The Golden State Warriors dominated Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals behind 36 from Stephen Curry and 26 from Klay Thompson.
Looking back on a 22-point Game 1 victory, the Golden State Warriors can thank their All-Star backcourt for the majority of the 116 points they dropped on the Portland Trail Blazers. However, this game featured far more than just a scoring onslaught from Golden State.
It was the defensive preparation and execution that made Golden State formidable. They held Portland to a mere 94 points. The more pivotal figure is the 36 combined points from Portland stars CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard.
For Portland, it was excellent performances from players like Rodney Hood and Maurice Harkless that kept the gap commendable for the majority of the game. However, without McCollum and Lillard leading the way, this could be a short series for Portland.
Changes will certainly be made by Terry Stotts in Game 2, but the offensive struggles by McCollum and Lillard weren’t just by accident. The Warriors made it a priority to stop the Warriors two offensive juggernauts.
The duo combined to shoot 11-for-31 while the splash brothers were 22-for-47. From deep, these numbers are even more awing as the splash bros were 12-for-24 and Portland’s duo just 3-for-10. The Warriors 30-point margin from deep was a huge indicator of the game’s final score.
For Golden State, coach Kerr and his staff certainly can’t expect to see these types of looks in Game 2. On multiple occasions, Curry and Klay came off screens and were wide open, easily connecting on numerous triples throughout the game.
While the Warriors were able to put a 22-point beatdown on Portland, Curry played just 35 minutes which is significantly lower than what he was used to against both Houston and Los Angeles.
After nearing 40 per game in their second-round matchup with Houston, the ability for coach Kerr to trust a second unit led by Klay Thompson for almost half of the fourth was paramount to keeping Curry under 40 and hopefully rested for Game 2.
If the Warriors can secure Game 2 and bring back Kevin Durant along with potentially DeMarcus Cousins, this series could be over after just four games.
Then, and only then may the Dubs finally get the rest they deserve.