Kerr: Warriors 'stopped playing' in 3rd quarter of historic loss
The Golden State Warriors were stunned at home Monday night, as they blew a 31-point lead and lost Game 2 to the Los Angeles Clippers by a score of 135-131.
Head coach Steve Kerr admitted the Warriors' defensive effort collapsed after gaining a comfortable lead. Golden State allowed just 63 points through the 7:31 mark of the third quarter before giving up 72 points for the remainder of the contest.
"We stopped playing," Kerr said, according to ESPN's Baxter Holmes. "We kind of disconnected kind of mid-third quarter, lost our defensive edge. They scored 85 points in the second half. We had really done a good job defensively in the first half. So we kind of messed with the game a little bit. When you do that, you're in some trouble, especially in the playoffs."
The Clippers eventually sealed the biggest comeback in NBA postseason history with 16.5 seconds remaining, as rookie guard Landry Shamet drilled a 3-pointer from the wing to put L.A. up by two - its first lead since the 8:18 mark of the first quarter.
Golden State fought through spells of inconsistency throughout the regular season, as the two-time defending champions seemingly saved their energy for the playoffs. However, Kerr hinted to the team that its struggles during the 82-game campaign could be its downfall.
"You warn them," Kerr said of a potential letdown. "You warn them and you hope for the best."
Warriors All-Star Kevin Durant finished the contest with 21 points but took just eight shots in 34 minutes before fouling out with 1:21 left on the clock.
As usual, the Clippers' bench was the catalyst in the victory, as perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate Lou Williams finished with a team-high 36 points and 11 assists, while Montrezl Harrell added 25 points and 10 boards.
The Warriors will look to recover from the defeat with the series shifting to Hollywood for Game 3 on Thursday.