The San Antonio Spurs brought their "A-game" to Game 5, which came to no surprise. The Spurs are a veteran team. They're well coached with veterans who have been there, done that. The Warriors, on the other hand, didn't bring much of a game. Outside of Jarrett Jack and Harrison Barnes, the Warriors lacked contribution from any other player. Little used veteran Richard Jefferson was called upon and added something for a moment, but then he also reminded us why the Spurs were so willing to part ways with him last year. Even Andris Biedrins received an encore Game 4 entrance from Mark Jackson with Andrew Bogut ailing and Festus Ezeli nonexistent, but the results were as inspiring this time around.
It also didn't help Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry combined for 6-22 shooting (Klay didn't even attempt a 3) and 6 turnovers. The Warriors just hung around for 3 quarters before the Spurs pulled away midway in the 4th. A "Splash Brothers" run would've been nice and we just waited ... and waited ... and waited, buuuuuuuut to no avail.
That was because the Spurs made a small adjustment.
The physicality remained the same on Stephen Curry throughout. Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard bumping Curry on the ball and checking him on screens was repetitive, but it was what they did offensively on him that was key. If you recall in the first four games of the series, Green or Leonard was assigned to Curry leaving Tony Parker on Klay Thompson. That set up offensive sets where the Warriors would iso on Parker defensively and have either Thompson or Barnes (on the switch) post up. Parker's defensive flaws were exposed. Curry could just shoot the three over him, Klay could attempt the turn around over him, and Barnes could do the same or spin inside for the lay up.
Prior to the start of the game, Curry expressed that his ankle was fine
and actually feeling better than it did prior to Game 4. Popovich
tested it by playing the "here-is-a-taste-of-your-own-medicine" card.
From the start, the Spurs attacked Curry at will. They'd run high sets to free Parker of Thompson's grasps and into Curry's reach-in-gamble tactics. Next, they had a choice: post up Kawhi on Curry or run Green off screens for a spot up jumper. This resulted in either Curry getting overmatched by Leonard's strength or Curry chasing around Green like kids playing "tag," ultimately wearing Steph down.
Did it really work? I'd say so. Curry looked slow and fatigued. He didn't show much energy on either end of the floor.
Thompson's excuse? Well, in the repetitive words of Mark Jackson, he simply wasn't making shots. He had some good looks, they just didn't go in. That's been the story of Klay offensively through two years in the league. His inconsistency has always been downside and on a night where Curry was getting tagged with lefts and rights to the lower body, Klay went missing offensively to pick up the slack.
Despite the frustrating all-around performance, there was a bright spot and it came from Harrison Barnes; coming fresh out of the news that he had made the NBA All-Rookie 1st Team (the 3rd time in 4 years for a Warrior). Barnes shot 10-18 from the field and had 6 boards. His aggressive play offensively allowed the Warriors to hang around for about 42 minutes. Post ups, isos. Give him the rock and he'll deliver.
Barnes' game has matured gradually over the season, but he didn't truly blossom until round one of the postseason. Now his game is flourishing, mainly due to David Lee's injury (more looks). Watching him break down his defender out of the triple threat is like staring at an assault rifle with a few perks attached to it. Pivot, drive, lay it up, pull up. That's his game and he makes it look so damn smooth.
However, Barnes isos aren't enough. As we've seen in the Warriors' six wins this postseason, it's been a collective team effort. Only two Warriors decided to show up in Game 5 and now they're on the brink of elimination. Although, after every loss, the Warriors have responded mightily (4-0 after losses in the playoffs, 20-15 in regular season) so perhaps the season isn't over yet. But even if it is the end, at least it'll be in front of those that had supported them through an overachieving season.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Bob Myers finishes 7th in EOY voting and I'm not sure why
The results for 2013 Executive of the Year were released today and it was announced that Denver Nuggets General Manager Masai Ujiri won the award. The award is based off of the player transactions made during the summer prior to the start of the season and how they play out (was it a bargain or flop?).
In Ujiri's case, he swung a deal to acquire swingman Andre Iguodala. He only gave up the young Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington, a protected first rounder, and a second rounder in the process. Afflalo is a solid player for what he gives you, but he wasn't worth jamming up the cap at $7 million per when they had other financial decisions to tend to. Iggy went on to average 13/5/5 in the season, but he was known more for his perimeter defensive leadership than his scoring. Ujiri also brought back Andre Miller, who's proved to be a serviceable back up despite his age. He also handed out two extensions: one to Ty Lawson, who's quickness has proven to be a nuisance for opposing defenders, and the other to JaVale McGee, who's IQ continues to still be in question, but the skill set remains there and George Karl has demonstrated he knows how to handle those weaknesses.
Just look at where Karl took this team despite the constrained IQ. 57-25, 3rd seed in the Western Conference. Their 38-3 record was the league's best home record. Needless to say, the Ujiri's roster vastly exceeded expectations.
But back to the EOY voting. This is the results...
1. Masai Ujiri, DEN
2. Gary Sacks, LAC
3. Daryl Morey, HOU
4. Glen Grunwald, NYK
5. R.C. Buford, SAS
6. Pat Riley, MIA
7. Bob Myers, GSW
What a travesty that last one was. Golden State Warriors General Manager Bob Myers finished 7th in the voting. SEVENTH. How? Why?
Myers took a 23-43 squad in 2011-2012 and overhauled the roster that ultimately finished 47-35. That's a 24 win difference, folks. The expectations going into the season weren't even postseason aspirations. It was ... let's just see where this young squad goes from here. Myers drafted Harrison Barnes, Festus Ezeli, and Draymond Green. He re-signed Brandon Rush for only $8 million. Turned Dorell Wright into a back up PG in Jarrett Jack. And signed Stephen Curry to a 4-year, $44 million extension, which looks like a chump change now after the All-Star season he had. Had Curry not been re-signed for that, he would've received maximum money from someone (Charlotte?) later this summer. Now he's on the books for the next four seasons after this.
Yeah, I'd say that warrants a higher placing among the NBA's executives. I mean...
Pat Riley? Really? Yeah, he brought in Ray Allen and Chris Andersen. But that's about it. Rashard Lewis rarely plays. Sure, the Heat had the best record in the NBA and yes, Allen and Andersen had a significant impact on it, but there's a few guys already there that already put a stamp on why they're so damn good. They're expected to do what they did.
I get Glen Grunwald and Daryl Morey, but R.C. Buford re-signed Tim Duncan for cheap, because Duncan asked to do so. Then plugged in role players here and there into their system. I don't get that. Gary Sacks extended Blake Griffin and brought in Matt Barnes and Jamal Crawford. Cool. But Chauncey Billups was playing assistant coach most of the season and Grant Hill and Lamar Odom didn't have much of an impact compared to what the Warriors newcomers did.
