Golden State Warriors flip switch in Game 1 vs. Spurs

The Golden State Warriors were completely locked in on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs, winning the contest 113-92.

The Golden State Warriors put everyone’s doubts to rest Saturday afternoon at Oracle Arena, securing a 113-92 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Playoffs.

The Warriors started off the postseason on the right foot, seemingly “flipping the switch” after struggling almost the entire second half of the 2017-18 regular season. After a 28-17 showing in the first quarter, the Dubs won the second quarter, as well, establishing a 57-41 lead at halftime.

Although we didn’t get to see one of those typical third quarters from the Warriors, in no way did they let their foot off the pedal to start the second half, pushing their lead to 86-63 going into the final 12 minutes. They continued to extend their lead into the fourth quarter, going up by as many as 28 before garbage time.

The Warriors go up 1-0 over the Spurs in the first round with this rather convincing win. While it’ll certainly be interesting to see how the Spurs answer in Game 2 on Monday, I think it’s fairly safe to say that if the Warriors continue to play at this level defensively, this series is unlikely to make it past Game 4.

Saturday against the Spurs

Klay Thompson paced the Golden State Warriors on Saturday at Oracle Arena, dropping 27 points on the Spurs on 11-of-13 shooting from the field and 5-of-6 shooting from behind the arc. He added two rebounds, two assists and one steal in 35 minutes.

Kevin Durant stuffed the stat sheet once again, posting 24 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals in only 32 minutes. He shot 9-of-17 from the field, 1-of-4 from long range and 5-of-5 from the free throw line.

JaVale McGee was the best player on the floor in the first quarter, notching nine points, three rebounds and one steal in nine minutes. He did an incredible job defending LaMarcus Aldridge in the first half, eventually finishing with 15 points, four rebounds, one steal and two blocks.

Draymond Green predictably recorded a double-double, tallying 12 points, eight rebounds, 11 assists, two steals and one block in 34 minutes. He went 5-of-13 from the field and 2-of-6 from three.

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Shaun Livingston added 11 points, five rebounds and two assists in 19 minutes off the bench, shooting 4-of-6 from the field and 3-of-4 from the charity stripe.