NBA Finals: Golden State Warriors Bench Shines In Game 1 Victory

In a game where Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson didn’t shoot well, it was the Golden State Warriors bench that gave the Dubs the victory in Game 1

It was unthinkable.

The logic was that if both Splash Brothers don’t shoot well, then the Golden State Warriors simply don’t win.

To make matters worse for the Warriors, the Cavaliers had LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love in double-figures.

It didn’t matter, though.

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Instead, the Warriors pulled out a script that no one anticipated. In a game where both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were well contained – shooting 9-28 from the field and only accounting for 20 points, it was the bench that carried the work load.

Off the bench, Shaun Livingston led Golden State with 20 points. Other stars from the second unit were Leandro Barbosa and Andre Iguodala who had 11 and 12 points, respectively.

Overall, the Golden State Warriors bench outscored the Cavs bench an astounding 45-10.

Curry finished the night with 11 points, failing to reach the double-figures until late in the fourth quarter. Thompson missed the mark entirely – though did hit one huge 3 in the fourth quarter – and ended with nine points.

In the third quarter, the Cavaliers were able to push the pace and cut the Warriors lead to six heading into the fourth quarter. It lead to coach Steve Kerr breaking a clipboard as he has now become known to do.

Don't tell Steve Kerr it's a 1 point g.... nvm https://t.co/fMKZaxem4p
— Andscape (@andscape) June 3, 2016

Golden State was able to start the fourth quarter well, re-establishing a double-digit lead that the Cavaliers couldn’t overcome. Despite a 9-0 run mid-way through the fourth, the closest Cleveland came to closing the deficit was 11 points.

The game wasn’t without player drama. Ironically, headline stealer Draymond Green had a triple-double without incident. Instead, Matthew Dellavedova went for a steal on Iguodala and ended up landing a low blow that led to a scuffle on the court.

Andre Iguodala was not happy after Delly hit him below the belt. https://t.co/W0JeJGqQMB
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 3, 2016

Irving led all scorers with 26 points. LeBron James was one assist shy of a triple-double after finishing with 23 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists.

Kevin Love, who is playing his first NBA Finals game since missing the series last year to injury, finished the night with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Historically, the home team that is able to win Game 1 has usually gone on to win the series – specifically, 71 percent of the time. After a grueling series against the Thunder, the Warriors have to be happy with their energy and effort with only two full days of rest.

For the Cavaliers, there aren’t many positives to draw from the performance. Their ability to subdue the usually sharp-shooting Splash Brothers will be necessary as they make adjustments for Game 2.

It should also be noted that the Cavs were in a similar position last year. The team went on to lose in six games, but the squad knows from experience that the series is far from finished as they won Games 2 and 3 last year.

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