Myers should be Top 5, if not Top 3, and that's not subjectively speaking. The Warriors overachieved in a season dictated by Myers' transactions, especially with Andrew Bogut out for about two-thirds of the season. The voters in the process screwed this one up. I'm not sure what those NBA executives with votes were looking at other than what happened in the win column.
In Ujiri's case, he swung a deal to acquire swingman Andre Iguodala. He only gave up the young Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington, a protected first rounder, and a second rounder in the process. Afflalo is a solid player for what he gives you, but he wasn't worth jamming up the cap at $7 million per when they had other financial decisions to tend to. Iggy went on to average 13/5/5 in the season, but he was known more for his perimeter defensive leadership than his scoring. Ujiri also brought back Andre Miller, who's proved to be a serviceable back up despite his age. He also handed out two extensions: one to Ty Lawson, who's quickness has proven to be a nuisance for opposing defenders, and the other to JaVale McGee, who's IQ continues to still be in question, but the skill set remains there and George Karl has demonstrated he knows how to handle those weaknesses.
Just look at where Karl took this team despite the constrained IQ. 57-25, 3rd seed in the Western Conference. Their 38-3 record was the league's best home record. Needless to say, the Ujiri's roster vastly exceeded expectations.
But back to the EOY voting. This is the results...
1. Masai Ujiri, DEN
2. Gary Sacks, LAC
3. Daryl Morey, HOU
4. Glen Grunwald, NYK
5. R.C. Buford, SAS
6. Pat Riley, MIA
7. Bob Myers, GSW
What a travesty that last one was. Golden State Warriors General Manager Bob Myers finished 7th in the voting. SEVENTH. How? Why?
Myers took a 23-43 squad in 2011-2012 and overhauled the roster that ultimately finished 47-35. That's a 24 win difference, folks. The expectations going into the season weren't even postseason aspirations. It was ... let's just see where this young squad goes from here. Myers drafted Harrison Barnes, Festus Ezeli, and Draymond Green. He re-signed Brandon Rush for only $8 million. Turned Dorell Wright into a back up PG in Jarrett Jack. And signed Stephen Curry to a 4-year, $44 million extension, which looks like a chump change now after the All-Star season he had. Had Curry not been re-signed for that, he would've received maximum money from someone (Charlotte?) later this summer. Now he's on the books for the next four seasons after this.
Yeah, I'd say that warrants a higher placing among the NBA's executives. I mean...
Pat Riley? Really? Yeah, he brought in Ray Allen and Chris Andersen. But that's about it. Rashard Lewis rarely plays. Sure, the Heat had the best record in the NBA and yes, Allen and Andersen had a significant impact on it, but there's a few guys already there that already put a stamp on why they're so damn good. They're expected to do what they did.
I get Glen Grunwald and Daryl Morey, but R.C. Buford re-signed Tim Duncan for cheap, because Duncan asked to do so. Then plugged in role players here and there into their system. I don't get that. Gary Sacks extended Blake Griffin and brought in Matt Barnes and Jamal Crawford. Cool. But Chauncey Billups was playing assistant coach most of the season and Grant Hill and Lamar Odom didn't have much of an impact compared to what the Warriors newcomers did.
Myers should be Top 5, if not Top 3, and that's not subjectively speaking. The Warriors overachieved in a season dictated by Myers' transactions, especially with Andrew Bogut out for about two-thirds of the season. The voters in the process screwed this one up. I'm not sure what those NBA executives with votes were looking at other than what happened in the win column.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Warriors show some hustle to even series
Respond.
That was the story of the game and the 4th quarter tonight for the Golden State Warriors. After a Game 1 meltdown, the narrative behind Game 2 was whether or not the Warriors could respond and finish. But if you were talking like Charles Barkley after Game 1, you haven't followed the Warriors much this season.
This is a different team, that's for sure. The ability to compete, defend, and rebound has become a natural mindset for this squad instilled by their head coach. It's the kind of significance and optimism you want to witness as a fan who's endured so much in the past 20 years.
The first half was highlighted by a Klay Thompson shooting clinic where he went 11 for 18 from the field (5 for 6 from three) in the entire 24 minutes of action. Most importantly, Klay had no fouls. That was huge. I guess Father Knows Best, too. Foul trouble was his problem in Game 1 and his disqualification arguably fueled Tony Parker's offensive burst in the final 4 minutes. If you don't know the story by now, Thompson's the Warriors' best perimeter defender. Watch him and you'll fall in love with his fundamentals. He shuffles his feet, doesn't reach, and uses his length to disrupt shot attempts. His defense on Parker this series has posed a problem for San Antonio, who's asking him to score a far greater rate than he naturally would like to (or could, for that matter).
In a series that will dictated by the swing men, role players, and tempo, this is where the young guns need to shine because the spotlight is on them. Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, Klay, Stephen Curry, Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green.
Speaking of Draymond, what Warrior has become more invaluable than Cheeseburger D? (It's an inside joke, but you can put 2-and-2 together.) His rebounding and intangibles were part of the reason why the Warriors pulled this win off and why they're still here. Green had trouble holding on to some boards in the first and his 7 boards don't do him much justice, as he had more activity tipping and fighting for boards on most of the shot attempts. He finished 2 for 8, but those two shots he made were far more significant than the box score could ever indicate. And guess what?
They came both in the 4th.
As the Spurs cut the lead down to 8 early around the 10 minute mark, Barnes found Green going to the basket for a lay up. Good. After Parker cuts the lead to 6 with a mid-range jumper, Jarrett Jack found an open Draymond for three in the 6 minute mark. Swish.
Then there was Jarrett Jack.
Jack's been on the receiving end of slander these playoffs with his boneheaded decisions, but he logged in important minutes for Mark Jackson in stretches. Jack hit a big two-pointer near the final minute of the 3rd to push the lead back to 9 after the Spurs cut it down to 7. Two possessions later, he ran an iso once more, ran into traffic, almost turned it over, yet found Klay Thompson in the right center angle for three to end the quarter. Splash. Back to a double digit lead.
Jack then came back in the 4th at the 8:04 mark for Green, who seconds later replaced Thompson. These were big minutes for Jack. With Klay playing all but 1:24 of the game, the Warriors needed Jack to give them something. Anything. So what did he do? He found Green to his left for a three, as stated above. The Spurs cut it down to 7, so Jack nailed a mid-range jumper in response. Ginobili sinks a shot, Jack responds right back. In that four minute span, Jack gave just enough without turning the ball over. /wipes sweat off forehead
After that?
