The Golden State Warriors were pushed to the limit by the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 rallying back from the largest deficit in NBA history in the Western Conference Finals to earn a huge win.
It saw the Warriors overcome an ugly first half behind strong offensive performances from both Kevin Durant, who had 34 points, and Stephen Curry, who recorded a game-high 40 points, that also included big shots down the stretch in the fourth quarter with the game in the balance.
Following the game, Warriors' forward Draymond Green told Ben Golliver of Sports Illustrated that he believes that it all unfolded in an ideal manner for his team.
“It was actually a perfect Game 1,” he said. “You get punched in the mouth but yet you can still get the win. It's a lot tougher in Game 2 when you win easily [by] 20, 30 points and then you usually have a letdown. Now we can come out in Game 2 on edge knowing how good this team is.”
Keeping in mind, the Spurs firmly had control of the game through the first half and looked to keep it that way before Kawhi Leonard reinjured his left ankle after awkwardly coming down on Zaza Pachulia‘s outstretched foot with just under eight minutes left in the third quarter.
Prior to the injury, Leonard was torching the Warriors with 26 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field and a perfect 11-of-11 from the free throw line. From that point on, the Warriors took advantage of Leonard's absence in the contest, outscoring their opponents, 58-33, beginning with an 18-0 run to put them back in striking distance.
Although Golden State struggled tremendously on both ends of the floor through a large portion of the game, it should hold firm confidence in the fact that no deficit appears to be big enough to overcome. Granted, it was accomplished with the Spurs' best player sidelined, this should serve as a big lesson for the Warriors to come out with a stronger start to the game.
As Green pointed out, things will be much more difficult come Game 2 on Tuesday night with an even more determined Spurs team looking to even up the series before it heads to San Antonio.
Follow Us
Subscribe