Three takeaways from the LA Clippers’ historic Game 2 victory
Home-court advantage shifts to the LA Clippers
Perhaps the most important development to come from Monday night’s game is what the win means to the series. Tied 1-1, both teams will travel to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4 — and if the LA Clippers win just one of those games, the series will return to STAPLES Center for a Game 6 as well.
Because of one game, home-court has shifted in favor of the Clippers. Assuming the series goes the distance (which it likely won’t, but we’d be fools to bet against this team now), three more games will be played in Los Angeles, compared to two in Oakland.
That being said, no one should expect either of the two upcoming games to be gimmes, or for the Clippers to be favored to win either of them. The Golden State Warriors tied the NBA’s best road record this season at 27-14, which is a full game better than LA’s 26-15 record at home.
Expect the Clippers to be completely energized on Thursday when they take the floor for Game 3, and don’t expect the game plan to change. With plenty of confidence and momentum, this one could be considered the Clippers’ to lose.