Golden State Warriors 10 best moments from Game 1

MVP Defense turns to MVP Offense

Kevin Durant was spectacular offensively. He effortlessly dropped in 38 points. He got to the rim at will and his jumper was smooth. He completely overpowered everyone that dared stand in his way.

Durant was also pretty incredible on defense too. He defended multiple positions. He guarded Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving and everyone in between.

The Warriors built a huge lead by turning defense into offense. Every time Cleveland missed, Golden State grabbed the rebound and were off to the races. They overwhelmed the visitors with their high-powered transition offense.

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Perhaps Durant’s most impressive defensive possession came late in the third quarter. LeBron James had the ball out on the perimeter. He tried to drive left on Durant, but he was cut off. He backed it out and tried to drive right.

Durant stayed on him the entire time. He didn’t give James an inch of space and, when he rose up Durant was there. He contested the shot and James missed it off the glass.

Curry corralled the miss and took off. He pulled up in J.R. Smith’s face and splashed the long ball. Oracle erupted and Curry pulled out a pretty unique celebration. He kicked his legs high in the air, like a soldier marching away.

It was part of a huge run for Curry, but it also showed how Durant owned that individual moment. While James is fantastic on his own, his opposition has two MVP players. That’s tough to go up against.

When the Warriors’ superstars are locked in like that on both ends of the floor, they’re impossible to beat.