Event of the Day: Golden State Warriors versus LA Clippers
Our event of the day is game two of the NBA playoff series between the Golden State Warriors and the LA Clippers at Oracle Arena. The first game went the way of the Warriors, as many expected, with only a select few teams managing to win at the Oracle Arena this term. Golden State will certainly be eyeing a 2-0 series lead after tonight’s affair before they make the short trip to Los Angeles for the return fixtures. In a much less one-sided Western Conference, the Warriors still found a way to come out on top by notching 57 wins in the regular season. For large parts of the campaign, Steve Kerr had to contend with an injury-stricken squad, with key men such as Steph Curry and Draymond Green missing extended periods. Curry, the two-time MVP and three-time NBA champ is back fighting fit and has already proven he is ready to make the push for his fourth title. He leads his side in both the points and rebounds categories, dropping 38 points and grabbing 15 boards to boot in the last game. It is hardly a well-kept secret that Curry is integral to this Warriors outfit and high on the Clippers’ to do list will be finding a way to slow down the 31-year-old phenom. Doc Rivers won’t be completely disheartened by what he saw of his side last time out, with several players proving they can compete with the league’s very best.
Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell combined for 51 points and proved a handful for Golden State’s rearguard all night long. Slowing down the Warriors will certainly be on Rivers’ agenda, but his expectations will surely be loftier, emulating those of the fans, as he looks to rewrite Clippers’ history. Not only have they never won an NBA Championship, but the Clippers have never even competed in a conference finals series. After their one-year hiatus from the playoffs, they will be desperate to overcome one of the league’s toughest assignments in this series to prolong their postseason journey. It should be a great game in Oakland tonight.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Boston Marathon as the world’s oldest annual marathon gets underway. The runners will have to battle through the expected rainy conditions as organisers are preparing for a repeat of last year’s weather, but this will hardly slow down the runners or spectators who will be in for a treat whatever the weather! Elsewhere, Watford take on Arsenal to round off this weekend’s Premier League action with the Gunners desperate for a win to keep tabs on the top four places. Meanwhile, in the Indian Premier League, Mumbai Indians will do battle with Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium. There is also more playoff action to watch out for in the NBA as the Philadelphia 76ers will look to bounce back against the Brooklyn Nets after their surprising loss in game 1 at the Wells Fargo Center. The MLB season continues today as the Milwaukee Brewers host the St. Louis Cardinals whilst the Seattle Mariners take on the Cleveland Indians. Finally, the reigning NHL champs are in action as the Washington Capitals face the Carolina Hurricanes in game 3, with the hosts already two games to the good in the series.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by NBA