Ginobili was short on a contested three. Ginobili crashed into Bogut for the charge. And hey, a turnover! By whom? Manu. Ginobili this. Ginobili that. More Spurs misses. Significant Warriors rebounds. And some Stephlon Don to close it out. (Word to Jordan Ramirez of WW on that nickname).
Rebound. Defend. Respond.
That's what the Warriors did. That's what Mark Jackson probably told you in his post game presser (and in that regard, every post game). Now the Warriors have evened it up and snapped the 15 year, 30-game losing streak in San Antonio. They've stolen homecourt and have shown the nation that the Spurs look old and slow. Time to dispel the myth that the Spurs have found the Fountain of Youth and aren't sharing it. The ball is in the Warriors court and are 3 wins away from a Western Conference Finals trip.
What a trip. Especially when you consider where this team was a year ago.
That was the story of the game and the 4th quarter tonight for the Golden State Warriors. After a Game 1 meltdown, the narrative behind Game 2 was whether or not the Warriors could respond and finish. But if you were talking like Charles Barkley after Game 1, you haven't followed the Warriors much this season.
This is a different team, that's for sure. The ability to compete, defend, and rebound has become a natural mindset for this squad instilled by their head coach. It's the kind of significance and optimism you want to witness as a fan who's endured so much in the past 20 years.
The first half was highlighted by a Klay Thompson shooting clinic where he went 11 for 18 from the field (5 for 6 from three) in the entire 24 minutes of action. Most importantly, Klay had no fouls. That was huge. I guess Father Knows Best, too. Foul trouble was his problem in Game 1 and his disqualification arguably fueled Tony Parker's offensive burst in the final 4 minutes. If you don't know the story by now, Thompson's the Warriors' best perimeter defender. Watch him and you'll fall in love with his fundamentals. He shuffles his feet, doesn't reach, and uses his length to disrupt shot attempts. His defense on Parker this series has posed a problem for San Antonio, who's asking him to score a far greater rate than he naturally would like to (or could, for that matter).
In a series that will dictated by the swing men, role players, and tempo, this is where the young guns need to shine because the spotlight is on them. Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, Klay, Stephen Curry, Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green.
Speaking of Draymond, what Warrior has become more invaluable than Cheeseburger D? (It's an inside joke, but you can put 2-and-2 together.) His rebounding and intangibles were part of the reason why the Warriors pulled this win off and why they're still here. Green had trouble holding on to some boards in the first and his 7 boards don't do him much justice, as he had more activity tipping and fighting for boards on most of the shot attempts. He finished 2 for 8, but those two shots he made were far more significant than the box score could ever indicate. And guess what?
They came both in the 4th.
As the Spurs cut the lead down to 8 early around the 10 minute mark, Barnes found Green going to the basket for a lay up. Good. After Parker cuts the lead to 6 with a mid-range jumper, Jarrett Jack found an open Draymond for three in the 6 minute mark. Swish.
Then there was Jarrett Jack.
Jack's been on the receiving end of slander these playoffs with his boneheaded decisions, but he logged in important minutes for Mark Jackson in stretches. Jack hit a big two-pointer near the final minute of the 3rd to push the lead back to 9 after the Spurs cut it down to 7. Two possessions later, he ran an iso once more, ran into traffic, almost turned it over, yet found Klay Thompson in the right center angle for three to end the quarter. Splash. Back to a double digit lead.
Jack then came back in the 4th at the 8:04 mark for Green, who seconds later replaced Thompson. These were big minutes for Jack. With Klay playing all but 1:24 of the game, the Warriors needed Jack to give them something. Anything. So what did he do? He found Green to his left for a three, as stated above. The Spurs cut it down to 7, so Jack nailed a mid-range jumper in response. Ginobili sinks a shot, Jack responds right back. In that four minute span, Jack gave just enough without turning the ball over. /wipes sweat off forehead
After that?
Ginobili was short on a contested three. Ginobili crashed into Bogut for the charge. And hey, a turnover! By whom? Manu. Ginobili this. Ginobili that. More Spurs misses. Significant Warriors rebounds. And some Stephlon Don to close it out. (Word to Jordan Ramirez of WW on that nickname).
Rebound. Defend. Respond.
That's what the Warriors did. That's what Mark Jackson probably told you in his post game presser (and in that regard, every post game). Now the Warriors have evened it up and snapped the 15 year, 30-game losing streak in San Antonio. They've stolen homecourt and have shown the nation that the Spurs look old and slow. Time to dispel the myth that the Spurs have found the Fountain of Youth and aren't sharing it. The ball is in the Warriors court and are 3 wins away from a Western Conference Finals trip.
What a trip. Especially when you consider where this team was a year ago.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Warriors blow a tough one
4th quarter, 3:57 left.
Klay Thompson shuffles laterally staying in front of Tony Parker as he drives to the hoop. Parker falls out of bounce and a whistle is blown. It was on Klay and that was his sixth personal. Klay displayed some exuberant defense on Parker when he was matched with him defensively. He was one of the reasons Tony Parker was 3/14 prior to Thompson's exit.
Before the meltdown, the Golden State Warriors were brilliant. Their defense made the San Antonio Spurs work on offense. Shots were contested. Warriors defenders forced Spurs into bad attempts. San Antonio was just 9 for 27 in the paint prior to their late run. Andrew Bogut's presence played a part, as well as Festus Ezeli's first quarter defense on Tim Duncan. The rotations responded well and the Warriors perimeter defenders did a good job on limiting Ginobili and reading how to play Parker on screens.
Mark Jackson did a masterful job on adjusting to Popovich's rotations. Diaw/Duncan was countered with Bogut/Ezeli and when Pop decided Bonnar/Duncan would create problems for Bogut/Ezeli, Jackson called a timeout and inserted a Bogut/Green tandem to counter. It worked.
The 3rd quarter was when the Warriors made their run. Stephen Curry scored 22 of the Warriors 39 points that quarter. It was a staple Curry 3rd quarter; something we're all accustomed to see 'round these parts.
What made this game frustrating to accept was the play calling the final 3 minutes.
