Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Cavaliers

2. Warriors’ bigs far more playable in this series

To look at McGee, Jordan Bell or Kevon Looney and say that any of them had a particularly good night is difficult.

Looney was a -10, while every other starter was at least +9. His rebounding struggles helped the Cavs grab 25 boards to Golden State’s 12 in the first half, while his offensive ineptitude fueled Cleveland’s ball pressure all game.

Ostensibly frustrated, Kerr inserted McGee into the second half starting unit. His energy and vertical spacing made him a +6 during that stretch, but he got lost on switches (as well as wide open under his own basket), and Kerr did not go back to him again.

Bell was the best of the bunch, but to say his four points, two rebounds, two assists or +2 rating were special would be a stretch. The Warriors still got very little from their non All-Stars, and still missed Andre Iguodala, the guy who makes heavy doses of Green at center possible.

However, each of Golden State’s bigs looked to belong on the court in a way they did not against the Houston Rockets. All three held their own switching onto James, who seemed to think he was still going against Festus Ezeli out in space.

McGee might be able to survive defensively enough to make his offense worth it in short bursts. Bell certainly can, as can Looney if he re-discovers his offensive game (he started to in the second half, getting on the glass and going 4-for-5 after failing to register a shot by halftime).

Until Iguodala returns, wing depth will be a major issue. Kerr would certainly rather get something out of his half-dozen centers than throw Patrick McCaw into the fray, overextend Shaun Livingston or extend Nick Young at all.

After Game 1, it looks like he may get his wish.