The Warriors will look to follow up their dominating performance in Game 1 with an equally impressive showing in Game 2 to secure home court advantage.
After a tight and high-scoring first quarter, the Warriors pulled away to crush New Orleans by 22 points in Game 1 and assert their dominance over the sixth-seeded Pelicans.
Golden State shot 48% from the field, including 41% from three, as they returned to playing the beautiful game after a knock-down drag-out first round series against the Spurs.
The Warriors did all of that without Steph Curry, who will make his return in Game 2 and will not be on a minutes limit according to Steve Kerr.
It’s hard to imagine Golden State’s offense looking much better than it did in Game 1, but the Warriors’ offensive rating was 14.9 points better with Curry on the floor during the regular season.
Steph has missed a lot of time over the second half of the season, so it will be interesting to see if he’s able to find a good rhythm in his first game back.
Golden State’s victory in Game 1 takes a bit of pressure off of the team in Game 2, but they still need another home win to make sure they keep that home court advantage they entered the series with.
The Warriors will have to main focuses in Game 2: re-integrate Steph Curry, and keep their foot on the gas.
Next: Warriors Roster Rankings: Steph Curry
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Game Details
Golden State Warriors vs New Orleans Pelicans
Tip-Off: Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. PST
Location: Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
TV: TNT
Radio: 95.7 The Game, Warriors Radio Network