Jack iso (miss)
Curry runsover Neal turnover (charging foul)
Curry turnover
Jack throws behind Curry for turnover (bad pass)
Jack iso and misses 5 footer (miss)
Green grabs board and misses putback
Jefferson misses 2 free throws
Curry iso (blocked by Diaw)
Landry posted up for an iso (miss)
Curry iso (miss)
Landry board, Jack drive (lay up good)
Curry iso (miss)
I'm not sure where the play calling went. A couple of the plays were busted and Jack had to make something out of nothing so it wasn't completely his fault. And despite playing heavy minutes, you have to wonder where the play calls in which Curry runs off multiple screens to set up a jumper went. It's your go to shot. One of your best weapons and you abandon it?
Just when you think this team has gone through all the growing pains you don't want to see in the end, it crudely resurfaces right back into your face. Then, as a result, it's shoved halfway down your throat for torturous purposes until either someone saves you or the killer returns to finally jam it down. We all would've liked game six of the first round to be the last of that, but we all can't have what we want. This is just a part of the painful maturation process of a young team.
The end result was neither what you nor I wanted to see (my coffee table's legs agree), but we move on and remember it was only game one. The Spurs looked vulnerable. They looked slow. They looked old. The Warriors rebounded with a powerful performance in game two against the Denver Nuggets. Why can't they do it again?
Klay Thompson shuffles laterally staying in front of Tony Parker as he drives to the hoop. Parker falls out of bounce and a whistle is blown. It was on Klay and that was his sixth personal. Klay displayed some exuberant defense on Parker when he was matched with him defensively. He was one of the reasons Tony Parker was 3/14 prior to Thompson's exit.
Before the meltdown, the Golden State Warriors were brilliant. Their defense made the San Antonio Spurs work on offense. Shots were contested. Warriors defenders forced Spurs into bad attempts. San Antonio was just 9 for 27 in the paint prior to their late run. Andrew Bogut's presence played a part, as well as Festus Ezeli's first quarter defense on Tim Duncan. The rotations responded well and the Warriors perimeter defenders did a good job on limiting Ginobili and reading how to play Parker on screens.
Mark Jackson did a masterful job on adjusting to Popovich's rotations. Diaw/Duncan was countered with Bogut/Ezeli and when Pop decided Bonnar/Duncan would create problems for Bogut/Ezeli, Jackson called a timeout and inserted a Bogut/Green tandem to counter. It worked.
The 3rd quarter was when the Warriors made their run. Stephen Curry scored 22 of the Warriors 39 points that quarter. It was a staple Curry 3rd quarter; something we're all accustomed to see 'round these parts.
What made this game frustrating to accept was the play calling the final 3 minutes.
Jack iso (miss)
Curry runsover Neal turnover (charging foul)
Curry turnover
Jack throws behind Curry for turnover (bad pass)
Jack iso and misses 5 footer (miss)
Green grabs board and misses putback
Jefferson misses 2 free throws
Curry iso (blocked by Diaw)
Landry posted up for an iso (miss)
Curry iso (miss)
Landry board, Jack drive (lay up good)
Curry iso (miss)
I'm not sure where the play calling went. A couple of the plays were busted and Jack had to make something out of nothing so it wasn't completely his fault. And despite playing heavy minutes, you have to wonder where the play calls in which Curry runs off multiple screens to set up a jumper went. It's your go to shot. One of your best weapons and you abandon it?
Just when you think this team has gone through all the growing pains you don't want to see in the end, it crudely resurfaces right back into your face. Then, as a result, it's shoved halfway down your throat for torturous purposes until either someone saves you or the killer returns to finally jam it down. We all would've liked game six of the first round to be the last of that, but we all can't have what we want. This is just a part of the painful maturation process of a young team.
The end result was neither what you nor I wanted to see (my coffee table's legs agree), but we move on and remember it was only game one. The Spurs looked vulnerable. They looked slow. They looked old. The Warriors rebounded with a powerful performance in game two against the Denver Nuggets. Why can't they do it again?
Monday, April 29, 2013
If you haven't noticed, Stephen Curry is kind of good
When Stephen Curry took the court last night, he carried with him the burden of a bruised right ankle, a mildly strained hamstring, and the potential weight of returning home court advantage back to the Denver Nuggets.
When Curry left the court, he walked off with 31 points on 10-16 shooting (6-11 from three), 7 assists, 4 steals, an eye poke, and an astounding third quarter blaze that left the Roarcle Arena crowd demanding an encore.
I was at home with family watching the game after spending game three with the rest of the playoff thirsty crowd on Friday night. On a warm Sunday evening, we opted not to use our air conditioning system. Only in the event where it's over 92 degrees outside is when it's in use. But even if it were that hot outside, I'm not entirely sure that even the AC could cool Curry down. Stephen was doing this. The patented pull up transition three. The shoot-turn-to-the-Denver-bench three. The "low catch, I'll make it anyway" three. When he pulled up for three about 5 feet away from the NBA standard three-point line, that's when I felt as if he was standing right next to me. No wonder my house was so hot.
Before I continue, you have to admit Andrew Bogut set up Stephen Curry's third quarter onslaught with his first quarter punishment upon the weakness in the Nuggets' traps when he did this, this, and this. And I'll leave at that. Back to Curry...
But this is no testament to Curry's ability and skill set. This is simply what Stephen Curry does best. He can create his own shot off the dribble. He can shoot a basketball if given a space that's measured by how far (or near) your breath travels. Not many are blessed with the grace of witnessing it on a six months (and currently more) of the year basis. Heck, not many are able to witness such a majestic player within their own organization.
It's refreshing knowing that this franchise finally got something right after years and years of being part of a fanship that's organization has ran its business to the ground countless times. That's a testament in itself. The fact that not just myself, but 20,000 (at the least) strong have stood here for nearly two decades and finally have been awarded a budding superstar in the making. You're probably thinking Baron Davis from 2007 and you're right, he was an elite player at that time. But he wasn't homegrown. Stephen Curry was drafted here by the drunken Don Nelson, which was probably the last time he's been sober since his I-don't-care attitude led to his demise as the Warriors coach a few years ago. But we also give thanks to David Kahn, the Minnesota Timberwolves general manager who somehow still has a job, for passing on Curry not once, but twice in the 2009 NBA Draft to take Jonny Flynn, who's not playing in Australia, and Ricky Rubio, who could use some shooting tips from Curry himself.
Now the Golden State Warriors sit up three games to one with the potential close out game tomorrow evening at the Pepsi Center. And this is all thanks to Stephen Curry. And Don Nelson. And David Kahn. And Joe Lacob. And Mark Jackson. And team camaraderie. And the list goes on.
