One game can’t take back the past, and there is no guarantee it will impact the future, but in the moment it can feel pretty darn good. And judging by the volume level on Warriors Ground, it’s safe to say that all of Dub Nation was riding a feeling of euphoria with Monday’s 126-91 triumph over the Cavs.
The Warriors built a double-digit lead early and turned it up a notch in the second quarter. With the teams seemingly trading baskets for much of the quarter, Kevin Durant lit the fuse with the fuse with a follow-up dunk.
From there, the run was on. The Warriors would make eight of their last nine shots of the half and out-scored Cleveland 20-5 over the final 4:16 of the first half. It wasn’t just the fact that the Dubs were hitting shots – they were hitting unreal shots. Zaza Pachulia made an unorthodox shot in the paint and then Stephen Curry knocked down the dagger to end the half.
The fact that the Warriors built up the initial lead, however, is due at least in some part to the bench. Warriors reserves gave the team a huge lift, combining to shoot 11-for-13 from the floor in the first half.
Andre Iguodala led the bench unit with a season-high 14 points on 5-of-5 shooting, including a pair of 3-pointers in the first quarter. His play reminiscent of his 2015 NBA Final MVP form, Iguodala complimented his hot hand with five assists and tough defense that helped limited LeBron James to a 6-for-18 performance on the night.
