As we look forward to another set of awesome Game 2’s in the playoffs, let’s look back at some highlights and insights that could have set the tone of the series and validate or negate our perspectives of first-round match-ups.
Here are some highlights and insights from the Game 1 results:
Golden State Warriors 113, San Antonio Spurs 92
GSW leads 1-0
After being perceived as struggling from posting a 4-6 win-loss record in their last 10 games, the Golden State Warriors looked sharp and ready for the postseason. They are very effective on both ends of the floor. Changes in season and line-up might have switched their green light to their playoff mode. And if the Warriors continue to play at this level, we can perceive a short series and an easy semi-final appearance for the defending champs.
Three things to consider in this series after Game 1:
“Beast Mode” Klay will give Curry more time to heal and chill
Kevin Durant will always be Kevin Durant. But if they want to win this series as smoothly and swiftly as possible, they need a beast mode Thompson. Remember how Klay shot the lights out against the OKC to avoid elimination and forced Game 7 in the 2016 WCF? This is the kind of Klay the Warriors need in order to help Curry buy more rest time for the next round.
Game 1 showed just how dangerous and an offensive threat Klay is against any team. Klay and Kevin Durant created several problems for the Spurs. He scored 27 points and 11-of-13 shooting from the field alongside Durant’s 24 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists.
The “Kawhi Drama” effects are more subtle than what we perceive
There is internal conflict within one of the most loved organizations in the NBA. Though it may look as if Coach Pop and Co. are not affected by this, it certainly has affected the way they play ball. Kawhi is their franchise player and yet he has not shown up to games to support his team. Coach Pop is now relying on LaMarcus Aldridge and his fantastic regular season, some postseason veterans and a couple of young blood to try and stop the raging Warriors. Game 1 exhibited that it’s too much to handle for San Antonio.
Although I believe that Spurs is still one of the Warriors’ kryptonite, they have posted a lesser problem to the Warriors without Kawhi Leonard on the floor.
Perfect Offense-Defense will spell the difference between this series
The Dubs are a championship-caliber team because they can execute a great offensive-defensive game. They proved this in game one, as they were able to limit Aldridge to just 14 points on 5-of-12 shooting percentage and out-rebounded the Spurs 51-30. The Warriors also showcased good ball movement against one of the elite ball-moving clubs when they tallied 13 more assists and shot 54.3% from the field.
Thoughts after Game 1: The Dubs will still win the series.
