There were a lot of things at play in Game 1 of Spurs-Warriors. The Spurs jumped out to a 25-point lead in the third quarter after dominating the entire first half, and it looked as if the Warriors may see their first loss of the postseason. But everything changed the moment Kawhi Leonard went down after rolling his ankle for the second time in the game. It occurred with 7:53 left in the third quarter, and from there the inevitable happened.
NBA playoff scores 2017: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant have best game together in Game 1
The two combined for 74 points in their comeback win.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Warriors sprinted to an 18-0 run and then continued to claw their way back to win Game 1. They say “strength in numbers” a lot in Oakland, but this one was all Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. The two combined for 74 points in the game, their most ever together as teammates. Curry led the way with 40 points, including this shot that put the Spurs away for good with a bounce only a real shooter can get. He also finished with seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant chipped in 34 of his own and added five rebounds, four assists, a steal, and four blocks.
It’s hard to say what would have happened in this game if Leonard hadn’t left early. The 25-point lead seemed strong at that point, but nothing is ever safe against these Warriors. This will feel like a game that the Spurs let get away. But after a rough first half, this also was probably the wake-up call the Warriors needed regardless of who won.
Game 2 is Tuesday night at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN.
Stat of the day
Sunday’s final score
Warriors 113, Spurs 111 (Golden State of Mind recap | Pounding the Rock recap)
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