Don’t ever count out Steph Curry and the Warriors, plus the how the Athletics fell so far

Good morning to everyone but especially to…

THE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

For the first time since 2007 — when Stephen Curry was a little-known Davidson freshman and Klay Thompson and Draymond Green were high schoolers — the Warriors trailed a playoff series 2-0. For far from the first time, the Warriors showed the resiliency and confidence of a champion — which, of course, this current core is four times over.

Golden State crushed Sacramento, 114-97 — despite Green’s absence — and cut the Kings‘ series lead to 2-1. Curry poured in 36 points, including six 3-pointers. He also had one turnover after five in each of the first two games. The supporting cast stepped up crucially, too. Kevon Looney had one of the stranger stat lines you’ll see — an astonishing 20 rebounds (nine offensive), nine assists and four points — and was of vital importance, writes our Brad Botkin.

Looney wasn’t the only one who had a great night:

• Andrew Wiggins had 20 points and seven rebounds and looked the best he has since returning from his prolonged absence.
• Moses Moody added a playoff career-high 13 points off the bench.
• Perhaps most important, everyone was more careful with the basketball: The Kings had just seven points off turnovers after 41 across Games 1 and 2.
• Golden State also won the second-chance points battle, 24-12.

Honorable mentions

And not such a good morning for…

THE LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

After Kawhi Leonard dropped 38 points in a stunning Game 1 win, coach Tyronn Lue said, “That’s what we’ve been saving up for,” regarding Leonard’s load management. Unfortunately for LA, you can’t save up for everything, especially when it comes to health.

After Leonard was abruptly ruled out with a knee sprain, the Clippers battled valiantly but ultimately fell, 129-124, to the Suns and into a 2-1 series hole.

• Devin Booker was incredible again with 45 points. It’s his fifth playoff 40-pointer, tying Charles Barkley for most in franchise history. Booker has scored 83 points in the last two games, most in Suns history over any two-game playoff span.
• Kevin Durant added 28 as all five Phoenix starters scored in double figures.
• For the Clippers, Norman Powell dropped 42 points and Russell Westbrook had 30 points and 11 assists.

Listen, Booker was excellent. I…