GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
by Atma Brother #1 of Golden State of Mind
Recap Rewind: On the second night of a back to back on the road against the Atlanta Hawks, the Warriors forgot how to play defense until the 3rd quarter and got blown out 94-115. Then in Philly against the Allen Iverson and Chris Webber-less 76ers the Warriors collected a rare win on the road 102-101. The Warriors didn't have an impressive game, but "The Drive" by Al Harrington in the clutch was impressive. Less than a week ago the Dubs dominated the Charlotte BETcats in Oakland and won 131-105, but the Bobcats got their revenge this past Saturday night and beat the Warriors 98-90. The loss was so bad many in Warriors Nation wanted to throw up.
Notable News: Only in the NBA do coaches select a point guard for the All Star team who averages 19ppg, 5.5 apg, 3.3 rpg, and a single steal over a superior one who's good for 20.7ppg, 8.7 apg, 4.6 rpg, and 2.1 steals. Oh yeah - the latter player has to carry his team without one of the greatest big men to play to cover his mistakes. See Wonder, Warrior. Guess the coaches didn't get the memo. But you're not a fool - are you?... But you're not a fool - are you?... But you're not a fool - are you?
Fast Forward: This week the Warriors have two games on the road and two games at home. You can probably already guess which ones they'll win and which ones they'll lose. This week's marquee game for both the Warriors and the Indiana Pacers is Monday night as these two teams face each other for the first time since the blockbuster deal. After the showdown in Indy, the Warriors take on the Timberwolves (KG loves India and the Bay's got nothing but love for the man- FREE KG!) in Minnesnowta and then head back to home sweet home to face the Chicago Bulls for the first time this season. The Warriors will also get a chance for a little revenge against the Atlanta Hawks in the Bay.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
by ClipperSteve of Clips Nation
Recap Rewind: The Clippers started this week at 22-22, and were still deadlocked with the Timberwolves for the 8th playoff spot as of Monday. They ended the week 24-23, 2 full games ahead of the Wolves and in a virtual tie with Denver, mere percentage points out of the 7th spot. So why don't the citizens of ClipsNation feel better? Winners of 9 of their last 13, and above .500 for the first time since December, the Clippers have mostly been getting fat on weaker competition. A Wednesday victory over Chicago in Staples Center was a rare victory over a solid team at full strength. (What's that you say? Ben Wallace was hurt? Oh, never mind.) Handing Boston their franchise record 14th consecutive loss on Friday was a given. Elton Brand led the Clippers with 26 points in each of the victories. Then, on Sunday with a chance to get a quality win on the road and avenge a bad loss in Staples, the Clippers were badly beaten by a smokin'-hot Toronto team, 122-110. Toronto shot 80% in the first quarter, 70% in the first half, and 59% for the game. Can't win giving up those percentages.
Notable News: Before the Bulls game on Wednesday, the Clippers signed veteran Doug Christie to a 10 day contract. Presumably, Jackie Christie will be around as well. Maybe the video wasn't selling as well as they'd hoped it would... Tim Thomas had by far his best week as a Clipper. Maybe it was playing against Scott Skiles and the Bulls that got him going, but Tim scored 18, 17 and 18 in the last three, shot 19 for 36, 8 for 18 on threes, grabbed 22 rebounds total and several times made what I can only describe as 'hustle plays.' I know, weird... Reserve forward Jumpin' James Singleton asked for a trade on Thursday. Or maybe not. When team captain EB spoke to him Friday, James had suddenly remembered that the Clippers rescued him from the European leagues only 18 months ago, in which case you take your pine time and keep your mouth shut.
Fast Forward: The season-long seven game road trip continues Tuesday night against the Knicks in the Garden, followed by the Cavs on Wednesday, the Sixers on Friday and the Pacers on Sunday. That's a lot of Eastern Conference, and a lot of cold weather. If the Clippers plan to remain in the playoff picture, they need to win at least 4 games on this trip; they're 1-1 so far. Wins against the likes of New York and Philly will not be enough - they're going to have to beat a good team on the road eventually if they expect to matter in April. Luckily, the Cleveland game is the second game of a back-to-back.
