2015 NBA Playoffs: Hobbled Grizzlies Can’t Keep Up With The Warriors In Game 1

Missing their starting point guard, the Memphis Grizzlies just did not have enough weapons against the top seed Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals.

Stephen Curry had 22 points, 7 assists and 4 steals, Klay Thompson had 18 points and 6 assists enough to lead the Warriors to an easy 101-86 win over the Grizzlies, which were still playing without Mike Conley, who is out due to a face injury.

Golden State, which was coming off a sweep of the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs, showed no rust in the opening game of the series. The Grizzlies opened with a 3-0 lead—the last and only time they had the advantage in the game as the Warriors took the 32-25 advantage after the first quarter and brought a 61-52 lead at halftime.

The Warriors never looked back and continued the blowout by once again dominating the third quarter, 22-14. Three other Warriors ended up in double-figure scoring; Draymond Green (16), Harrison Barnes (11) and off the bench, Mareese Speights (10).

Conley is still recovering from broken bones in his face and his status is unclear on when he can return to the floor. The way Game 1 turned out they need their starting point guard back sooner than later as Nick Calathes, who started in lieu of Conley, missed all of his shots from the field (0/4).

Big men Marc Gasol (21 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals) and Zach Randolph (20 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists) carried the fight for the Grizzlies. The “grit-and-grind” Memphis squad is known for their defensive prowess but struggled to contain the Warriors, which shot above 50% field goals in the opening game.

Game 2 of the Warriors-Grizzlies best-of-seven series is set on Tuesday in Golden State before the series shifts to Memphis for Games 3 and 4.

To contact author of this article, email j.quizon@IBTimes.com.au.