OAKLAND — Here’s some rapid reaction from the Warriors’ 126-91 bashing of the Cavaliers on MLK Day in Oracle Arena
Turning point
The Warriors burst out to an early lead, looking every bit as sharp as you’d expect this talented, focused team to look after three days of rest and practice. The Cavaliers came out a bit flat, showing the lack of energy you often see from an Eastern team closing out a six-game Western road trip. But everyone’s blood was flowing after a controversial Draymond Green foul on LeBron James at halfcourt midway through the second quarter. After a lengthy review to determine flop or flagrant, the referees ruled flagrant. Cleveland got two free throws, possession and, temporarily it seemed, their first sniff of momentum as Green grumbled his way to the bench and LeBron toed the line. Of late in this matchup, the Cavaliers have responded better in testy, dramatic moments. But not this time. The Warriors would outscore Cleveland 26-13 over the next six minutes to turn a lopsided first half score into a complete runaway, punctuated by a drive and slam by Kevin Durant to highlight the run.
K.D. #NBAVine #DubNation https://t.co/b73VlajDQs
— NBA (@NBA) January 17, 2017
It was over when…
…Steph Curry closed out that first half domination with a 28-foot fading buzzer-beater, falling into the scorer’s table and shimmying moments after the shot. It put Golden State up 78-49 — a rare 29-point halftime lead — and essentially felt like the game’s early dagger, even for a fanbase and team that has seen big leads melt of late. The shot was also a punctuation point for Curry. He was heavily criticized for his passive Christmas performance in the loss to Cleveland. He responded Monday, putting up 14 points and 10 assists, while not committing a turnover, in the first half and finishing with 20 points and 11 assists in 31 solid minutes.
Count it. #DubNation pic.twitter.com/C6WsZEh7kD
— NBA (@NBA) January 17, 2017
What does it mean?
Ehhh. Not much. If these two teams meet come June, no one’s going to be talking about the MLK beatdown when the ball is tipped off for Game 1. But it was still an encouraging performance for a still developing Warriors team. They’re now 35-6, but have struggled with premiere opponents this season, losing twice to the Grizzlies and once to the Spurs, Rockets and Cavaliers. Now it’s time to see if they can back it up with strong performances against the Thunder and Rockets on Wednesday and Friday.
Unsung hero: Andre Iguodala
In years past, Iguodala has been such a key in this Cavaliers matchup, guarding LeBron for stretches, nailing open 3s and making needed contributions off the bench. But the Finals MVP Iguodala has felt like a thing of the past for a majority of this season. In Year 13, he seems to be saving his legs. On Christmas, he had a nightmare game capped by a strange turnover in the final minute that helped Cleveland pull off the comeback. But on Monday, Iguodala looked spry and focused. He made both of his 3s, had a season-high 14 points and five assists, leading a strong bench effort. Shaun Livingston also chipped in 13 points on 6-of-7 shootingIf he can ramp it up like this semi-consistently in May and June, the Warriors will have the fifth piece of their nightmare five-man closing unit.
Stat of the night
Ten more blocks for the Warriors on Monday night. Draymond Green had a career-high five and Kevin Durant had three, including this rejection of a LeBron James drive.
This Durant block on LeBron was cleaner than it looked in real time pic.twitter.com/XlRNKwLBSd
— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) January 17, 2017
Stat of the night II
Assist totals: Warriors 37, Cavaliers 11
