitzgerald looks forward to the Warriors playing their last few games in beloved Oracle Arena.
“It’s real as far as the final games at Oracle. It’s palpable now. This is it…I think the crowd will reflect that. They’ve had enough of Drake and “We the North.” We the town baby. Wednesday night that building should be ready to roll.”
Listen to the full interview below. To hear Fitz on Game 2, start from the beginning: