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Golden State Warriors 10 best moments from Game 1

By Carlos Murillo

Jun 1, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Golden State Warriors
Jun 1, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) is defended by Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) in the first quarter of the NBA Finals for the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Klay Thompson locks up

Klay Thompson has not shot the ball well at all. With the way Stephen curry and Kevin Durant have been running the show, he hasn’t been able to get quite into a rhythm. He has gotten a little lost in the offense.

Even when he gets good looks, he’s just been missing. Thompson is in a slump that happens, even to great shooters like him. Early on in Game 1, he missed easy looks including a wide open layup.

Thompson has developed into more than just a shooter though. Every year he adds to his game. He’s gotten better in other ways.

Since Thompson started slumping, his defense has been otherwordly. He’s completely taken out opposing guards. They haven’t been able to do anything with him.

The All-Star shooting guard continued this trend in Game 1. He flashed his versatility early on in the opening contest of the NBA Finals when he switched onto Kevin Love.

The Cavaliers wanted to establish a physical tone early on so they went to Kevin Love in the post. Love tried to size up Thompson and figure out how to attack. He jabbed and pivoted over and over again. He tried to get Thompson with fakes and the Warrior guard stayed down.

He eventually tried to pull the shot. With Thompson in his shorts, he threw up an airball. It was an awful possession for Love.

Thompson is really locked in on that end of the floor. You have to think that he probably tries a little harder with Love because of the trade rumors from a few years back. Or maybe not. Honestly, with Klay Thompson you never really know.

The Warriors are going to need him to find his shot soon, but that kind of defensive effort is what wins championships.

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