The Golden State Warriors are the defending champions and they showed why on Saturday afternoon.
54 percent shooting, 27 points from Klay Thompson to pace five Warriors in double figures, and a savage and focused defense led the Champs to a 113-92 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference Playoffs.
The savage defense was led by none other than – JaVale McGee.
Yes, the Shaqtin’ legend has carved out his own legend in the Bay as he tallied 15 points, four rebounds, and two blocks in a starting role as the Warriors never trailed.
Golden State took a 28-17 lead after the first quarter and increased the double-digit lead throughout.
One of the most telling stats of this game happened in the second quarter as the Spurs finished the second quarter with one field goal in the last seven minutes of the period. The Warriors led 57-41 at the break.
To go with Thompson’s 27 and McGee’s 15, Kevin Durant added 24, Draymond Green added 12 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds, and Shaun Livingston added 11 in the Warriors attack.
For San Antonio, turnovers and missed shots, particularly in that dry second period doomed them from the start. Superstar Kawhi Leonard did not play and there is no ruling has been made for Game 2. Stephen Curry has been ruled out for the entire first round.