The Splash Brothers have heated up … again.
Kevin Durant wasn’t available for Game One. It didn’t matter.
The Warriors looked ready from the jump, playing their brand of basketball. The offense was full of ball screens, cuts, ball reversals, and buckets.
The Trail Blazers, on the other hand, looked like a team that had gone to war against a stronger army. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined for only 36 points, while ‘The Splash Brothers’ combined for 62. Steph, alone, matched the Blazers backcourt with 36 points on 12-23 shooting from the field, including nine three-pointers. Klay Thompson added 26 points and also played solid defense on McCollum and Lillard.
In Game 1, the Warriors’ motto. “Strength in Numbers,” proved to be more than a saying. Everybody chipped in with the bench contributing significantly. And Steph and Klay are playing out of their minds … just at the right time.
Durant’s absence has forced the Warriors to play the way they did before Kevin joined the team. Curry is the offensive focal point, Draymond is the playmaker, and Klay moves without the ball and shoots effectively.
Is this GS team having more fun without Durant?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlQ53DIh8G0
Whether the answer is yes or no, expect more of the same in Game 2–screen-and-rolls with Steph and Draymond with Klay comes off screens on the backside of ball-action between Draymond and Steph. Oh! And look for Iggy to slash through the Blazers’ defense for easy dunks.
To have a chance, the Trail Blazers will need explosive games out of Lillard and McCollum. Rodney Hood was the only good sign for Portland in Game 1, pouring in 17 points off the bench. That’s great, but it’s just not enough to get the job done.
Harkless and Kanter also did well on offense, to, but to beat the Warriors they’ll need to be great. Yes, the role players did their jobs, but the Blazers won’t win unless their stars come out shining.
For another thing, I’d like to see the Blazers start Hood instead of Aminu. In my lineup, Lillard would be at the one, McCullum at the two, and Hood at the three. Harkless and Kanter would round out the lineup. That combo would set up the Blazers for success in Game 2. Lillard can come off a Kanter screen, and McCullum spaces the floor while Hood adds to the action. The screen-and-roll would work on Steph, but Iggy and Klay are on Lillard and CJ most of the game. The best shot at scoring points consistently is getting Curry on a switch.
While I look for the Blazers to have more energy in Game 2–and making it a more entertaining contest–I see the Warriors edging the Blazers, 121-117. Damian will have a big game, but the deciding factor will be too much Steph.