Before we turn our eyes to game five, we look back Oracle Arena's unforgettable earth shaking support during game three and four. The essence. The atmosphere. That's what you have to do with Stephen Curry at times. Forget the handsy reach in fouls, the small frame, the boneheaded turnovers. Sometimes, you just have to stand there and take it all in. Stephen Curry's a special player. An elite player. A superstar in the making. I guess all those years of patiently waiting for a superstar have finally paid off for Joe Lacob. He's had one all along.
As Biggie said, "If you don't know, now you know..."
When Curry left the court, he walked off with 31 points on 10-16 shooting (6-11 from three), 7 assists, 4 steals, an eye poke, and an astounding third quarter blaze that left the Roarcle Arena crowd demanding an encore.
I was at home with family watching the game after spending game three with the rest of the playoff thirsty crowd on Friday night. On a warm Sunday evening, we opted not to use our air conditioning system. Only in the event where it's over 92 degrees outside is when it's in use. But even if it were that hot outside, I'm not entirely sure that even the AC could cool Curry down. Stephen was doing this. The patented pull up transition three. The shoot-turn-to-the-Denver-bench three. The "low catch, I'll make it anyway" three. When he pulled up for three about 5 feet away from the NBA standard three-point line, that's when I felt as if he was standing right next to me. No wonder my house was so hot.
Before I continue, you have to admit Andrew Bogut set up Stephen Curry's third quarter onslaught with his first quarter punishment upon the weakness in the Nuggets' traps when he did this, this, and this. And I'll leave at that. Back to Curry...
But this is no testament to Curry's ability and skill set. This is simply what Stephen Curry does best. He can create his own shot off the dribble. He can shoot a basketball if given a space that's measured by how far (or near) your breath travels. Not many are blessed with the grace of witnessing it on a six months (and currently more) of the year basis. Heck, not many are able to witness such a majestic player within their own organization.
It's refreshing knowing that this franchise finally got something right after years and years of being part of a fanship that's organization has ran its business to the ground countless times. That's a testament in itself. The fact that not just myself, but 20,000 (at the least) strong have stood here for nearly two decades and finally have been awarded a budding superstar in the making. You're probably thinking Baron Davis from 2007 and you're right, he was an elite player at that time. But he wasn't homegrown. Stephen Curry was drafted here by the drunken Don Nelson, which was probably the last time he's been sober since his I-don't-care attitude led to his demise as the Warriors coach a few years ago. But we also give thanks to David Kahn, the Minnesota Timberwolves general manager who somehow still has a job, for passing on Curry not once, but twice in the 2009 NBA Draft to take Jonny Flynn, who's not playing in Australia, and Ricky Rubio, who could use some shooting tips from Curry himself.
Now the Golden State Warriors sit up three games to one with the potential close out game tomorrow evening at the Pepsi Center. And this is all thanks to Stephen Curry. And Don Nelson. And David Kahn. And Joe Lacob. And Mark Jackson. And team camaraderie. And the list goes on.
Before we turn our eyes to game five, we look back Oracle Arena's unforgettable earth shaking support during game three and four. The essence. The atmosphere. That's what you have to do with Stephen Curry at times. Forget the handsy reach in fouls, the small frame, the boneheaded turnovers. Sometimes, you just have to stand there and take it all in. Stephen Curry's a special player. An elite player. A superstar in the making. I guess all those years of patiently waiting for a superstar have finally paid off for Joe Lacob. He's had one all along.
As Biggie said, "If you don't know, now you know..."
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Warriors fans brought the motherflipping ruckus
If you've ever watched pro wrestling and witnessed The Rock's entrance, that was one way I could compare the kind of atmosphere us fans formed and unleashed Friday night. If you don't know what I'm talking about, let me break it down for you: The lights dim for a few second. The emotion in the air is pure anxiousness. Rock's music blasts onto the scene and the crowd brings forth the ruckus. Once Rock appears, he begins walking down the ramp with a purpose, makes his ascent up the stairs with swagger, walks aside the ring rope, climbs up the turnbuckle, and savors in the moment.
"I just really had to stand there and take it all in. It was an awe-struck moment," said Jarrett Jack. There were moments throughout the contest where I stopped cheering to just take it all in like Jack did. It was a surreal feeling; one that I would never trade for anything in the world. I thought this Jay-Z hook on "Moment of Clarity" summed up my emotions on the night...
I was blessed enough to attend Game 3 of the Golden State Warriors/Denver Nuggets series. For an entire week, I fought off temptation, but e-mails and ads for tickets kept popping up in my face. I didn't even decide to go until I told myself, "(explicative) it, I'm going," 20 hours before tip off.
The crowd noise was intimidating and deafening. I don't ever recall taking part in a Warriors game where the entire crowd was as raucous and beastly as this one. Obviously, the stipulations are different, but this one was absolutely out of this world. But hey, that's what happens when your team makes the postseason once in the last 18 years.
From start to finish the crowd was in it. Heck, the crowd was so energetic, we couldn't help but "Ohh" after nearly every stanza of the national anthem sung by a little girl who did the damn thing and nailed it. Even the Warriors being down 12 at halftime didn't cause us to quiet down. It was chant after chant after chant after chant. "MVP" times five turned into "DEFENSE" times ten, which then turned into "LETS GO WARRIORS times twenty, which then turned into "WAAAAARRRRRIIIIIOOORRRRSS" times infinity. The volume was at a point where you couldn't even hear the PA announcer address what the referee just called. The atmosphere locked me into a mode where I forgot I owned a bladder. That's how intense Oracle was.
As for the game itself, I'll leave that for other bloggers and journalists to give you that recap. Just know that I was just as disappointed with the boneheaded turnovers as you were. However, Draymond Green's toughness, Andrew Bogut's battling in the paint, Carl Landry's offense, Harrison Barnes's assertiveness, Stephen Curry's quick release, and Jarrett Jack's poise all combined into making one hell of a show.
All in all, it was a special night and I am incredibly blessed to have experienced it live, subjectively as a fan. It was draining, though, and I have no idea how I just wrote all of this, especially since I need to be up in 4 hours. All that cheering, booing, and jumping left me running on fumes. I'm sure all of us are emotionally beat, but satisfied the team is up 2-1 despite David Lee going down in game one. But that's been the story line all year for this team. They know how to rally around each other and play for one another. They know what it truly means to believe. And with that, I'll just leave you with this one more time. (PS. Excuse my poor filming skills.)
"I just really had to stand there and take it all in. It was an awe-struck moment," said Jarrett Jack. There were moments throughout the contest where I stopped cheering to just take it all in like Jack did. It was a surreal feeling; one that I would never trade for anything in the world. I thought this Jay-Z hook on "Moment of Clarity" summed up my emotions on the night...
