Kevin Durant does his best Adonal Foyle impersonation.
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Blog Buddy: Welcome to Loud City
This is what NBA basketball is all about. The Thunder have the best record in the league and the Warriors brought their very best game tonight. THe Warriors didn't walk away victorious, but sometimes a L feels like a W.
Jump for the 22nd recap of the season!
Note to Durant- don't try to pick up moves from this guy!
The BIG 3
When Monta Ellis, David Lee, and Stephen Curry play like this they have a legitimate claim to being a Big 3.
Wow.
What a fantastic outing from all 3 Warriors. Ellis brought the scoring with 48 points. Lee brought a triple-double. Curry brought some hot shooting and nice passing. It's not often you see 3 guys on a team have lines like this:
Monta Ellis: 48 points (18-29 FG, 3-6 3pt, 9-10 FT), 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
David Lee: 25 points (7-7 FT), 11 rebounds (with ZERO inside help), 10 assists (too bad Nellie never got a chance to utilize him as a Point Forward)
Stephen Curry: 16 points (7-9 FG, 1-2 3pt), 10 assists (only 3 turnovers), and 2 steals
Three things in particular to love about these performances:
You just have to feel bad that these 3 weren't rewarded with a W tonight. They were fantastic.
Besides The BIG 3, I also liked what Brandon Rush brought to the table tonight- tough defense (2 blocks, 1 steal) and more hot shooting (3-5 3pt, incredible 57% 3pt for the season).
I don't know what's a bigger joke. Help me decide in the comments - the inane decision to not use the get-out-of-jail amnesty on Andris Biedrins this past offseason or the stubborn, illogical decision to keep starting him.
Warrior observers have been treated to countless horrid performances by Biedrins over the years, but this might have been his worst game ever as a pro. There was one point in the 1st where he surrendered back-to-back and 1's with his usual soft interior presence, gifting the Thunder 6 points. Garbage. What if Biedrins just gave the Warriors a few tough pick and roll dunks or some decent rebounding tonight? We'd be talking about a great win.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Biedrins is yet another player that PEAKED under Don Nelson. Nellie's gimmicks and Baron Davis' (the Boom Dizzle version) uncanny court version masked the glaring deficiencies of an incredibly unskilled and uncommitted NBA player.
If you're looking for a scapegoat for tonight's loss, look no further than Amnesty Andris Biedrins.
A bigger theft than the Louisiana Purchase!
The 3 guys in this classic tee...
0 recs | 128 comments
At least it was a good game
doubleteapot - February 7, 2012
Good game means we go home loser. Winners go home and f@*k the prom queen.
mykelala01 - February 8, 2012 via mobile
We've been double bagging it for two decades. Then left to go crying under a cold shower.
kenntoe - February 8, 2012
Bean’s problem works in both directions… He doesn’t look for the ball often and when he is open, his teammates don’t pass to him. D’oh!
skitlets - February 7, 2012
Technically salaries are pro-rated so that 0/0/0 with 5 fouls cost the Warriors only $109k
Rec’d atma.
Finding new creative ways to bash the most enraging player to wear a W’s uni. I thought Adonal annoyed me. Murphy annoyed me. Dunleavey annoyed me. But I’d take any of the 3 back on their massive W’s inflated contracts over Biedrins
tafkasam - February 7, 2012
As a side note, I’ll just point out that criticizing the decision to “start” Biedrins is pretty silly. He’s playing under 18 minutes a game.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
Brilliant
Just brilliant basketball both ways. I loved this game. Too bad the officiating was wretched. Otherwise, arguably the best game of the season (even though it ended with an L).
steffun4tw - February 8, 2012
What was with playing Udoh so few minutes, putting Rush in at PF? Udoh was +8 for the game in his 18 minutes. Short on big men, but Smart… er… I mean Jackson wants to play small ball? Calling him “Smart” is a little low, but he did ere in leaving Udoh on the bench so much.
Naticus - February 8, 2012
Yep...Durant had his way completely when Udoh was off the floor.
Only In Fairfax - February 8, 2012
Brandon Rush had a -24 though
Though he had that one massive block which was pretty dope
lameallenmark - February 8, 2012
More accurately – the team was -24 when Rush was on the court.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
this doesn't say anything about Brandon Rush
salary_cap - February 8, 2012
That’s my point.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
single game plus minus
is a big no-no
Duby Dub Dubs - February 8, 2012
My game prediction from yesterday came true
Harden kill us off the bench. Which he hit big basket on the 3rd quarter to keep the Thunder at bay. Durant on crunch time is unstopable. Kid Clutch
mykelala01 - February 8, 2012 via mobile
Finally! Warriors guards are willing to pass in PNR situation!
