Tip-off: Thursday, 10:30 p.m. ET
Line: Golden State -12.5, Total: 204.5

The Warriors look to remain undefeated in the postseason in Game 2 against Utah.

After a full week of rest following their Round 1 sweep over the Portland Trail Blazers, the Golden State Warriors took care of the Utah Jazz 106-94 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals series between the teams on Tuesday night. Those hoping for a blowout were disappointed, as the Warriors came just short of covering a 13-point spread despite leading by 20 points with just over six minutes remaining in the game. Nonetheless, the Warriors were completely in control and did nothing to change the perception that they are overwhelming favorites to win the series, if not sweep it. The Jazz did a good job of controlling the pace of play, limiting the number of possessions to 93 and making sure the game went Under the total of 205.5, but they were unable to get enough going in their own offensive possessions to make the game particularly close. The Warriors tied a franchise postseason low by committing only seven turnovers, which limited Utah’s opportunities in transition. Utah will certainly look for more takeaways in Game 2, which takes place Thursday night at Oracle Arena. Since 1996, home favorites with a winning percentage of at least .750 and leading a playoff series are 9-31 ATS against opponents with a winning percentage between .600 and .750. Over the last five seasons, games involving a team that has won five or six of its last seven and playing its fifth (or fewer) game in 14 days (GSW) are 71-31 Under against totals between 200 and 209.5. Golden State PG Stephen Curry is listed as probable to play in Game 2, and SG Alec Burks is doubtful for Utah.

A quick look at Jazz SF Gordon Hayward’s (22.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.0 APG; all player stats in playoffs) box score could probably tell you that the Jazz never had a chance to win in Game 1. Hayward, who has been the fulcrum of Utah’s offense all season, had a pretty dismal game with 12 points on 4-of-15 shooting (2-of-9 from three), adding in four assists. Although the Jazz could maybe escape with a regular season win despite such a performance from their star, a postseason victory over the Warriors seems near impossible. It’s a bit of a moot point, though, as none of Hayward’s teammates stepped up to fill the gaps left by his lack of scoring. Equally as disappointing was PG George Hill (15.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.6 APG), who managed only seven points on 3-of-9 shooting. SF Joe Ingles (6.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.8 SPG), a 44% three-point shooter in the regular season, didn’t have any room to operate and ended up with only five points. C Rudy Gobert (9.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 1.3 BPG) was the Jazz’s leading scorer on the night, dropping 13 on efficient 5-of-7 shooting to go with eight rebounds. The only particularly memorable thing he did, though, was get crossed up by Steph Curry after being forced to switch onto the guard on the perimeter. SF Joe Johnson (15.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG) was able to carry the offense last round in moments when others couldn’t get anything going, but his 11 points on Tuesday weren’t enough to make a difference.

While the Golden State’s offense was far better than Utah’s in Game 1, it still looked like a reduced version of itself. Instead, the Warriors earned their victory by playing impeccable defense. As always, the team can largely thank SF Draymond Green (14.4 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 3.8 BPG) for that. While his efforts show up in the box score—he had two steals in two blocks in Game 1—it doesn’t nearly account for the coach-on-the-floor role he assumes on defense. He put together a complete offensive effort, too, picking up 17 points and six assists to go with eight boards. Curry (28.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.8 SPG) poured in a game-high 22 points on efficient 7-of-11 shooting and also adding five assists and seven rebounds. He accounted for four turnovers and was only 1-of-4 from three-point range, so he has plenty of room to improve as the series goes on. So does SF Kevin Durant (19.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.0 BPG), who put together a performance of 17 points, five boards and five assists. By his standards, his 7-of-17 shooting night was below the standards of the incredible efficiency he has achieved in his first season as a Warrior. Klay Thompson (17.6 PPG) was fairly quiet, too, scoring 15 points and making three three-pointers. He had a game-best +/- of +23 in 31 minutes. The team’s true centers, Zaza Pachulia (7.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG) and JaVale McGee (8.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG) combined to play only 24 minutes.