The Golden State Warriors looked like the dominant team we all expected them to be in the first half of Game 1, but the New Orleans Pelicans closed with a furious rally, almost pulling off a dramatic comeback. Golden State won 106-99, but the Pelicans have shown they're a force to be reckoned with. Who will take Game 2?
Projected Starting Lineups
(1) Golden State Warriors (67-15)
G Stephen Curry – 23.8 ppg, 7.7 apg, 2.1 spg
G Klay Thompson – 21.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg
F Harrison Barnes – 10.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg
F Draymond Green – 11.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg
C Andrew Bogut – 6.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg
(8) New Orleans Pelicans (45-37)
G Jrue Holiday – 14.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg
G Tyreke Evans –16.6 ppg, 6.6 apg, 5.3 rpg
G Eric Gordon – 13.4 ppg, 3.8 apg
F Anthony Davis – 24.4 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 2.9 bpg
C Omer Asik – 7.3 ppg, 9.8 rpg
What to watch for:
Will Golden State make adjustments on Anthony Davis?
The Warriors were able to Anthony Davis in check (by his standards) for the first three quarters of the game, but exploded for 20 points in the fourth quarter to lead New Orleans' comeback. Golden State had been guarding him with Draymond Green all game, but it was clear at the end the couldn't guard Davis one-on-one. Look for the Warriors to start doubling Davis in the post and giving Green a lot of help so that Davis doesn't drop 35 points on them again.
Golden State's home-court advantage
Golden State went 39-2 at Oracle Arena this season, and after Game 1, Pelicans head coach Monty Williams said the decibel levels in the arena "shouldn't be legal." The Warriors go on at least one huge run during each home game that is spurred by the noise the crowd makes, and that's usually good enough to give them an advantage for the rest of the game. Look for that run to come in the second or third quarter and put Golden State over the top.
Prediction: Warriors win 112-102
New Orleans has shown they can hang around with Golden State, but they don't have the talent level to overtake the Warriors at Oracle Arena.
Back to the Golden State Warriors Newsfeed