Quick Start
The Warriors left no doubt early that the second round was not too tall a test without Stephen Curry. Golden State ended the 1st quarter up 37-17. The 20-point lead is the largest lead after one quarter since the shot clock was instituted in 1954.
Klay Day
He plays in the MVP’s shadow, but Klay Thompson is leaving no doubt that he could carry a team on his own. Thompson got off to a hot start hitting four three’s in the first quarter. After scoring 37 points he became the first player in NBA history to hit at least seven three pointers in three consecutive games. Thompson is 21-36 from three in his last three games. Steve Kerr put Klay’s play in game one in perspective postgame: “Not many guys in the league who could chase Damian Lillard around for 37 minutes and score 37 points.”
Most 3-Pt Fg in 3-Game Span
2016: Klay Thompson, 21.
2015 Stephen Curry, 20.
2015 Stephen Curry, 19.
Dre Day
Thompson probably wasn’t even Golden State’s most impactful player. Draymond Green dominated on both ends of the floor. Green finished game one with 23 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds. Wether it was blocking Damian Lillard at the rim or ripping the ball away from Mason Plumee, Green came up with all the hustle plays for the defending champions.
Living Large With Livingston
Shaun Livingston scored in double figures for the fourth time this postseason. Each time Livingston has been put in the starting line up he’s scored. He’s run the offence efficiently and got his shot in the flow of the offence which is why Golden State hasn’t missed a beat since Curry has been out injured.
Quick Curry Return
During an in-game sideline interview with Lisa Salters, Steph Curry insinuated he’d back from his ACL sprain sooner rather than later. When asked what the chances were he’d be back by game three he said “to me, they’re pretty good.” That would be a return to action a few day shy of the two week timeline GM Bob Meyers first mention in relation to Curry’s return to activity.
Super Stat – Triple Double Double
The strong performances were balanced for Steve Kerr’s team. Three Warriors players, Harrison Barnes, Andrew Bogut, and Draymond Green had double doubles on Sunday. That marks the first time three Golden State players had a double-double in the same game since 2013.
