© Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
For the first quarter, Golden State’s 123-101 win featured two offensively gifted teams matching each other’s every blow. This Western Conference Semifinals series between the Warriors and Pelicans figured to be a shootout, and the opening period did not misrepresent. The Warriors allowed 60 percent shooting but led the Pelicans 35-34 entering the second quarter. It appeared New Orleans would give the Warriors all they could handle after the Pelicans eliminated Portland with a 4-0 sweep in the opening round.
Then the rails flew off.
With two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry watching from the bench, the Warriors outscored the Pelicans 41-18 in one of the most lopsided quarters you’ll see.
Golden State shot 65 percent in the second quarter. New Orleans shot 26.1 percent. Golden State fueled its offense with defensive rebounds and five forced turnovers. Anthony Davis was limited to two points and no field goals in the period. Klay Thompson scored 13 points, drilling one jumper after the next from the same spot in the right corner.
Everything went right. Kevon Looney was + 26 in 10 minutes.
The entire quarter was frenetic, bookended with a Draymond Green dunk and Darius Miller 72-foot heave that found the net at the buzzer. There was enough action in one quarter to last an entire game.
But there was a second half to play. Barring an epic collapse, the Warriors would walk out of Oracle Arena with a 1-0 series lead, as long as they showed up in the second half.
They did. Golden State cruised thereafter, outscoring New Orleans 27-19 in the third quarter to hit the 100-point mark with one period left. The Warriors led by 29 points entering the fourth quarter, which was merely a formality.
Golden State pulled its starters and let the bench players finish the game. With the 22-point win Saturday night, the Warriors have now won 13 of their past 14 Western Conference Playoff contests dating back to last season.
There wasn’t a single Warrior who played noticeably poorly Saturday night.
Green produced his typical well-rounded game, defending whomever he matched up with and creating offensively. He finished the game with a triple-double, including 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists. Thompson continued a brilliant opening round into Game 1 against the Pelicans, scoring 27 points on 10-22 shooting Saturday night. Kevin Durant found a groove early with 12 first quarter points. He finished with 26 points on 10-21 shooting.
Shaun Livingston and David West produced quality offensive games. Looney played terrific defense on Davis, matching up with the superstar center for long spurts, and finished the game with a +34 plus-minus. The pregame surprise was Steve Kerr starting Nick Young, who played sparingly in the opening round against the Spurs. He contributed six points in 17 minutes.
The Warriors looked unbeatable Saturday night. The scariest part? Curry is set to return in Game 2.