ILoveWarriorsGirls - February 8, 2012
Fun game to watch. Warriors played pretty well, both teams shot lights out (though some of that was a lack of D). Have to say…Monta’s and-1 to put us up at the end of the game…..awesome. More of that please. Instead of our usual crap we run at the end of games….we actually ran something, Monta read the defense right, and attacked the rim. Went straight at the rim and initiated contact instead of avoiding it, and boom, and 1. More of that please! Next play Monta made the right read, but then wtf was David Lee doing. He had a pretty good game overall, but clearly made a poor decision on that possession. Got caught in the air for no reason. Had a one on one with Harden – go to the bucket big man! At the very least take the open jumper.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
Man, it is all DLee overpaid's fault!
and those lazy rebounds and lazy assists do not help the team at all!
ILoveWarriorsGirls - February 8, 2012
I’ve always recognized his passing as a positive. Was on display last night. The D is still awful, though. You see him close out Durant on the game winner? Put your f’ing hands up, dude! C’mon, basic basketball! Also got lost in no-man’s land on the Thunder’s previous bucket. Overall good game for him, he was a positive…but even in his good games, he leaves something to be desired.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
Udoh was effective at harassing the perimeter players all game. Why the hell did Jackson not bring in Udoh for the last defensive possession? Rebounding perhaps, but we did not get that rebound anyway.
KillaContract - February 8, 2012
Yeah, I dunno. Not that I’d recommend it for the last possession, but I’d actually be curious to see what Udoh could do guarding Durant for stretches. Gotta give Jackson props for subbing in Mcguire, though – that decision paid off big time.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
hahaha, wanna bet Jackson
has Lee strapped to a chair a la Clockwork Orange watching an endless loop of “hand down, man down”
Duby Dub Dubs - February 8, 2012
Lee did have a crucial turnover though on that stupid cross-court pass he tried to make, which led to a Harden 3…after Harden had just hit a 3. That was a quick 6 points right there for OKC =\
bObaBaLLa - February 8, 2012
Agreed.
Honestly, I think players have to learn how to handle end-of-game situations through experience, and let’s face it: Lee hasn’t had the ball in his hands in a lot of game-winning situations over the years. That sort of tentativeness looks a lot like inexperience and overthinking to me.
It has to be said, however, that even though I agree with you that going back to Monta was not the best choice with the ball, Monta did get an open look at the basket. So it wasn’t a horrible decision even it clearly wasn’t the optimal decision.
Ronaldinho - February 8, 2012
Yeah, it really wasn’t a terrible decision – it was just the way it went down that was so bad. Lee jumped and got caught in the air with nowhere to go for no reason at all. The best option was for him to make a play, but passing back to Monta certainly wasn’t a bad option….it just needed to be a normal, fundamental pass, instead of that twisting, “wtf is going on I’m stuck in the air oh no!” play that happened. Monta would have caught it with better balance and more space and gotten a cleaner look.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
Monta got a clear look so I disagree with it being a problem with the pass execution. Monta also had time and opportunity to drive for a better shot. I am not sure if Lee would have converted on a drive and I am damn sure you would not want to put your fate in the hands of the pathetic jokes employed as refs last night. It would just have been refreshing for someone not named Monta to miss the game wining shot for once.
KillaContract - February 8, 2012
Watch the look Monta got. It wasn’t a terrible look, but his balance wasn’t great, and he didn’t end up being that open. Westbrook recovered to contest it decently. Had Lee been more in control and made a better pass, Monta’s balance could have been better and the look more open. These are things that make a significant impact on shooting %’s. For example: http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/25735/the-data-holy-grail
Other than a couple calls (like Lee’s 5th foul), I didn’t have many objections to the reffing. What’s everyone so angry about?
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
So you must think Durant blocked Rush’s last shot? I think it was a foul and when the NBA does not show a replay it makes me more suspicious. Also Westbrook recovered just in time to foul Monta on his last shot. Udoh got hammered with no call. I even think Biedrins was the victim of some very weak calls when much more contact was not getting whistles. When Biedrins gets a foul for just standing there with his arms strait up I can see it in his face that it just kills his motivation. The way Biedrins, the coach, and the organization should respond is foul HARDER the next time. Don’t hide in your shell like a spineless mollusk. Stop being wimps and show the refs what a real foul looks like. They should take someones head off with the next foul. Then the refs would be happy not to blow the next time he just stands there with his hands up!
