Warriors Nip Spurs in Opener; Leonard Out for Game 2

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Golden State Warriors remain unbeaten in this spring's NBA playoffs, but they needed a 25-point comeback to stay that way.

The Warriors trailed by 25 before taking Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, a 113-111 decision over the visiting San Antonio Spurs. Stephen Curry scored 40 points and nailed a tying 3-pointer with 1:48 remaining. Draymond Green followed with a three-point play that put Golden State ahead to stay.

Curry delivered 19 points in the third quarter and went 7 for 16 on 3s overall. Kevin Durant scored 10 straight during a key fourth-quarter stretch on his way to 34 points. Zaza Pachulia had 11 points and nine rebounds for the Warriors, who host Game 2 on Tuesday.

Golden State went on an 18-0 run after Spurs leading forward Kawhi Leonard left the game for good in the third quarter. Leonard re-injured his left ankle after scoring 26 points and grabbing eight rebounds.

Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge added 28 points and eight boards.

Spurs' Kawhi Leonard ruled out for Game 2 vs Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has ruled Kawhi Leonard out for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.

Popovich said Monday that, "Obviously, he won't play tomorrow."

Leonard left Game 1 on Sunday after re-injuring his tender left ankle in the third quarter when Warriors center Zaza Pachulia's foot slid under Leonard's following a jumper by the All-Star forward.

Leonard didn't return, giving Golden State an opening for an 18-0 run and a 113-111 comeback victory.

Leonard scored 26 points on 7-of-13 shooting in nearly 24 minutes to go with eight rebounds and three assists. He made all 11 of his free throws.