T God for granting me this moment of clarityAs a fan, no matter where you stood in Oracle, at home, or in a bar, you kind of had to just to sulk it all in.
This moment of honesty - the world'll feel my truths
All through my Hard Knock Lifetime, A Gift and a Curse
I was blessed enough to attend Game 3 of the Golden State Warriors/Denver Nuggets series. For an entire week, I fought off temptation, but e-mails and ads for tickets kept popping up in my face. I didn't even decide to go until I told myself, "(explicative) it, I'm going," 20 hours before tip off.
The crowd noise was intimidating and deafening. I don't ever recall taking part in a Warriors game where the entire crowd was as raucous and beastly as this one. Obviously, the stipulations are different, but this one was absolutely out of this world. But hey, that's what happens when your team makes the postseason once in the last 18 years.
From start to finish the crowd was in it. Heck, the crowd was so energetic, we couldn't help but "Ohh" after nearly every stanza of the national anthem sung by a little girl who did the damn thing and nailed it. Even the Warriors being down 12 at halftime didn't cause us to quiet down. It was chant after chant after chant after chant. "MVP" times five turned into "DEFENSE" times ten, which then turned into "LETS GO WARRIORS times twenty, which then turned into "WAAAAARRRRRIIIIIOOORRRRSS" times infinity. The volume was at a point where you couldn't even hear the PA announcer address what the referee just called. The atmosphere locked me into a mode where I forgot I owned a bladder. That's how intense Oracle was.
As for the game itself, I'll leave that for other bloggers and journalists to give you that recap. Just know that I was just as disappointed with the boneheaded turnovers as you were. However, Draymond Green's toughness, Andrew Bogut's battling in the paint, Carl Landry's offense, Harrison Barnes's assertiveness, Stephen Curry's quick release, and Jarrett Jack's poise all combined into making one hell of a show.
All in all, it was a special night and I am incredibly blessed to have experienced it live, subjectively as a fan. It was draining, though, and I have no idea how I just wrote all of this, especially since I need to be up in 4 hours. All that cheering, booing, and jumping left me running on fumes. I'm sure all of us are emotionally beat, but satisfied the team is up 2-1 despite David Lee going down in game one. But that's been the story line all year for this team. They know how to rally around each other and play for one another. They know what it truly means to believe. And with that, I'll just leave you with this one more time. (PS. Excuse my poor filming skills.)
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Spartans prevail in tune-up game vs Cal
WAC play begins this weekend for the San Jose State Spartans and they were looking to gain some momentum heading into conference play. On an overcast afternoon, the Spartans generated just enough offense in a 3-1 win over the visiting California Golden Bears, winners of 8 straight prior to this contest.
The Spartans offense was by way of small ball, which has been the story for the team all season. Coming off a series against Nicholls State where they generated nothing more than base hits, Coach Dave Nakama was awaiting for his offense to deliver more. After SS Ricky Acosta hit in RF Nick Schulz to take the early 1-0 lead in the 3rd inning, CF Andre Mercurio sacrifice bunted over Acosta, which set up a Michael Gerlach extra base hit to right field on a 3-2 count that scored Acosta from second base to make it 2-0.
The Golden Bears did not go quietly into the night when first baseman Devon Rodriguez slugged a solo shot off starter Daniel Chavez over the right-center field wall, which was a rare occurrence for the Spartans and its fans because rarely do balls get hit that way at Municipal Stadium. Chavez threw a hanger for Rodriguez to feast on and had been doing that all game for the Golden Bear hitters, but for his sake, only Rodriguez was able to take advantage of it.
San Jose State faced a high stress inning in the 6th when Chavez hit a Golden Bear for the second time in the game, putting two men on base. Coach Nakama turned to lefty Drew Bradshaw, who inherited a similar situation to the one he faced this past Saturday against Nicholls State. After getting Jacob Wark to fly out to deep left field, Ricky Acosta bobbled a ground ball to the left side, but saved it from getting past him, keeping the runner on 3rd from advancing to home. Three pitches later, Bradshaw struck out pinch hitter Grant Diede to escape the jam.
The Spartans added an insurance run in the 7th to make it 3-1 when Bears reliever Trevor Hildenberger walked home Ricky Acosta, which was his second RBI for the day.
The ball was then handed to Kalei Contrades, who was fielding at third base for the first eight innings, for the 3-out save. Contrades, who Coach Nakama will likely use as his closer going forward into WAC play, delivered one of his most sharp performances this season when he only needed 8 pitches to get the save.
The Spartans moved to 6-15 on the season and begin WAC play this weekend against Dallas Baptist coming to town in a 3-game set.
The Spartans offense was by way of small ball, which has been the story for the team all season. Coming off a series against Nicholls State where they generated nothing more than base hits, Coach Dave Nakama was awaiting for his offense to deliver more. After SS Ricky Acosta hit in RF Nick Schulz to take the early 1-0 lead in the 3rd inning, CF Andre Mercurio sacrifice bunted over Acosta, which set up a Michael Gerlach extra base hit to right field on a 3-2 count that scored Acosta from second base to make it 2-0.
The Golden Bears did not go quietly into the night when first baseman Devon Rodriguez slugged a solo shot off starter Daniel Chavez over the right-center field wall, which was a rare occurrence for the Spartans and its fans because rarely do balls get hit that way at Municipal Stadium. Chavez threw a hanger for Rodriguez to feast on and had been doing that all game for the Golden Bear hitters, but for his sake, only Rodriguez was able to take advantage of it.
San Jose State faced a high stress inning in the 6th when Chavez hit a Golden Bear for the second time in the game, putting two men on base. Coach Nakama turned to lefty Drew Bradshaw, who inherited a similar situation to the one he faced this past Saturday against Nicholls State. After getting Jacob Wark to fly out to deep left field, Ricky Acosta bobbled a ground ball to the left side, but saved it from getting past him, keeping the runner on 3rd from advancing to home. Three pitches later, Bradshaw struck out pinch hitter Grant Diede to escape the jam.
The Spartans added an insurance run in the 7th to make it 3-1 when Bears reliever Trevor Hildenberger walked home Ricky Acosta, which was his second RBI for the day.
The ball was then handed to Kalei Contrades, who was fielding at third base for the first eight innings, for the 3-out save. Contrades, who Coach Nakama will likely use as his closer going forward into WAC play, delivered one of his most sharp performances this season when he only needed 8 pitches to get the save.
