WASHINGTON, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Golden State Warriors stormed past the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of their NBA playoff matchup 113-92 at home on Saturday.
These two teams played against each other in last year's Western Conference Finals when Warriors swept their opponents en route to winning their second title in three seasons.
The Spurs played without star forward Kawhi Leonard who has been sidelined for most of the season, while Golden State were without Steph Curry who is troubled by his knee injury.
The Warriors stars were on fire from the very start, to the thunderous crowd in the Oracle Arena, stormed to 57-41 in the first half and never looked back.
Warriors guard Klay Thompson found his shot and scored 27 points by making 11 of 13 shots. Kevin Durant and Draymond Green had 24 and 12 apiece.
The Warriors lost 10 out of last 17 games in the just-ended regular season and were not seen as the top favorite to win the crown this season.
"We know what it takes this time of year in order to win. You know, we want to get back to that, regardless of what everyone is saying," said Green after the match.
The Warriors are seeking their third title in four years and will play the second game against the Spurs on Monday.
