GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
by Fantasy Junkie of Golden State of Mind
Recap Rewind: This was a nice 4-1 week for the Warriors and has thrown them right back into the mix for the playoffs. Now tied for 9th with the Kings and just 1 game behind the Clippers, the buzz around the Warriors is getting louder and louder. The week started with a big win at home against the Nuggets, 110-96. Even though the Nuggets were missing Melo, a win is still a win. But seriously, it was the defense that won this game holding Denver to just 11 points in the 3rd quarter. 11 points! 2 days later, the Warriors flew down to LA to face the team currently in the 8th playoff and final playoff spot, the Los Angeles Clippers. This was a must-win game and boy did the Warriors come through. A 99-89 win put the recent 6 game losing streak out of the memory of many Warriors fans. Again, the defense came up big holding the Clips to a 16 point 2nd quarter and a 17 point 4th quarter. But their 3 game win streak came to a screeching halt in Portland as a team they should beat buried them 87-106. Even though Baron was out, what was the main problem in this game? The defense, as the Blazers rolled off a 25-5 run in the 3rd quarter and a 35 point quarter overall. The biggest win of the week came on a demolishing of the best team in the NBA. A 17 point win for the Warriors really wasn’t that close as the Warriors were up by 31 in the 4th quarter. The defense came up big again as the players swarmed the Mavs forcing 23 turnovers. A team that was so bad on the back end of back to backs was unstoppable. This was a big bounce back win for the Warriors and should keep their confidence high.
Notable News: Baron Davis is the key to this team making the playoffs. Wow big revelation right? Well, no but look at the numbers. The last 7 games without Baron? 0-7. The last 7 games with Baron? 5-2. Watching the games, everything just flows so much better with him. The ball movement is more crisp, the players move much better, and the defense is much more active…On a different note, Adonal Foyle turned 32, Happy Birthday big guy!... Sadly, we saw the demotion of the #9 pick in the 2006 draft, Project O’Bryant back to the NBDL…
Fast Forward: This is just a two-game week for the Warriors. They get a nice three long days off before Minnesota comes to town on Friday. It’s a key matchup as both teams are fighting hard to make the playoffs. KG could have a field day, but the key will be to stop everyone else. The next day, the Warriors head to Great Northwest to face Ray Allen and the Seattle Supersonics. Every game right now is a must win as they strive to get back to .500 which right now looks like it will be good enough to make the playoffs. As long as Baron and JRich are healthy, it feels like this team can beat anyone right now. Please let them stay healthy.
