It was far from easy, but the Golden State Warriors got the job done in Game 1 of the 2015 NBA Finals, edging the Cleveland Cavs 108-100 in overtime in Oakland. There is so much to talk about regarding this Game 1 thriller by the Bay, so here's our list of 5 Things We Learned From Game 1 Of The 2015 NBA Finals.
1. Steph Curry Is Unshakeable
The 2014-15 NBA MVP was noticeably off his mark in the first quarter, but that was just a slow-burning prelude to the absolute fireworks display he put on in the second and at various points of the second half and overtime. Whether it's his shooting, his defense or his passing, Curry may be the most impactful presence on the hardwood in these Finals.
That's saying something when you consider...
2. It's The LeBron Show
Kyrie Irving looked fantastic in his on-court return on Thursday, posting 23 points and six assists in just under 44 minutes of play. However, Irving was forced off the court late with what is now being termed as a fractured kneecap -- ending his NBA Playoffs and setting him back 3-4 months with surgery.
Aside from the obvious disadvantage for the Cavs, the load now gets even heavier on LeBron James when it comes to facilitating the team's gameplan on both sides of the floor. It's going to take a Herculean individual effort from James just to keep up with the Dubs in this series, let alone win it all. However, if anyone can do it, it's LeBron.
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4. Tristan Thompson Is This Series' X-Factor
The Cavs are behind the eight ball with Irving's injury factored in, but Thompson's offensive rebounding and general aggressiveness in the restricted area on both sides of the court could be a driving force for Cleveland to stay in this series.
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