The Golden State Warriors fell in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday to the Toronto Raptors, 118-109, on the road. This is a situation the franchise has not seen during its dynasty run.
The Warriors had won the previous 11 Game 1s under coach Steve Kerr and only lost one Game 1 during the Kerr era — in the 2016 Western Conference Finals to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Warriors were led by Stephen Curry, who poured in 34 points, and Klay Thompson, who added 21. Golden State is still missing superstar Kevin Durant who was missing his sixth-straight game due to a calf strain.
And the team had no answer for Toronto forward Pascal Siakam who scored a career playoff high 32 points for the Raptors. Despite the loss, Thompson is still feeling confident about his team’s chances and told reporters after the game:
We’re not very familiar with this team, but that’s no excuse. … I know we’ll respond like the champions we are.
The Warriors have proven in the past that they can win with their backs against the wall. This team has been through all of the wars together and they know what they now need to do to bounce back in Game 2.
A loss can wake up a team like Golden State, which hadn’t played since May 20. Now, they realize they’re in a fight.
Game 2 is Sunday in Toronto.
