West Big Four Dominate Game 1
It’s no secret that the champion of this NBA season is expected to come from the Western Conference. Between the Warriors historic 73-win season and the Spurs impressive home win-streak, it’s hard to argue with that prediction.
But no one expected the West’s Big Four to dominate in the fashion they did. At the very least, many expected the Portland Trail Blazers to provide the Clippers at least somewhat of a challenge.
Dominant Game 1 victories for the top 4 seeds in the West. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/KTL08D0WhA
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 18, 2016
Instead, all four top-seeded teams won by at least a 20 point margin, seemingly shutting any window of a potential upset in the first round. A blowout doesn’t do their Game 1 justice, the teams completely dispatched their opponents over the weekend:
- The Warriors cruised by the Rockets in a Saturday matchup that saw them play through long stretches without Stephen Curry due to a tweaked ankle.
- The Spurs throttled the short-handed Grizzlies to continue their impressive record at home. Today, Kawhi Leonard was also named Defensive Player of the Year for the second season in a row.
- The Oklahoma City Thunder steamrolled the Mavericks by 40 points before the fourth quarter played out. The final margin was 38 points; the largest playoff loss before Dirk Nowitzki joined the Mavs was 25.
- The Clippers, whom many considered to be the most vulnerable of the Big Four, found their rhythm to dominate the Trail Blazers in the second half.
Now, a lot can happen in a seven-game series. But, if Game 1 is any indication, there could potentially be four first round sweeps in favor of the top teams in the West.
Next: Paul George Leads An Upset