Warriors hit back with crushing win over Thunder

Defending NBA champions the Golden State Warriors bounced back from their surprise opening-game loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 118-91 win on Wednesday.

The history-seeking Warriors came unstuck on Monday, stifled by the Thunder in the second half as they fell to a shock six-point defeat in game one of the Western Conference finals on home court.

But the Warriors, who ended the regular season with an NBA-record 73 wins, offered a timely reminder as to why they are the team to beat with a comprehensive performance at Oracle Arena.

After opening an eight-point lead at half-time, the Warriors pulled clear thanks to a 31-19 third quarter as they levelled the play-off series.

NBA MVP Stephen Curry left the court to a standing ovation, having led the Warriors with 28 points.

Curry was nine-of-15 from the floor, while he nailed five three-pointers.

Klay Thompson (15), Andre Iguodala (14), Festus Ezeli (12), Harrison Barnes (11) and Draymond Green (10) also had double-digit points.

Kevin Durant (29 points) and Russell Westbrook (16 points, 12 assists) were unable to inspire another victory for the Thunder, who were looking to claim a fourth consecutive win away from home in the play-offs.

The best-of-seven series heads to Oklahoma City for game three on Sunday.