The Spartans moved to 6-15 on the season and begin WAC play this weekend against Dallas Baptist coming to town in a 3-game set.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
SJSU walks off in the 11th
If there was ever a bigger moment to launch a baseball over the fence with a reinforced steel bat, it was last night in extra innings action for the San Jose State Spartans against the Nicholls State Colonels. Unsung hero Matt Carroll hit a walk off in the bottom of the 11th off the 6'2", 190 lbs Colonels junior reliever Marc Picciola on a 1-1 pitch that was sent over the left field wall into the Spartans bullpen. It was the first homerun of the season for Carroll, who finished 2 for 5 on the day, and the first for any Spartans player.
San Jose State starter Johnny Melero has had a tough season thus far and came into the game with a 7.04 ERA in 4 starts. In the 1st inning, Melero got into a jam after giving up a single, two bunt singles, and walking home a run against the first four batters for the Colonels. With the bases juiced with no outs, it looked like Melero was in for another disaster, but he settled down and responded with two straight strike outs and a fly out to get out of the jam. Melero went on to pitch 7.1 innings, 2 ER, 8H, 1 BB, 8 K. A much needed performance Johnny and manager Dave Nakama needed with a double header tonight.
On the flip side, Colonels starter Michael Suk delivered 8 tough innings, limiting the Spartans offense at bay on 108 pitches. He faced 32 Spartans and allowed 10 on base with 2 coming across home plate, both being sacrifice flies from Jacob Valdez and Nick Schulz.
Coach Nakama's go to reliever Kyle Hassna replaced Melero in the 7th and put in a dominant performance of relief for San Jose State with a final line of 3.2 IN, 3 H, 1 BB, 7 K. The command of his fastball and ability to mix and match his pitches had the Colonels swinging and missing.
The Spartans continue their four game set against the Colonels today 1PM and 4PM in a double header. David Wayne Russo opposes Kory Delange in the first game and Jason Kafka goes against Grant Borne in the second. Both games can be heard on 90.5 KSJS with Jess Knaster and Jordan Serpa on the call.
San Jose State starter Johnny Melero has had a tough season thus far and came into the game with a 7.04 ERA in 4 starts. In the 1st inning, Melero got into a jam after giving up a single, two bunt singles, and walking home a run against the first four batters for the Colonels. With the bases juiced with no outs, it looked like Melero was in for another disaster, but he settled down and responded with two straight strike outs and a fly out to get out of the jam. Melero went on to pitch 7.1 innings, 2 ER, 8H, 1 BB, 8 K. A much needed performance Johnny and manager Dave Nakama needed with a double header tonight.
On the flip side, Colonels starter Michael Suk delivered 8 tough innings, limiting the Spartans offense at bay on 108 pitches. He faced 32 Spartans and allowed 10 on base with 2 coming across home plate, both being sacrifice flies from Jacob Valdez and Nick Schulz.
Coach Nakama's go to reliever Kyle Hassna replaced Melero in the 7th and put in a dominant performance of relief for San Jose State with a final line of 3.2 IN, 3 H, 1 BB, 7 K. The command of his fastball and ability to mix and match his pitches had the Colonels swinging and missing.
The Spartans continue their four game set against the Colonels today 1PM and 4PM in a double header. David Wayne Russo opposes Kory Delange in the first game and Jason Kafka goes against Grant Borne in the second. Both games can be heard on 90.5 KSJS with Jess Knaster and Jordan Serpa on the call.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Klay Thompson and financial responsibility
Once upon a time there was a young adolescent male that was told what he could or couldn't do "as long as you live under this roof!!!" This didn't sit well with youngster, so he proclaimed in his mind that he just couldn't wait to move out of his parents house and into a new, responsibility free environment. His wish was granted when he was accepted into a four-year university. That's when his life changed. That's when his life was RADICAL, DUDE! But when he continued to ball out in college, professional scouts noticed and he went on to get drafted by a professional basketball franchise. In his mind, the young man was ecstatic, mainly because he was set to make earn a hemp-ty loot (sorry, I had to) and break bread like Antoine Walker did on food. Until his parents decided that they were going to take care of his financial earnings.
This was the life of 15 year old Klay Thompson all the way to today's Klay Thompson. Or something like that, I think. Probably like half of that is true.
I came across a blog today that the title read, "Klay Thompson's dad is taking his allowance away for getting in a fight."
What?
My initial reaction was, "Wait, Klay still receives an allowance?! WHAT A SPOILED BRAT!" Then I read the article and felt ignorant for jumping to such a silly conclusion.
To refresh your memories, during the 4th quarter of Tuesday's contest between the Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers, a scuffle broke out between David Lee and Roy Hibbert, which then preceeded to include Klay, Stephen Curry, Lance Stephenson, and innocent David West (because he was such a saint during the process). Lee and Hibbert were both suspended a game and Klay, Steph, and Stephenson were all fined $35,000 for their parts in the hoopla.
Klay's father, Mychal Thompson, decided to take his allowance away as a punishment.
For those who don't know (including me until today), Mychal and his wife handle Klay's financials in the NBA. This is so they set up their son's post-NBA career and he doesn't go broke a few years after he walks away from the game.
Klay's parents give him $3000 to pay for his rent and $300 in spending per week. In Mychal's defense, he states, "That's a lot of money to go to the movies and buy pizza..."
So what to make of this? Well, there's a few things actually and they're all positive.
The reality is, as I said above, many NBA players go broke after their careers due to lack of responsibility when it comes to handling their money. According to "Business Insider," 60% of NBA athletes file for bankruptcy within five years of retirement. Such things like acquiring large properties, collecting cars, and gambling can only be worth it if you're wisely monitoring within your budget, which 60% of these guys apparently don't.
The NBA does offer chances for their athletes to go back to school during the offseason to educate themselves on being financially responsible (along with other professional sports), but how many of them actually soak in that information is another thing, which I'm sure many of them do, but there's always those who don't.
Also, the fact that Klay's parents continue to be involved in his life is significant. It seems both Klay and them don't trust anyone outside of the family controlling that money. There's agents out there that just consume large chunks of athlete's salaries.
Plus, it's not like Klay's budget will remain that way forever once he signs for contract extensions and starts earning market value money down the road. When you're young (myself included), $300 is incredibly more than enough to make it work per week.
This was the life of 15 year old Klay Thompson all the way to today's Klay Thompson. Or something like that, I think. Probably like half of that is true.
I came across a blog today that the title read, "Klay Thompson's dad is taking his allowance away for getting in a fight."
What?
My initial reaction was, "Wait, Klay still receives an allowance?! WHAT A SPOILED BRAT!" Then I read the article and felt ignorant for jumping to such a silly conclusion.
