NBA Finals: Warriors blow Cavs out in Game 1
The NBA Finals began on Thursday night at ORACLE Arena, and they looked a heck of a lot like the rest of the playoffs. After talk for days of a great series, the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers put forth another blowout, this time with the host Warriors hammering the Cavaliers, 113-91.
Golden State continued its march of being perhaps the most dominant postseason team in NBA history, rolling to a 13-0 record this spring. The Warriors were led by Kevin Durant, who turned in a brilliant performance with a game-high 38 points. Durant also added eight rebounds and eight assists in the victory, while Steph Curry hit on 11-of-22 shots for 28 points on the evening.
The Warriors were a picture of perfection on Thursday in Game 1, tying an NBA Finals record with just four turnovers. Golden State only had two players score in double figures — the aforementioned Durant and Curry — but saw incredible balance, with all but one player scoring at least a point. Draymond Green was fantastic on the defensive end, guarding multiple players while garnering 11 rebounds.
LeBron James was excellent in his 40 minutes, hitting on 9-of-20 field goals for 28 points to accompany 15 rebounds and eight assists. James’ only downfall was eight turnovers, part of a night where the Cavaliers committed 20 of them.
Kevin Love gave Cleveland a double-double with 15 points and 21 rebounds, but it was nowhere near enough in a game that was owned by the Warriors from start to finish.
Everyone loves to overreact these days, so let’s get a few things straight. This series isn’t over, despite what Skip Balyess and Stephen A. Smith will be screaming on their networks come Friday morning. Cleveland is capable of playing much better, and likely will give Golden State all it can handle in Game 2. Should the Cavaliers win on Sunday, suddenly it’s Golden State who is in trouble.
There is still much to be done by the Warriors. After blowing a 3-1 series lead to the Cavaliers only a year ago, there will be no lack of motivation and reminders of what can happen should Golden State start to believe the headlines a bit too much. James will be coming full force in the next matchup, knowing that an 0-2 hole isn’t going to be easy digging out of.
Golden State is the best team in the league. It should win its second title in as many years. Three more wins separate the Warriors from their perceived destiny. Of course, the Cavaliers will hope to have something to say before everything is said and done.
