Conference Finals Game 1 Recap

2016 NBA Playoffs Blog

Conference Finals Game 1 Recap:

Western Conference

1] Warriors vs. 3] Thunder (Series 1-0 Thunder)

The first game of the Western Conference Finals was played on Tuesday morning with the reigning champion Golden State Warriors taking on the title hungry Oklahoma City Thunder. A miraculous series comeback verses the San Antonio Spurs, after being down 2-1, gave the Thunder the chance to play in the Conference Finals. The game started out slow for both teams, with both teams scoring just under 25 points in the first quarter, but that was just the beginning of what turned out to be a thrilling game. Even though the Thunder started out very slow, with Russell Westbrook shooting 0-10 in the first half and being the sole cause for numerous turnovers, the Thunder were still within striking distance of the Warriors who were playing lock down defense and making Oklahoma City work for every single point. It seemed as if the Thunder needed every bit of the shot-clock to earn their baskets and when Golden State got a hold of the ball, it was easy bucket three pointers or long distance two’s in a quick paced transition game. In an ever too familiar story for this playoffs, the Thunder were up three points with under 10 seconds left when the Warriors forced the Thunder into a half court trap. Russell Westbrook, being the speed demon he is, attempted to stop and plant his feet but his momentum carried him and he dragged his planting foot. The referees did not call a travel and the Thunder were awarded a time-out after Westbrook was trapped. The refs blew a game for what seems like the millionth time, but it could be pivotal in this series. This could be quite an interesting series for the Warriors because even with Westbrook shooting 0-10 in the first half and Durant shooting 10-30 on the floor all night, they still pulled out the underdog win. The Thunder stole game one on the road without playing as well as they could, so it should be interesting to see how the Warriors come out in front of their home crowd in game 2 on Thursday morning.

Eastern Conference

1] Cavaliers vs. 2] Raptors (Series 1-0 Raptors)

The Cavaliers are undefeated this 2K16 Playoff’s, and it doesn’t seem like they will lose the game until they cruise into the Title round. LeBron James took over the game with outstanding statistics, shooting 85% from the floor with 24 points and 6 rebounds. He looked like a man amongst boys while he played phenomenal defense and gave his teammates every opportunity they could to score by drawing the defense to him. He truly looked like the greatest player in the world, and it seems like Toronto may not have the talents to knock him out of the series. It was clear from the regular season that the Cavaliers would cruise to the Eastern Conference finals, but no one knew that they would handle their opponents in the decapitating fashion that they have been. LeBron & Co are seemingly unstoppable, and it’s not an if, but only a when, are they going to get to the Title game.