KillaContract - February 8, 2012
Nope, I don’t find anything even slightly objectionable about either. I forget about the Udoh one, definitely remember hearing Fitz screaming about it…not sure I was looking at the TV for that one, though.
When it starts happening over and over again, the correct response isn’t to keep doing it because you think it’s not a foul. That’s what Biedrins does, though – the same thing over and over, even though they consistently call him for a foul on it. Don’t blame the refs, blame the team/player for not adapting to how it’s called.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
Stop being wimps and show the refs what a real foul looks like.
that’s probably a good idea. Knock someone down and step on their head next game for starters?
Skeptic con Urquell - February 8, 2012
cool link MB!
for those too lazy (or internet constrained) here’s the most salient part:
.
Duby Dub Dubs - February 8, 2012
I saw the same thing MB.
Looked like he had a clear path to the paint to at least put pressure on the Thunder or get fouled. Then he decides to kick it out in a 180 degree jump pass. I was yelling, “take it to the hole you wuss!”. Though not that politely.
kenntoe - February 8, 2012
I'm in this camp
Lee (6’’9", 240) should be able to go directly at Harden (6’5", 220) and score over him 8 times out of 10…versus a Monta three attempt where he shoots 27% this year, and 32% over his career.
fjm - February 8, 2012
I think Lee felt like it was a 1-on-3situation.
It’s not just Harden, set in front of him. Look at 2:29 in the CSN highlights.
He’s got Ibaka’s (i think it’s Ibaka) long arms taking away the jump shot and screening his vision of Rush. Curry is open in the corner but Durant is sitting right in the passing lane. Harden is set and Lee is a little out of control collecting the pass so if he goes hard there’s a chance of a charge. Durant is also in position to come help if he tries to go over Harden.
The play starts at 2:27 in the CSN highlights.
Looking at it now, I think it’s a much harder play than it looked like in real time. I now think the right play is to take one more aggressive step to draw Durant, and then hit Curry in the corner. A big part of the problem is that the pass from Monta was really clumsy: it’s way behind Lee, meaning he doesn’t have any momentum towards the basket when he gathers the ball. This is what gives Ibaka (I think it’s Ibaka) the time to close and take away the jump shot.
So while I don’t think Lee played it anywhere close to perfect, I actually think there’s less wrong with his play here than there is with Monta’s. The highlight starts a little late so it’s a little hard to evaluate, but it looks like Monta had better passing options than the soft pass behind Lee to get him the ball.
Ronaldinho - February 8, 2012
Nah, I don’t really agree with the characterization of 1 on 3. The jump shot was definitely open – that would have been before Lee drove in and Ibaka wouldn’t have recovered in time. Harden was a bit late in help, and Ibaka was still behind Lee going full speed to try to catch up. There was plenty of space to make a play. Keep in mind all the angles that ended up happening are not the only option – for example, if Lee made his move more to the rim, he might have been able to cut off Ibaka or even just get him on his hip.
It was the right read by Monta. Not a good pass, which made the play harder, but Lee still caught the ball with plenty of space to make a play.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
I was hoping for Lee to make a play as well...
…. Monta got a decent look, but I’d much rather take my chance on Lee taking it to the hole… he may not be powerful or graceful, but he is a pretty crafty finisher around the rim. I think he either gets fouled or ends up with an ok look at the rim… better look than a 25 ft jumper from a not very special 3 pt shooter, anyway.
warriorsablaze - February 8, 2012
I'm so sick of Biedrins' BS game
Bench him. Play Udoh. Play Tyler. Bring back Kwame next year at a moderate rate to back-up another legit FA center.
eastbayglory - February 8, 2012
The Same ol' Story
Nothing Changes in Warriors Land
Us fans have been faithful downright rabid at times and all we get in return is a coach with no experience that ‘preaches’ (no pun intended) defense.
Do you remember a coach across the bay who ‘preached’ defense? LOL! We’ll until we get a coach who is a proven winner (Like Harbaugh) we are going to suck.
Now Mark Jackson does have a lot more going against him than Harbaugh did, but still both had no time to prepare and both had to hit the ground running. How did Harbaugh turn the culture around so fast? Well I would say that it comes down to talent. The Dub’s just don’t have the talent…especially at C. Udoh is not a starter people. We need someone who can score and rebound. Don’t get me wrong, Udoh is a great guy off the bench that can provide a spark on D when needed. But he would be a role player on most good teams in the NBA right now. Again as I said in a prior post, we just don’t draft big men well. We could have had Monroe instead of Udoh, and well I can go on, but it’s not necessary.
Overall we lack talent and maybe that’s what the difference is between Harbaugh and Jackson? Or maybe not? Maybe Jackson doesn’t have the experience that is necessary to bring a team together to perform at a high level and win consistently?
