OAKLAND — Golden State did not show many sign of rust after an eight day layoff, winning Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals 106-94 over the Utah Jazz.
Moments after the Warriors honored the 2007 ‘We Believe’ team at the end of the first quarter, the current Golden State squad ripped off a 12-4 run in the second quarter and the game was barely competitive the rest of the way through.
Golden State was cold from behind the arc (7-for-28), but that was about the only flaw they showed. The defensive intensity was there, as was the passing (32 assists). Utah was struggling to score and besides briefly cutting the lead to 7 early in the third quarter, they never really threatened. Every single Warriors starter, including Zaza Pachulia, was in double-figures by the start of the fourth quarter. The Jazz are another Warriors tune-up opponent in the path of chasing greatness.
In his first home game since injuring his calf April 16, Kevin Durant scored 17 points on 7-of-17 shooting. Draymond Green was aggressive with the basketball in his hands (17 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists), and set the tone defensively early in the game. He’s now 13-of-24 from downtown in the playoffs, a 54.1 percent clip. Klay Thompson actually led the team in +/- with 23 and scored 15 points.
Steph Curry was back to his arrogant ways with the basketball in his hands Tuesday, adding possible defensive player of the year winner Rudy Gobert to his victim list. After Durant signed with the Warriors on July 4, Gobert famously tweeted. “Wow. Only Problem, there’s only one ball.” There’s more than one problem for you, Rudy. Curry finished with a game-high 22 points on 7-for-11 shooting. He added 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
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— KNBR (@KNBR) May 3, 2017
The Jazz just don’t have enough ammo on offense, especially if Gordon Hayward is going to shoot 4-of-15 from the field and score just 12 points. Utah was so underwhelming on offense, at times the contest didn’t even feel like the postseason. They might steal a game in Salt Lake City, but this series will likely end in another Golden State sweep.
It was a quieter night than normal from the Warriors’ bench, but David West still brought the heat. In 18 minutes of play, West dished out 7 assists and was a menace on the defensive end using his length and big body. Matt Barnes checked in for his first postseason minutes after an ankle/foot injury forced him to miss the first round. Oracle Arena greeted him to a thunderous ovation. Returning from a hand injury, Shaun Livingston led all bench scorers with 9 points.
Both teams will practice Wednesday and meet for Game 2 Thursday back in Oakland.