Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from Game 4 victory vs. Clippers

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 21: The Golden State Warriors celebrate during Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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3. Fast start once again

While Los Angeles took the lead for spurts at a time, the Warriors ultimately closed out the first quarter stronger with a 32-22 advantage. Klay Thompson led them with 17 in the frame, starting off a perfect 7-for-7 from the field.

The Clippers, meanwhile, shot just 8-of-23 in the same time period, highlighted by Gallinari’s inefficient 0-of-6 shooting from the field. It’s clear that despite their improbable lone victory in this series, L.A. simply doesn’t have the talent necessary to compete with Golden State’s versatility at that end of the floor.

For as much praise as the Dubs get for their at times overpowering level of play in the third quarter, it’s the first 12 minutes of any game that has the chance to set the tone. An early lead takes some of the pressure off, while a deficit of any sort may cause a heightened sense of urgency.

The Warriors are an all-time great team when fully locked in, but part of their greatness over the years has been their level of play without thought. That type of freedom keeps the energy up and the ball movement purposeful, and it stems from the ability to play without pressure on the backbone of a large lead.

So, Golden State can give the opposition hope through the first half only to snatch it away before the start of the fourth quarter. Or, it can attack them right from the start and create the environment its players thrive best in.

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