Stephen Curry took advantage of the many opportunities he had to shoot unmarked. Thus he found the aim on his return home.
Portland’s defenders appeared too far back in the paint throughout Tuesday night.
“They were like practice shots,” acknowledged Damian Lillard, recognizing the spaces that Curry enjoyed in the first game of the Western Conference final.
So for now, the Warriors continued to show that they can calmly wait for their star Kevin Durant to recover.
Curry hit nine 3s and scored 36 points for Golden State to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 116-94, even without Durant.
“I know I am capable of shooting from the field. The situation forces me to be a little more aggressive, and hopefully this continues, “said Curry, who came into the game hitting 37.1 of his 3s in these playoffs. “Of course, it’s nice to see the ball go in. I didn’t shoot that well for four and a half games in the previous series, and tonight I got off to a good start. “
Curry made 12 of 23 shots for his fourth 30-point performance this postseason, finding more spaces than was available in the previous round against Houston.
“I want to keep this performance,” Curry said. “Each game is different, you have to rebuild yourself. That’s my perspective, no matter how I play. “
The two-time NBA MVP edged out Portland’s duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, who combined to make 11 of 31 shots against a fierce Golden State defense.
Klay Thompson totaled 26 points, including a one-handed dunk late. Draymond Green provided the energy on both sides of the floor at the start for a well-rested Warriors, finishing with 12 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals.
Lillard scored 19 points on his return home to Oakland, just a few miles from where he grew up. McCollum had 17 points.
“That’s one reason this series is so special. I’m from here, ”Lillard said. “I could walk home from here if I wanted to. That tells them how close it is. “
The second game is scheduled for Thursday night. The Warriors will hardly then have back Durant, the MVP of the last two NBA finals, who suffers a strained right calf. AP