To refresh your memories, during the 4th quarter of Tuesday's contest between the Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers, a scuffle broke out between David Lee and Roy Hibbert, which then preceeded to include Klay, Stephen Curry, Lance Stephenson, and innocent David West (because he was such a saint during the process). Lee and Hibbert were both suspended a game and Klay, Steph, and Stephenson were all fined $35,000 for their parts in the hoopla.
Klay's father, Mychal Thompson, decided to take his allowance away as a punishment.
For those who don't know (including me until today), Mychal and his wife handle Klay's financials in the NBA. This is so they set up their son's post-NBA career and he doesn't go broke a few years after he walks away from the game.
Klay's parents give him $3000 to pay for his rent and $300 in spending per week. In Mychal's defense, he states, "That's a lot of money to go to the movies and buy pizza..."
So what to make of this? Well, there's a few things actually and they're all positive.
The reality is, as I said above, many NBA players go broke after their careers due to lack of responsibility when it comes to handling their money. According to "Business Insider," 60% of NBA athletes file for bankruptcy within five years of retirement. Such things like acquiring large properties, collecting cars, and gambling can only be worth it if you're wisely monitoring within your budget, which 60% of these guys apparently don't.
The NBA does offer chances for their athletes to go back to school during the offseason to educate themselves on being financially responsible (along with other professional sports), but how many of them actually soak in that information is another thing, which I'm sure many of them do, but there's always those who don't.
Also, the fact that Klay's parents continue to be involved in his life is significant. It seems both Klay and them don't trust anyone outside of the family controlling that money. There's agents out there that just consume large chunks of athlete's salaries.
Plus, it's not like Klay's budget will remain that way forever once he signs for contract extensions and starts earning market value money down the road. When you're young (myself included), $300 is incredibly more than enough to make it work per week.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Mark Jackson and shedding the old Warriors image
In last night's Golden State Warriors road contest against the Houston Rockets, the Warriors defense was devoured by the Rockets' hot shooting and three-point precision. But the story of night was Warriors coach Mark Jackson's decision to continuously intentionally foul the Rockets in attempt to keep them from achieving their "most three-pointers made in a game" record (24); Houston ended up with 23.
In Jackson's defense, this is what he had to say...
It appears the game was more about the Rockets' record, Jackson's antics, and "poor sportsmanship" than the much larger narrative the coach has been attempting to impose...
These aren't the same ol' Golden State Warriors, anymore.
I grew up a Warriors fan during the "It's a Great Time Out" era where the team featured Cliff Robinson, Mookie Blaylock, Nick Van Exel, Adonal Foyle, Chris Mills, Bobby Sura, etc. I never witnessed Chris Mullin's pull up J, Tim Hardaway's crossover, or Manute Bol's length. I did, however, witness the Warriors get trampled over on a nightly basis, miss out on prospects, Mike Montgomery look lost, and essentially be one of the laughing stocks of the NBA.
Since the day Mark Jackson was hired, he's echoed the image he's wanted his team to become and while many balked at his words, the few that listened knew what he was up to, it was just a matter of whether or not he could achieve it.
A year later we see Jackson's vision becoming reality. The Warriors communicate and rotate quicker on defense, collectively crash the boards, share the ball on offense, molded into a closer camaraderie, and have developed a never back down grit; the type of attitude that mirrors their head coach from the days he played in the NBA.
In last night's game, there was a franchise record up for grabs. Mark Jackson wasn't going to let the Rockets get it. It may sound childish, but if Houston's going to keep playing until the buzzer sounds, the Warriors will, too. There isn't an issue with the Rockets running up the score. That wasn't the problem and that likely wasn't what triggered Jackson to do what he did.
The Warriors are no longer those guys that get the butt of all jokes at a party. They're no longer the inferior crowd that receive swirlies from the school bullies and accept it. If you're going to taunt the opposing team in the process, then you're going to be on the receiving end of Draymond Green's version of Bradshaw's "Clothesline From Hell" finisher.
So open up your plans next Tuesday night, because if the Warriors' response on January 21st to the Clippers after getting blown out and taunted at earlier in the month is any indication of what this team is capable of, the Houston Rockets aren't prepared for what's coming. And if you're not sure what, here's a hint from Andrew Bogut...
In Jackson's defense, this is what he had to say...
"We're not going to lie down," Jackson said. "I was an old-school basketball player. I'm an old-school coach. If you can't appreciate that, that's on you.
"If you're going to try to get the record, we're going to stop you. ... I would expect nothing less if I was on the other side."All throughout today, parts of the national media and Houston media were ripping Jackson for his antics and even labeled it as "bush league."
It appears the game was more about the Rockets' record, Jackson's antics, and "poor sportsmanship" than the much larger narrative the coach has been attempting to impose...
These aren't the same ol' Golden State Warriors, anymore.
I grew up a Warriors fan during the "It's a Great Time Out" era where the team featured Cliff Robinson, Mookie Blaylock, Nick Van Exel, Adonal Foyle, Chris Mills, Bobby Sura, etc. I never witnessed Chris Mullin's pull up J, Tim Hardaway's crossover, or Manute Bol's length. I did, however, witness the Warriors get trampled over on a nightly basis, miss out on prospects, Mike Montgomery look lost, and essentially be one of the laughing stocks of the NBA.
Since the day Mark Jackson was hired, he's echoed the image he's wanted his team to become and while many balked at his words, the few that listened knew what he was up to, it was just a matter of whether or not he could achieve it.
A year later we see Jackson's vision becoming reality. The Warriors communicate and rotate quicker on defense, collectively crash the boards, share the ball on offense, molded into a closer camaraderie, and have developed a never back down grit; the type of attitude that mirrors their head coach from the days he played in the NBA.
In last night's game, there was a franchise record up for grabs. Mark Jackson wasn't going to let the Rockets get it. It may sound childish, but if Houston's going to keep playing until the buzzer sounds, the Warriors will, too. There isn't an issue with the Rockets running up the score. That wasn't the problem and that likely wasn't what triggered Jackson to do what he did.
The Warriors are no longer those guys that get the butt of all jokes at a party. They're no longer the inferior crowd that receive swirlies from the school bullies and accept it. If you're going to taunt the opposing team in the process, then you're going to be on the receiving end of Draymond Green's version of Bradshaw's "Clothesline From Hell" finisher.
So open up your plans next Tuesday night, because if the Warriors' response on January 21st to the Clippers after getting blown out and taunted at earlier in the month is any indication of what this team is capable of, the Houston Rockets aren't prepared for what's coming. And if you're not sure what, here's a hint from Andrew Bogut...
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