OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Kevin Durant helped the defending champions get defensive in a hurry, finishing with 24 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as the Golden State Warriors returned to their old dominant selves at playoff time to beat the cold-shooting San Antonio Spurs 113-92 on Saturday.
Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson took charge in Game 1 of the first-round series to elevate the Warriors’ intensity at last playing without fellow All-Star and injured two-time MVP Stephen Curry, sidelined since March 23 with a sprained left knee.
Thompson found his shot and scored 27 points, making 11 of 13 shots, while 7-footer JaVale McGee started in Steve Kerr’s center-by-committee approach and contributed 15 points, four rebounds and two blocked shots in 16 minutes.
Rudy Gay led the Spurs with 15 points off the bench as leading scorer LaMarcus Aldridge was limited to 14 points on 5-for-12 shooting.
Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Monday night at Oracle Arena.
The defending champions looked unbeatable again. And that was without the do-everything Curry.
nba.com
Kevin Durant, fue fundamental en la primera victoria de los Campeones Defensores de la NBA, Golden State Warriors en su serie al mejor de 7 frente a San Antonio Sports, aportando 24 puntos, 8 rebotes y 7 asistencias para el 113-92.
Durant, Raymond Green y Kay Thompson se hicieron cargo del equipo, en el primer partido de la primera serie de postemporada, sin su astro y dos veces MVP, Stephen Curry, lesionado desde el pasado 23 de marzo con esguince de tobillo y quien estaría listo para regresar, recién en serie de semifinales de conferencia.
Thompson anoto 27 puntos, convirtiendo 11 de 13 disparos.
Rudy Gay lidero a los Spurs con 15 puntos desde la banca, con el lider anotador del equipo, LaMarcus Aldridge limitado a 14 puntos, en 5 de 12 intentos.
El segundo partido de la serie se disputara el lunes en la Oracle Arena de Oakland, California.
Los Campeones defensores del titulo de la NBA, lucieron invencibles, y sin el que lo hace todo, Stephen Curry.