Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals was a tale of two halves, no matter how you spin it.
Spurs vs. Warriors 2017 live stream: Start time, TV schedule, and how to watch NBA playoffs online
The Warriors look to take a 2-0 lead on the Spurs.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Spurs were up by 20 points going into halftime and for the first time in the playoffs, the Warriors were facing serious adversity. The Spurs lead got to as many as 25 points before Kawhi Leonard turned his previously injured ankle not once, but twice in the third quarter. On the second and controversial roll, he was forced to leave the game and would not return. From that point, the Warriors went on an 18-0 run, closing the gap on the Spurs.
It came down to a go ahead basket late from Stephen Curry for the Warriors to finally put away the Spurs, but Golden State looked like their dominant selves in the second half of Game 1. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant combined for a total of 74 points, with Curry dropping 40 and Durant scoring 34 of his own. This was the most two have scored together since Durant joined the Warriors.
We’ll never know what would have happened in the second half if Leonard had been able to play, but it’s hard to think the Gregg Popovich led Spurs would have blown a 25-point lead with their MVP candidate still playing. Leonard is now doubtful for Game 2 as well, so there is a chance we have been robbed of a potentially great Western Conference Finals. That said, we learned long ago to never to count out Popovich and the Spurs.
Here’s how you can watch on Tuesday night
TIME: 9 p.m. ET
CHANNEL: ESPN
STREAMING: WatchESPN
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