Golden State Warriors: 5 Takeaways From Game 1 vs. Blazers

4. Bogut Key To Bottling Mason In A Jar

Every now and then, Andrew Bogut will have a performance where he reminds everyone that, at his best, he’s still an elite defensive center in this league. Game 1 featured such a performance, as the big Aussie finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks and two steals in only 26 minutes of action.

Bogut, who went 5-of-8 from the floor, was active on both ends of the floor from the opening tip. He didn’t always look engaged in the first round, but he absolutely smothered Mason Plumlee in this series opener, limiting Portland’s starting center to one point on 0-of-7 shooting. He also emphatically denied Plumlee’s request to dishonor his family name:

To be fair, Plumlee also added 12 rebounds and six assists, showcasing the same kind of smart passing he displayed in Portland’s first round series with defenses keying in on Lillard and McCollum. But Bogut helped Golden State race out to a double-digit lead early, controlling the glass, protecting the paint and finishing easy looks at the basket.

The Warriors have plenty of length and able-bodied defenders to throw at Lillard and McCollum, but if Bogut is able to keep Plumlee caged up in a mason jar like he did in Game 1, the Blazers are really going to be running short of difference-makers.

Next: No. 3