It’s an interesting question to ponder, but I’m of the thinking that Jackson is going to be out after this year…
DoomandGloom - February 8, 2012
I doubt it. When you make a guy your guy like that you have to give him two years. Especially when his first year comes with a mini training camp and a compressed schedule that virtually eliminates practice.
Biedrins’ false dawn and Kwame’s injury have made it almost impossible for us to be a defense oriented team. We still have the systemic issue of whether Monta and Lee make sense as teammates, but the simple truth is that you can’t judge a coach on his ability to implement team defense in a year when he has almost no camp, almost no practice time, and 15 minutes a game of the-guy-who-once-was-Biedrins as their only center.
Agree that we haven’t drafted big men well, and hopefully that can change with the new brain trust. Bear in mind, however, that under Nellie drafting big men was never a priority.
We saw some legitimate offensive improvement last night, until things got stagnant in the 4th quarter. The team was moving without the ball, running plays, etc … and we saw how that contributed to Monta’s big night. Jackson gets some credit for that, even if it’s still a work in progress.
That was the first time in who-knows-how-long that we actually saw them run a play at the end of a game. It didn’t go in, but that’s a big step in the right direction.
Ronaldinho - February 8, 2012
Nothing Changes in Warriors Land
Well, we actually won the rebound battle which is a change. I think we played the thunder better than we should have considering how good they are and how ungood we are.
and MFJ is doing all right for a rookie coach with these players so I’m thinking he’ll return if he wants to and should do ok if we ever get some bigger players.
I’m satisfied with the outcome of this game and looking forward to the Kings/Thunder game on thursday to see the contrasts between the way we played the thunder and the way the KIngs play the Thunder.. and hoping Montay’s 48 points gets him an allstar slot.
Skeptic con Urquell - February 8, 2012
if only someone can get biedrins to do the most basic stuff on the court
we would be alot better….. he doesnt need 15 points a game, we just need some good def inside and some rebounding….
Wreckonized - February 8, 2012
We just need him to play like he used to. He looks broken beyond fixing at this point, though.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
yeah, block shots, foul hard, attack the glass, set tough screens and roll hard to the rim
problem is that he is so terrible finishing at the rim now because he’s scared he’ll get fouled and go 0-2 from the line
but when Nellie brought in Barry to help him with his free throws he blew it off. I know Charlie was an alcoholic and had no future with the team amid other off court issues but not giving the amnesty to Andris or getting even Johnny Flynn and Jordan Hill from Houston for him looks real stupid now a good year for Andris will be 6 and 6 in 25 mpg(because of fouls)
starbury_to_s-jaxci2000 - February 8, 2012
Beans isn't the biggest issue
It’s the WHOLE team. Even if Beans was doing all that, the team still has defensive lapses and settles for jumpers because they are so tired from running up and down the court. Until the culture as a whole changes (they need an identity) they will suck…
DoomandGloom - February 8, 2012
It’s a great example of why I think using the amnesty was so dumb and we wasted it – even if we didn’t want to use it, maybe Biedrins plays so bad this season we can’t unload him and we want to use it on him after this season, ya know? Keep your options open rather than amnestying Charlie Bell’s small, expiring contract! This isn’t the only possible example, either – what if someone on our team goes all Brandon Roy on us or something, you know?
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
Well, the way Biedrins was playing earlier this season, wanting to amnesty him made no sense.
The way he’s played these last few games, on the other hand, it makes a ton of sense.
At the time of the amnesty, it might have made sense to look at Biedrins and say, “no way, he’s playing too well.” I don’t think there’s a justification for amnestying Biedrins before the season.
However, his last couple of games has made me wish we still had it.
Ronaldinho - February 8, 2012
hit send to soon ...
… the catch is, however, that Biedrins up-and-down play so far this season is a great argument against jumping to conclusions.
Ronaldinho - February 8, 2012
Biedrins
He shows up against certain teams/centers. He’s not going to out muscle Bynum or Perkins etc… At this point we are going to have to gamble and take another big contract on in order to get rid of him…
DoomandGloom - February 8, 2012
He should be able to hold his own against Perkins. He’s not a post up threat anyways, which is Perkins biggest strength, so that’s not a concern. Defensively…well, you saw what happened when Perkins tried to do stuff on offense. Not pretty. At the very least Biedrins should play him evenly.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
Yes, flexibility is good. That’s why saving the amnesty is nice – you don’t know what’s gonna happen, so it gives you another option if you want it.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
at this point i'd say "if we could always play like this, we'd be set for the playoffs"
but we all know we won’t
great game though, even if it did end up as an L
Staticlysmic - February 8, 2012
Remember
At least Nelson’s teams had an identity. Run and Gun!
