One night after arguably the most disappointing loss on the season, the Warriors showed what they look like at full strength. Golden State (27-35) rolled over Detroit (37-21) 111-93, in what turned out to be the first time the Warriors had Jason Richardson and Baron Davis on the court at the same time in months.
It was also the first time since the trade that the Warriors were able to showcase their newly acquired talent (Steven Jackson and Al Harrington) along with Richardson and Davis.
The Warriors began the game sluggish, which was expected since they were on the tail end of a 5-game East Coast road trip. The Warriors trailed by 8 points early in the first quarter, but hustled back to cut the deficit to 2 points at the end of one. Then, in a possible preview of what's to come next season, Golden State decided enough was enough. They outscored Detroit 35-27 in the second quarter to establish an 6 point halftime lead. But if you've watched the Warriors consistently this season, you know a half time lead is anything but safe, especially against a team like the Pistons. But this was a different Warriors team than we've seen in the past. The Warriors came out strong and didn't seem to be affected by what happened the night earlier in Washington. They outscored Detroit 27-16 in the third quarter to build a commanding 17 point lead heading into the fourth quarter. They cruised out to a 26 point lead midway through the fourth quarter and beat Detroit by 18.
Baron Davis played for the first time in 13 games and scored 15 points, but it was Jason Richardson who carried the Warriors with 29 points in 37 minutes. Al Harrington finished the game with 16 points and was the game leader with 10 rebounds along with Andris Biedrins, who also contributed 12 points.
The Warriors were not to be taken lightly this night; not after the devastating loss they suffered the night before against the Wizards. Leading by 2 points with about 10 seconds left in the game, the Warriors were in good shape to steal a game on the road, which have been hard to come by (7-25 away record). Gilbert Arenas drove to the basket and seemed to have released the ball after the clock was at 0.0 seconds but the referees reviewed the play and decided that Arenas was fouled with 0.1 seconds left in the game. Don Nelson was infuriated with the call and according to the Associated Press, dropped the F-bomb when shouting at the referee. The referee had no part of it, and gave Nelly a Technical to give Arenas a chance to win the game with 3 free throws. Arenas nailed all 3 free throws and buried the Warriors into last place in the Pacific Division.
Rather than folding and ending their 13 consecutive season without a playoff appearance (longest in the NBA), the Warriors came to play in Detroit with a new found energy and determination. The last time the Warriors faced the Pistons was earlier this season, in Oakland, where the Warriors also cruised to a double digit victory.
Splog's Note
The Warriors are now in last place in the Pacific Division, trailing the Clippers and Denver by 3.5 games for the 7th and 8th seeds. Golden State is behind three other teams (Hornets, Kings and Timberwolves) to reach the 8th seed in the Western Conference, but it seems time is running out. At least with a healthy squad it should be an exciting finish to the season.
4 comments:
The Warriors are so talented this year, I just don't understand why they can't get it done. I know they are still working on the chemistry with the new players, and having J-Rich out so long, and Baron not playing for a couple weeks. I would say they are my favorite to surprise everyone and slip into the playoffs as a number 8 seed.
An article by the SF Chronicle sums up the importance of the Warriors next two games against the Nuggets and Clippers. Oh yeah, and they beat the Nuggets easily last night. They've gotta be feeling optimistic.
If Nelly doesn't work out the Warriors should inquire about Rick Barry and his availability. You know he is available the only thing he's doing is commenting on basketball on KNBR.
Davos should ask him when your at the studio (if you see him) and then report it on your blog.
The reason why the Warriors won the championship in 1975 was because Rick Barry shot his free throws under hand. No player in the NBA history has ever done that since and probably never will.
My dad went to every play-off game for that 1975 season, what a pig!
Davos, I'll reference the current Warriors this time around. Tonight was pretty good 99-89 win.
Here's a quote from the chronicle.
"Davis scored 25 points as the Warriors pulled to 1 1/2 games behind the Clippers, who hold a precarious grip on the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot. Golden State posted its first three-game winning streak since mid-November.
Friday night's formula mixed frenetic first-half offense (65 points) and stout defense down the stretch. The Clippers sliced a 17-point halftime deficit to four with 3:23 left, but they fired blanks the rest of the way. "
On a side note the throw back jersey's the W's were wearing tonight were voted the the best all-time jersey's in the history of the NBA.
here's a link to the article
Right Combination
Well sounds like it was a good game. Thanks for the highlights. I don't follow sports but the Penguins getting a great offer from Kansas City to move from Pittsburg is pretty serious.
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