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Warriors dominate Game 1, beat Pelicans 123-101

It was an old fashioned butt-whooping at Oracle Arena.

By Brady Klopfer
NBA: Playoffs-New Orleans Pelicans at Golden State Warriors Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Sometimes everything just clicks on the basketball court. And it’s beautiful.

And when that happens to a team that is absurdly stacked with talent, it’s even more beautiful.

Such was the case on Saturday night. The Golden State Warriors took on the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, and all cylinders were firing. In fact, some new cylinders we didn’t know existed magically appeared and were firing.

The game was fascinating from the opening tip, as Steve Kerr mixed things up and went with a small ball lineup, replacing a center with Nick Young. This allowed Draymond Green to matchup with Anthony Davis, while also spacing the floor.

The results were mixed, as the frantic first quarter went back and forth, with the Dubs leading 35-34 after one.

Then the second quarter happened. Klay Thompson caught fire. Kevin Durant caught fire. Draymond Green did everything good that can be done on a basketball court. And Kevon Looney played defense like his life depended on it.

Run the highlights. Sit back, crack open a cold one, and enjoy these:

Does it get prettier than that? No. It does not get prettier than that.

When the second quarter dust settled, the Warriors had outscored the Pelicans 41-21, and the game was all but over as the teams headed to the locker rooms.

The second half was exciting, albeit methodical. They handled business exactly how you want them to, and New Orleans never was able to make it close. It was a fun, but entirely uneventful second half; the outcome was never in question.

Green dominated, everywhere, finishing with a triple double of 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists, plus 3 steals and 2 blocks. Durant dropped 26 points with 13 rebounds, and Thompson splashed in 27 points to lead all scorers.

And most importantly, the Warriors won 123-101.

Without Stephen Curry. Who, by the way, is expected back for Tuesday’s Game 2.

Dominate without Curry, then get him back? Yeah, you know how we feel.

Poll

Who was the Warrior Wonder in Game 1 against the Pelicans

This poll is closed

  • 74%
    Draymond Green
    (584 votes)
  • 1%
    Kevin Durant
    (10 votes)
  • 9%
    Klay Thompson
    (76 votes)
  • 13%
    Kevon Looney
    (104 votes)
  • 0%
    Shaun Livingston
    (3 votes)
  • 0%
    David West
    (0 votes)
  • 0%
    Quinn Cook
    (3 votes)
  • 0%
    Other (answer in the comments please)
    (3 votes)
783 votes total Vote Now

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