The Golden State Warriors entered the playoffs as the favorites to repeat as champions and didn't do anything to dispell that notion in Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs, building a double-digit lead in the first quarter on their way to an easy 113-92 win. Head coach Steve Kerr made a few adjustments for this game that paid off, starting Andre Iguodala at point guard in place of the injured Stephen Curry and starting JaVale McGee in place of Zaza Pachulia.
While this was a blowout, here are the three biggest things we learned from the game:
1) JaVale McGee will have a major role this postseason
McGee saw limited minutes off the bench this season (a career-low 9.5 per game) but started and had a major impact in this one, recording 15 points with four rebounds and two blocks. Kerr opted to utilize McGee's athleticism in the middle against LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol and it paid dividends, particularly on the defensive end. McGee limited Aldridge to just 14 points (and two rebounds) on 5-12 shooting.
Don't expect this to be a one-game or one-series adjustment, either. Having McGee in the lineup adds to Golden State's defense by allowing them to switch more on the perimeter and a shot-blocker around the rim. Look for McGee to see increased minutes throughout the playoffs.
2) Kevin Durant is more than capable of carrying the load until Stephen Curry gets back
Those who were concerned about the Warriors coming into this series pointed to Golden State's 17-14 record this season without Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP will miss the entire series as he recovers from an MCL injury, but Durant showed that he's more than capable of carrying the load and running the offense in Curry's absence. He nearly recorded a triple-double (24 points, eight rebounds, seven assists) and was incredibly efficient on both ends of the court. The Warriors will need Curry back to knock off the Rockets and win another championship, but for now, they're more than fine.
3) The Spurs don't have an answer for the Warriors
Another reason for that confidence in Golden State is because the Spurs simply don't appear to have an answer for the Warriors' attack. We saw this in the Western Conference Finals last year and are seeing it again now - without Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio's offense just isn't up to par. Rudy Gay provided a nice spark with 15 points off the bench, but outside of him and Aldridge, no one was able to consistently get their own offense. This is why many believe the Warriors will win this series relatively easily.
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