We can’t be a defensively minded team that scores a lot of points. We have to either be 100% dedicated to defense and as a result become a half court offensive team that uses creative schemes to score baskets. If that’s the case then our players can conserve their energy for defense. If you look at the teams that are good (i.e. Lakers) Phil always emphasized a creative offense that schematically puts his players in positions to score and then in turn had more energy to defend.
We have been suffering from an identity crisis and a talentless team since Baron, Jax and Harrington left…Ironically (sarcasm) that is the last time we made the playoffs…
DoomandGloom - February 8, 2012
We all miss Nate
Without Nate, our 2nd unit becomes a true 2nd unit,… can’t do jack. CJ was there just to pass up the ball, like what Lin did last year with Warriors.
This also shows how important it is to have a pass first PG. Not saying Nate is a great pass first PG, but at least he does some, and he does drive and kick, break down the defense to create open shots for his teammates.
With that say, I think Warriors can be really good if we can have a good true PG as our starter.
ILoveWarriorsGirls - February 8, 2012
'really good', probably not without significant talent influx
if they had a defined floor leader with better qualifications than the default floor leader Ellis, yes they’d probably improve. Combined with better game coaching from the bench, we’d have a .500 team.
the.monk - February 8, 2012
read the Steinmetz article about crunch time performers
Lee has only made one attempt in the last two minutes of the games with a two possession margin or less. Curry has done little more. Ellis and D.Wright each had one strong performance. In a small sample, Robinson is the stand out.
Coaching the final two minutes probably has its own volume in the coaching manual, and Jackson has looked like he’s still in the ’dummy’s’ version, going the path of least resistance and letting Ellis handle nearly all the chores on offense. Lee was following his coach’s example. They’d probably be better off letting Malone bring the games into the dock, like the designated pilot and tug captains in ports, but that will never happen.
the.monk - February 8, 2012
Meh, basketball is still just basketball, even in the last 2 minutes of the game. Gotta be aware of the clock, but execution and assignments don’t change.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
I think that was his point. Why just let Monta always go one on one at the end when usually it was ball movement that got them in position to win.
KillaContract - February 8, 2012
other factors do change
and the clock in itself gets used much differently, with the time of each individual possession shaping tactics. knowing when to take fouls changes in importance, dramatically. using the time outs and free throw clock stoppages for situational substitutions. experienced game coaches can gain an edge with any of these — Nelson’s adeptness was taken for granted.
the.monk - February 8, 2012
Most of these decisions really aren’t that difficult, though, and for a game that really has a high chance to go either way, it’s only the last couple of possessions that this stuff starts to matter.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
Key Differences:
1. Teams and players become more aware of the importance of every possession, whether that’s the correct way to handle the game or not
2. Players face mental strain (pressure) from that increased importance, and not all are capable of handling that change well
- for example: do you think David Lee makes the same pass back out to Monta at an earlier point in the game? I certainly don’t.
3. The increased importance of possessions also increases the focus of each team (usually, but bad teams sometimes lose focus all-together). They play tougher defense, especially
4. Fouls are usually more strictly called, as the officials don’t want to seem to be handing the game to either team.
Outta time, but those are the 4 that came to mind first.
Brownie13 - February 8, 2012
Seems like Malone does a lot anyway
At one point last night he was sitting on the chair with all the guys around him writing up the play. Is this common for the assistant to do this? I can’t really recall having seen this before but I didn’t really look out for it either. It may be hard for the players to take MJ seriously when he says what to do because at times, he completely hands the reigns over to Malone. Too many hands in the cookie jar for consistency?
picknpop - February 8, 2012
Assistants definitely draw up plays sometimes.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
thank you
picknpop - February 9, 2012
they don't really show it because of editing, but I've noticed it lately at live games
Right as they first call the TO, you can see the coach kinda wander around (usually onto the court for some reason), while the players go to the bench around the assistant
but usually on TNT, when the coaches are on the mic, it seems to me that a lot of times, the assistant has already given their schpiel (shpeel?, spiel?).
Duby Dub Dubs - February 9, 2012
Rusty Simmons was dropping some knowledge on KNBR this morning, enjoyed him calling out Biedrins. I think he needs to go back to his old hairstyle.
StephCurry4President - February 8, 2012
Bring back Goose!
