Game 1 NBA Finals: Explosive Warriors Beat Cavaliers
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One of the NBA Finals 113-91. The Warriors led by the end of the first quarter and never relinquished the lead. It was a very exciting physical game especially in the first half. However, the Warriors had too much fire power and had very few turnovers.
The well-rested Warriors came out with a lot of energy to start the NBA Finals. However, the Cavaliers matched that intense energy for what made a ferocious first quarter. Kevin Durant had several exciting alley oops and dunks to fire up the crowd. Both Durant and Stephen Curry scored 10 points each. The Warriors ended the first quarter leading 35-30.
First Half Showed Physical Play by Both Teams
The physical play was both exciting and caused both teams to struggle shooting. Early in the game, Klay Thompson was only 1 for 7 shooting, but made up on the defensive side causing Cavaliers to miss their first seven shots when he guarded the shooter.
LeBron James had a good first half scoring, but also had seven turn-overs. Kyrie Irving also played well in the first half with an exciting four-point play. Both teams were fairly equal in shooting percentage and rebounds. The Cavaliers had a better three-point shooting percentage. However, Warriors were able to overcome the Cavaliers scoring because of the 12 turnovers. The Warriors only had one turnover. As a result, the Warriors led 60-52 at halftime.
Third Quarter Was All Warriors
The Warriors continued their strong play in the third quarter. The Cavaliers opened the second half with another turnover and Durant followed up with a three-point shot. James ended the quarter with 26 points and 15 rebounds. Irving had 22 points. However, Durant had 30 points and Curry scored 26 points on five three-point shots. The Warriors exploded to lead 93-72 at the end of the third quarter.
Cavaliers Could Not Catch Up in Fourth Quarter.
The fourth quarter was not much different for the Cavaliers. Other than James and Irving, the Cavaliers shote 8-36. The rest of the starters and the bench were just not much help. At 105-84, Durant had 35 points. However, not every Warrior had a good shooting night. Draymond Green struggled with early fouls. Green and Thompson combined to shoot 5-24. Game two will be Sunday at Golden State Oracle.
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 13: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
