Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Cavaliers
1. There’s a difference between being lucky and undeserving
The Golden State Warriors were the better team in Game 1. Why? Because Curry’s and-1 was extremely clutch. Because Green, Livingston and Thompson were the three best players in overtime. Because George Hill missed a game-winning free throw. Because J.R. Smith is J.R. Smith.
And because LeBron James did block Kevin Durant on his fateful late-game drive.
We can debate whether or not the officials should have changed their decision. The rules explicitly state that doing so is fair game, but reversing a judgement call at such a critical moment did not sit right with the Cavs, their fans and many impartial observers.
But to say that, based on what happened on the court, a charge was more correct than a block is disingenuous. James was late getting over, still moving and almost got away with a risky defensive play. He didn’t, Durant hit his free throws, and Golden State made fewer mistakes over the wild remainder of regulation before dominating overtime.
The Warriors were extremely lucky, yes. The refs did not have to change the call, and had they not, the Cavs probably win. They probably win if Hill hits two free throws, and they might win if Smith is aware of time and score.
To say that the Cavs should be up 1-0 right now, despite making zero plays to win the game? That’s bad analysis.
If you have a vested interest in seeing a compelling series, Cleveland winning would have been a better outcome. The same is true if you wanted to see one of the greatest individual Finals performances ever rewarded with a W.
If you wanted to see the team that played better win the game, however, you did. Clutch play, resilience and the best four-man tandem in NBA history prevailed.
Let’s hope we get more great games like this, that Cleveland’s competitiveness was not a flash in the pan. If we do, let’s hope that they are less marred by controversy, allowing us to focus on the terrific basketball being played.
Next: 2018 NBA Finals Game 1 recap and reaction
And let’s hope that the team that deserves to win continues to win, as it did in Game 1.