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
We did the impossible but come out short amazing
Monta career night 48 pts 7 reb almost a double double
David Lee triple double 25 pts 11 Reb 10 ast
Curry double double 16 Pts 10 ast almost a triple double with 7 reb
Our so called big 3 did everything they can. If we are going against other team this is a blow out game. But Thunder prove they are one of the best team in the league
mykelala01 - February 8, 2012
It was really our full offensive might
Just without Wright hitting 3’s
dubzfan - February 8, 2012
this loss is on jackson
for drawing up one of the stupidest game winning shot plays to date….
j-spliff415 - February 8, 2012
Which play was that?
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
I'm guessing he's talking about the last play (?)
Monta should not have been inbounding!
Even if you don’t necessarily want him to take that last shot, at least use him as a decoy
Duby Dub Dubs - February 8, 2012
Eh, Curry and Rush are money shooters, Lee is out there as a shooter/picker, and Dorell lead the league in made 3’s last year. You can make a solid case for any of those guys taking the last shot. Don’t think it’s a big deal however he chose to do it.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
But I didn't even see him set a good pick
He was useless out there
dubzfan - February 8, 2012
…
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
maybe not a big deal
but game on the line, you think you’d add a little razzle dazzle, or at least try and avoid their gigantic athletic 7 foot tall wing
Duby Dub Dubs - February 8, 2012
You can’t just avoid their gigantic athletic 7 foot tall wing, or else you’re wasting a potential option.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
I dunno man, are you honestly defending that play call on the Rush shot?
but you do make a good point, they are a pretty good team defensively, pretty much across the board
Duby Dub Dubs - February 9, 2012
There was what – 1.3 seconds left with a sideline inbounds? Seriously – what is a clearly better option? It’s not like the play was designed for Rush – he was a fallback option.
Missing Barry - February 9, 2012
Furthermore ...
We needed a three, right?
3pt%:
Monta: .271
Rush: .569
Even if you assume – as I do – that both of those numbers aren’t representative of the player’s true skill, you could look at these numbers:
career 3pt%:
Monta: .325
Rush: .416
It wasn’t a great shot, because he was covered by a guy who’s really really hard to shoot over.
But the idea is to get Rush, Klay, or Curry a 3-pt shot.
Ronaldinho - February 9, 2012
the one that had monta shooting the three with 3 seconds left
after dishing to david lee… only to have him dish it back…..
j-spliff415 - February 8, 2012
Really….? Please, explain to me, in detail, how that play was so stupid…?
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
for one
you have four quality beyond the arc shooters on the squad (curry, rush, dorrell, thompson). monta’s unreliable at that distance.
second, the play didnt even call for a lane penetration move…. it was a two pass fadeaway
it wasnt drawn out well at all. if it was, it wouldnt have collapsed so quickly. i believe tehre was something like nine seconds on the clock, and we were down by one….
it wasnt good
j-spliff415 - February 8, 2012
It was just a pick and roll. In higher level basketball, most “plays” really don’t have a set ending/shot – they’re just a series of fluid reads. They cleared out a whole side of the floor to run a PnR, which I’m ok with – PnR was working all night long, they did a good job of giving Monta and Lee lots of room. Monta read it correctly, Lee got the ball in space, and Lee just…well, failed to execute. Lee is completely comfortable getting the ball there – we’ve seen him play effectively in that situation time and time again…and, well, he just messed up that time. That’s not on the coaching. Coaches got him the ball where he could be successful. Players read it right, and Lee just made a bad play/read. It wasn’t a designed play to go back to Monta for the 3.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
We got Curry, Monta, AND DLee firing on all cylinders
Still lost. Thunder are a good team though.
Badly Browned - February 8, 2012
We need a center.
that is all.
Rasputin10 - February 8, 2012
we need a true PG
Center who can rebounds and play D is good enough.
ILoveWarriorsGirls - February 8, 2012
My dad doesn't watch the NBA anymore. He loved the TMC era, went to countless games. He got back into the Warriors due to We Believe
But he’s sick of officiating in basketball.
We decided to watch the Blazers Thunder game from a couple nights ago, the officiating embarrassed the game of basketball. That’s not just a reference to the block on Durant that was called incorrectley and not reviewed. But the game in general had a clear officiating bias towards the blue jersey’s of OKC.
However, we both agreed that it would be best for the Warriors if OKC had to play into OT. So the next night we decided we’d see what we could get from our Dubs.
We got an A+ game, our big three played the best they could have played. But the officiating kept the Thunder in the game. Anytime the Warriors got some momentum, the whistles came out in favor for the Thunder. Just an atrocious display of sport officiating.
I do understand that basketball is a finesse game that is not intended to be physical. But as players have become bigger and stronger over time the game has picked up pace, creating a lot of contact, putting the referees in a forced position of action. Usually the home team get’s the majority of calls though.
