The Golden State Warriors picked up a win in the NBA Finals opener after a 104-89 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Warriors and the Cavs faced off in the NBA Finals for the second year in a row on Thursday—a rematch most of the basketball predicted, with both teams offering an inviting storyline.
The Warriors produced the best record in NBA history this season. But since 73-9 don’t mean a thing without a ring, the Dubs are now looking to cap its record-breaking regular season with a second consecutive championship.
The Cavs are on a mission to bring Cleveland its first NBA crown or any other major sports crown since the 1964 Cleveland Browns. The injury-depleted Cavs fell short last year but with Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving healthy this season and Lebron James, who reached his sixth NBA Finals — the longest run by any player in half a century – they have the chance now to avenge that defeat and achieve the goal.
But it didn’t happen Thursday.
Shaun Livingston led the Warriors with 20 points while Draymond Green added 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, and Andre Iguodala continued to have a significant impact off the bench with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.
It was a quiet night from the Splash Brothers. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompsons scored 11 points and 9 points respectively. Harrison Barnes had the hot hand early for the Warriors, posting 7 of 13 points in the first period. Leandro Barbosa added 11 points while Andrew Bogut chipped in 10.
The Big Three led the Cavaliers. Irving scored 26 points, James had 23 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists and Love added 17 points and 13 rebounds in his Finals debut for the Cavaliers.
The Warriors are a 6.5- point to take a commanding lead in their quest for back-to-back titles on Sunday’s Game 2 at Oracle Arena while Cleveland are once again a betting underdog at 6.5+ points.
Odds Courtesy of OddShark
