Best 1st round series - LA Clippers vs Golden State Warriors. I ain't missing a game of that one.
What are your thoughts on game 1 of that series?
Was really impressed with the interior passing of the Warriors in that game especially in the 2nd half. Also nice to see the maturation/evolution of Klay Thompson's game. He is not just a spot-up shooter anymore. He can put the ball on the floor and create for himself and others and is an excellent defender at the 2-guard position. I thought his length really made things difficult on Paul especially in the 1st half.
I still think the Clippers will end up winning the series as this game was tight and Blake was in foul trouble throughout the game - many of them touch fouls . He didn't get to play much and still the Clippers were close. And those turnovers and missed free throws by the Clippers at the end of the game cost them too.
Warriors bigs (Lee/O'neal) played well too in the 2nd half in particular. Lee's passing is underrated and O'neal did a solid job defensively altering/changing shots and drawing charges and did a TREMENDOUS job with his activity on the glass creating extra possessions for the Dubs. When you look at the history of the NBA there are few guys that you can point to and say he was an excellent shot-blocker & charge-drawer. Usually shot-blockers don't draw a lot of charges and vice versa. But when you look at JO's career he has been a very good shot-blocker/changer and charge-drawer.