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Warriors pull away from Trail Blazers: 3 takeaways from Game 1

By Dre Elder

April 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates with guard Shaun Livingston (34) against the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Trail Blazers 121-109. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
April 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates with guard Shaun Livingston (34) against the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Trail Blazers 121-109. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Golden State Warriors used a dominant fourth quarter to blitz the Portland Trail Blazers and secure the win. Here are three takeaways from Game 1.

The Warriors took the court on Sunday afternoon as the overwhelming favorites. But it was the Trail Blazers who came out swinging early. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum scored 48 of their team’s 56 points in the first half. The Warriors appeared helpless on defense and found themselves tied with the Trail Blazers going into the fourth quarter.

Then, Draymond Green happened. The Warriors’ defensive and emotional leader led the charge as they completely stymied the Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter. Golden State opened the quarter on a 15-2 run and never looked back, en route to a 121-109 win.

Takeaways

Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum were the best guards on the floor. Unfortunately for the Trail Blazers, this is not a 2-on-2 tournament. Lillard and McCollum combined to score 75 points in the game on 28-54 shooting from the field. Their efforts kept it close with very little help from their teammates.

Portland cannot compete with Golden State if they’re only getting nine points from their bench. Allen Crabbe and Al-Farouq Aminu combined to make one shot, despite playing 22 and 23 minutes respectively.

The Warriors have the greatest margin for error in the NBA. The defending Western Conference champions were sloppy to start the game. They committed several silly turnovers and appeared helpless defensively against Lillard and McCollum. Klay Thompson was not impacting the game at all early on. But, Golden State weathered Portland’s relentless attack because they have three other All-Stars.

Kevin Durant and Steph Curry carried the load offensively, while Green literally did everything in between. The Defensive Player of the Year candidate put up 19 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists, 5 blocks, and 3 steals. The Warriors’ embarrassment of riches feels cruel when compared next to Portland’s shortcomings.

https://twitter.com/warriors/status/853728062390718464

Portland’s fate in this series lies with Jusuf Nurkic’s right leg. Noah Vonleh started Game 1 in place of Nurkic. Vonleh posted a forgettable 2 points and 5 rebounds in 23 minutes. Nurkic was averaging 15.2 points and 10.4 rebounds before his injury. The 22-year old big man gives the Trail Blazers an inside presence they sorely need right now.

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The Trail Blazers offense ultimately flamed out once the Warriors keyed on Lillard and McCollum. Nurkic has proven himself as an offensive threat that balances their attack. The Trail Blazers also got beat 45-38 on the boards and lacked any protection at the rim. If Nurkic is unable to play (like, immediately), Portland may have to start booking summer vacations.

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