So after two games of back to back Thunder wins gifted from the league, we couldn’t help but ask, “What has OKC done to get these whistles?”
We can’t figure it out.
They’re bigger, faster, and stronger than most teams, but that just means there will be a lot of whistles, so why are they blowing in their favor?
They already have an advantage, why do the refs feel compelled to help them out more or give them the benefit of the doubt?
They have no championships, they’ve never finished atop the western conference, and they’re so young. It’s unwritten protocol that young players tend to receive disadvantageous whistles.
I don’t get why the NBA is trying to prop up the Thunder, they’re good enough, they don’t need extra undeserved help.
I used to root for this team, now I view them in the same light as the Bulls, Heat, Spurs, Celtics and Lakers. The only difference is they don’t have the rings to warrant those calls.
I’m starting to see why my dad is always watching Hockey or no sports at all over the NBA.
myk - February 8, 2012
“I used to root for this team (Thunder)……”
myk - February 8, 2012
Thanks for your rant
But that ignores all the weak fouls that the Warriors have gotten. In addition, the Warriors actually shot more free throws than the Thunder.
doubleteapot - February 8, 2012
Have you considered that maybe the league has no bias in favor of OKC, and that your perception could possibly be off?
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
It's easy to call fouls from your couch
especially if you are rooting for one team over the other
doubleteapot - February 8, 2012
Am I allowed to compain, then?
I’ve made calls from the court before…lol
but yea, even if you’re trying to be fair, you’re at least hoping for the call if you’re a Warrior fan
Brownie13 - February 8, 2012
Yeah….reffing is hard. Did it for a few years…bad calls happen. Sometimes you aren’t in a good position, sometimes you just miss the call, and any call that requires a lot of judgment is easy to mess up. Not nearly as easy to see in real time as it is in slow mo. I rarely have a problem with NBA refs. I think they’re pretty consistent about what they call, which is all you can ask for. Any sort of direction they get from higher up on what should be called isn’t their fault, they’re just there to enforce that game in and game out.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
They review out of bounce call. Why don’t they review a foul call. When a coaches challenge a call. Only allowed it for the last 2 min of the game. And just give each team just 2 chances to challenge a call. They will eliminate a lot of technical fouls. And questionable call during crunch time.
mykelala01 - February 8, 2012 via mobile
F that. Review sucks, and you can’t just review a foul call, because it’s a judgment call.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
then we are all f@*K up then.
mykelala01 - February 8, 2012
Just what we need...
more stoppages :/
Brownie13 - February 8, 2012
Seriously, I think replay in any sport is brutal. Football uses it the most, and it’s awful.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
i dont mind review
Let the players decide the outcome of a game. Not a ref. Bad calls do put off a lot of fans. I hated seeing the blazers robbed the other night and I have no bias toward them or against OKC.
Xtremelink - February 8, 2012 via mobile
Football is a little different.
Because the game can change in a much more drastic way in just one play. Basketball, there’s like 180 total possessions. I missed call here or there isn’t as harmful to a team’s chances. There’s also a lot more games in basketball, so a single loss off of bad calls doesn’t hurt you as bad.
But basketball really is at it’s best when there’s a flow to the game. The more stoppages, usually the worse the basketball is
Brownie13 - February 8, 2012
I feel like I've called easily some of the worst flops ever
and that’s with high-school aged and younger kids only. I can’t imagine trying to do it with some of the guys in the NBA, who seem to practice trying to get the refs attention.
The one problem I have this year is the charges. Everything is a charge this year. But since it’s all over the board, I’d have to guess that’s been stressed by the league office. Same with some other calls as well. It just seems like they’re doing a terrible job of enforcing the rules correctly sometimes (but they usually do that pretty consistently, so again, I assume league office), and as anyone is prone to do, they bail out better players at the cost of those who have fouling or poor defensive reputations (Biedrins, Steph, Lee).
I’ve probably made more accidental mistakes in limited reffing than I have at any other job I’ve ever had.
Brownie13 - February 8, 2012
Yeah, definitely a league office thing. This is actually my main gripe, too. Would love more blocking calls and less charges. Rewarding the defense so much for questionable charges isn’t fun to watch at all. I want real challenges and blocked shots, not flops.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
and players will stop attacking the basket and will start jacking up those jumper. It is not fun to watch either.
mykelala01 - February 8, 2012
the opposite actually
because calling more blocking fouls would BENEFIT the offense
Brownie13 - February 8, 2012
+1
Good insight.
