The Golden State Warriors rejoiced after winning Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series with the Minnesota Timberwolves. They got this key victory despite the absence of their superstar, Stephen Curry. So perhaps the most meaningful part of the Warriors’ victory is the score. Over the last decade, their talented players produced amazing performances, and like this postseason matchup, are a story of history.
Buddy Hield grabbed national attention with 14 threes made in two games. This remarkable accomplishment puts him in exclusive company in NBA history. He was the fifth player to hit that many made three-pointers over a two-game stretch in the playoffs. This accomplishment places him among elite company, joining the likes of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Damian Lillard, and Desmond Bane. Each of them has managed to do this heroic deed on more than one occasion.
Anthony Edwards scored a game-high 23 points for the Timberwolves in the battle of NBA bottom dwellers. Yet, his performance turned out to be a story of two halves. The point guard scored just one point in the first half, unable to find his rhythm as he struggled to get going before coming alive after halftime. Jimmy Butler, who was crucial for the Wolves, had 10 rebounds. He came two assists shy of his third career postseason triple-double.
The challenge confronting the Warriors was very real. Curry was ruled out late in the second quarter due to a left hamstring strain. His absence could have significantly impacted the team’s performance. They managed to secure the win regardless. Since 2015, the Warriors have been running the table in playoff series in a coach Steve Kerr supplied offensive explosion. They now have an astonishing 21-1 record with Game 1 victories. Except for one fateful 2016 NBA Finals in which they lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This playoff win illustrated how the Warriors’ depth and resilience were fully tested and should bear fruit. Simultaneously, Hield’s remarkable marksmanship came into view. His recent hot streak has turned everyone’s attention and excitement toward him as he keeps proving to be a key factor in his team’s ability to beat the odds.
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