Although, the Warriors have a 26-18 record, each win required a certain degree of dramatics. With a double-digit lead, the team does not know how to maintain the lead and close out the game. Even with a twenty point lead, Nellie does not trust his rookies to maintain the score. Instead, he leaves his starters in and they eventually lose the lead as they run out of energy.
The last game against the Nets showcased the Warriors season. They go on an offensive burst and seize the game with a double digit lead halfway through the fourth. Any other elite team in the West would have cruised the rest of the way to a victory. Instead, the Warriors relinquish the lead by not playing defense and shooting threes when a higher percentage shot should be taken. Only when Vince Carter took an ill-advised shot and Azubuike hit the last of his free throws did the Warriors secure the win in the last seconds of the game.
Golden State Warriors
Starting: Davis, Ellis, Jackson, Harrington, Biedrins
Bench: Pietrus, Barnes, Azubuike, Croshere, Watson, Wright, Belinelli, O'Bryant, Perovic, Hudson (inj)
New York Knicks
Starting: Marbury, Crawford, Richardson, Randolph, Curry
Bench: Robinson, Jones, Balkman, Jeffries, Lee, Chandler, Collins, James, Morris, Rose
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