GovernorStephCurry - February 8, 2012
I am convinced the the reason nearly every star player constantly runs their mouth to the refs is that the refs have been rewarding this behavior for decades. I do not blame the players. They are smart to work the refs. And you do not need to believe my opinion, just look at the behavior of your favorite star when they do not get a call. Their actions do not lie.
KillaContract - February 8, 2012
I sometimes wish Monta had more to say to the refs
as much as I dislike it when players throw fits over non-calls.
Brownie13 - February 8, 2012
true
I hate when wade just flinches and looks at the ref followed by a whistle. But even mj used to bitch about not getting calls. It’s not a new thing just like you said, but sometimes changes are needed. Stern is concerned about conspiracy theories and the refs don’t help sometimes
Xtremelink - February 8, 2012 via mobile
The % of actual star players that agree with you are the ones that do not run their mouths to the refs. Less than 1%.
KillaContract - February 8, 2012
Dude I run my mouth to refs all the time when I play. Doesn’t have to be a big deal.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
LOL I remember getting technicals before I turned double-digits
and before that particular league/age group actually had standard procedures FOR technical fouls. Bad calls by refs tend to piss players off, no matter the level or skill.
It is interesting that lesser players don’t argue calls as much, but it probably has mostly to do with them no being used to getting calls because they aren’t as good at getting them in the first place.
Brownie13 - February 8, 2012
I assume that you must be complimenting the refs all game about how “consistent” their calls are.
KillaContract - February 9, 2012
Nah, complaining about each individual call that doesn’t go my way. Disliking individual calls doesn’t mean they called an unfair game, though.
Missing Barry - February 9, 2012
I used to root for this team, now I view them in the same light as the Bulls, Heat, Spurs, Celtics and Lakers
haha, you got a thing against winning teams?
The thunder draw the fouls because they are better than most teams so most teams can’t stop them without fouling. We were lucky to be anywhere close to them at game’s end so if the officiating made a difference you also need to consider that in a just world the luck woulda likely swung back to normal to offset the calls.
Skeptic con Urquell - February 8, 2012
Lin is doing it again VS Wall and Washington. At the half, NY is leading 52-46. Lin has 8 assists, 8pts, 1TO! Amazing!
dinohealth - February 8, 2012
GSW and Judging Talent: Not so much
unbelievable … this could only happen to the dub’s
I’m really happy for Lin though
bernardking - February 8, 2012
...
23 points, (on 14 fga), 10 assists 4 rebounds, 2 turnovers … +18 for the game.
Lin-credible!
Sleepy Freud - February 8, 2012
Sleepy, did it again, 3rd Win in a row, without Anthony and Stoudamire! Outplayed Wall...
If he keeps playing like this at PG, Davis and everyone else will have to win that starting spot back. What a differrence a small change makes….
dinohealth - February 8, 2012
First Wizards game I watched
They’re terrible. Wall decides to take Lin one on one the whole game. He is an idiot – but then so is the entire Wizards team. Dumbest team in America. No ball movement, dumb ISOs, dumb fastbreak jumpers…
Lin probably won’t score as much against a good team or when Amare/Melo come back, but as long as he continues to pass it’ll be fine.
doubleteapot - February 8, 2012
What impressed me was not hid 11-14 shooting, but the way he got everyone involved and cut up their offense.
I agree he has not played against any of the barn-burning teams, yet, but, you have to win against the weak ones, and he is doing it without NY’s stars. Chandler has never been happier, and he had another 4 players in double digits! Kinda special the way he figures them out and slashes through the offense. He is really coming along.
dinohealth - February 8, 2012
where do you get your stats?
they are constantly wrong. he was 9-14
bigkino217 - February 8, 2012
Well, the longer he keeps it up, the more interesting and worth watching it will be.
Missing Barry - February 8, 2012
Ayup
Not really a need to say anything more – JLin is doing what we actually expected what he could do. Small sample size still, but it seems pretty clear he’s at least as far along as Wall.
And we still need a center.
Rasputin10 - February 8, 2012
This must be what happens when Point Guards don’t have to play with Monta Ellis
Anonymous1337 - February 8, 2012
Or with nightclubs.
GovernorStephCurry - February 8, 2012
BREAKING
Wizards officially change their name to the “Generals”
doubleteapot - February 8, 2012
Great Game!
and….. another loss gets us closer to that magical 23rd best record in the NBA. Thats where we need to get to keep our draft pick (assuming lottery luck works out neutral or better) in one of the most loaded NBA drafts in recent history.
warriorsscore110 - February 8, 2012
Actually it's 24th best
Brownie13 - February 9, 2012
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