The Golden State Warriors played their first home playoff game since 2019, and it was a thrilling victory in which the Dubs had control for most of the game. While the Warriors did show a few flaws, it was a near-perfect performance.
The real concern for Golden State entering the game was Nikola Jokic. Defending the league’s reigning MVP who is hopeful to once again claim the award is not an easy task for even former Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green.
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Denver Nuggets 123-107 in Game 1, and with these lineups, they’ll likely keep that success rolling on Monday night.
The Warriors limited Jokic to 25 points. However, he shot 25 times and also had a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. His percentages and efficiency on the court just weren’t there against an active Warriors defense.
Golden State really blew this game open in the second and third quarter, winning them respectively by 12 and 9. The Dubs were led in scoring by Jordan Poole who scored 30 in his playoff debut.
While the Dubs shot better and were at home, it was more about the intensity and inclusiveness that they showed. It was a full team effort, and after not having a set rotation, head coach Steve Kerr may have a better look at which lineups work the best.
Let’s dive into 3 of them.