The long layoff didn't seem to affect the Golden State Warriors.
Over one week after they ended their first round sweep of the Trail Blazers, Golden State started fast and controlled the game throughout on their way to an impressive 106-94 win over the Utah Jazz.
This proved to be a game of runs, and Golden State's ability to control the pace of the game proved to be the difference. They outscored the Jazz 29-6 in fastbreak points.
Draymond gets the steal, and it leads to a KD HAMMER on the break! #DubNation #NBA #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/EUfnaVL5kI
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 3, 2017
A 19-5 run in the first quarter gave the Warriors a 14-point lead in the first half, and while Utah managed to cut the deficit to as little as eight in the third quarter, Golden State went on a 12-0 run at the start of the fourth quarter to turn this game into a blowout.
.@StephenCurry30 just put Rudy Gobert in an absolute blender! #DubNation #NBA #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/QkOikpagKS
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 3, 2017
JaVale McGee skies for the MONSTER alley-oop from Curry!! #DubNation #NBA #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/a3J1tXNPL7
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 3, 2017
Stephen Curry scored a game-high 22 points to lead the Warriors along with seven rebounds and five assists, while Kevin Durant (17 points) and Klay Thompson (15 points) both contributed offensively. Draymond Green had a good all-round game, finishing with 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Golden State's defense also did an excellent job limiting Utah's production. All-Star Gordon Hayward scored just 12 points on 4-15 shooting, while Rudy Gobert led the team with only 13 points.
The series will remain in Oakland for Game 2, with tip-off set for 10:30 pm ET on ESPN.
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