He's playing well in game 1s not only because he is rested but also because the opposing team hasn't yet adjusted to defending him. His go-to moves are for the most predictable after you see what he's got. He puts mostly everything on the table in game 1. It doesn't mean he's going to get shut down but limiting him for the rest of the series becomes much easier. It's why it's so disappointing that the Rockets didn't capitalize in game 1 because that win would've easily been attainable if the role players even played to half of their ability, instead they were no shows.
