May 14, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (left) and guard Chris Paul (3) during the first quarter in game one of the Western conference finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden State Warriors made a big statement and greatly swung the odds in their favor with a 119-106 road victory to open their long-anticipated Western Conference Finals showdown with the Houston Rockets.

Kevin Durant led the way for the Warriors in Game 1 with 37 points (14-of 27 FG; 6-of-6 FT) and an array of highly difficult shots. Being nearly a 7’0″ footer with guard skills makes him borderline impossible to guard.

https://youtu.be/w04Oflh7qgw?t=28s

Golden State shooting guard Klay Thompson also dropped 28 points and hit six threes.

https://youtu.be/CJBLIjrZ4BI?t=28s

The Rockets were viewed as arguably the best team the Warriors have seen over this incredible four-year run, and the numbers backed that up. But the Rockets may not have been able to afford this home loss, and have now lost the home-court advantage they viewed as so crucial to obtain.

https://twitter.com/erikmal/status/996229648336896000

Even if Houston wins Game 2 to even up the series, the best-of-five would give Golden State three home games (if necessary) at Oracle Arena and that’s going to provide an incredibly difficult challenge for the Rockets.

Charles Barkley says “Warriors in 3”, and TNT’s Ernie Johnson  informed Klay Thompson of that prediction.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.

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