Wow. Just wow.
I was flat-out wrong in my prediction.
The Spurs played pretty good defense; however, I didn't expect the Warriors to put this much effort into their own.
They were chasing down loose balls, getting hands in the lanes, and stripping them from the ball-handlers. Only problem was the defensive rebounding when Biedrins wasn't in the game.
Azubuike's rebounding and energy off the bench was a big boost to the Warriors. I love that he doesn't settle for three's and takes the ball to the rim.
Biedrins changed the game when he entered; his high percentage shots and inside prescence was clearly felt. It's not a coincidence the Warriors made runs when he was in the game.
Jackson. DPOY no doubt. He pretty much shut down Ginobli. He didn't bite on Ginobli's pump fakes and bothered him with his length enough to force five turnovers. On the offensive side, he nailed a number of threes to derail any chance of the Spurs jumping to first half lead. He also had a couple nifty passes--a touch pass on a breakaway which led to a Harrington dunk and a behind the head pass on a drive which led to an easy score by Biedrins.
And, of course, as with any Warriors game, there is always a scrub on the opposing team which gets their career night. Tonight was no different. Give it up for Matt Bonner. On a night without Duncan, Bonner made the most of it and ended up with 25 points, 17 boards, 1 block and made 3 of 4 from downtown. He probably wishes he could play the Warriors more often.
This is a good win. Outcome would probably have been different with Tim Duncan playing, but a win is a win.
The Warriors are heading to Portland tomorrow to face the red-hot Trailblazers. The Blazers have beaten some notable teams on their home court this year including Dallas and Detroit. They also just dominated the Jazz in Utah tonight, so I expect a real tough game tomorrow.
Post new comment