Fantasy Smackdown
Baron Davis owners were most likely pleased with the personal smackdown he put on the Sacramento Kings last night. With 36/8/18 and 3 steals, Davis thoroughly dominated the game last night in a way that I have yet to see in a Warriors uniform. He dropped 11 dimes in the first quarter as the Warriors ran a lay-up line at the Kings and the national TV audience on TNT. By my rudimentary calculations, Davis accounted for more than 65% of the Warriors total offense. He routinely beat (which ever) defender off the dribble and either finished strong at the rim, drew the foul or found the open cutter or jump shooter for an easy bucket.
Mickael Pietrus was the primary beneficiary scoring on two nasty alley oops and an array of lay ups and dunks. In fact, Pietrus has done an excellent job this year of letting the game come to him. He is not "forcing" it offensively as much as he has in previous years, and seems to really be buying into whatever Don Nelson is feeding to him. (Of course, it doesn't hurt that he is in a contract year)
With the win, the Warriors improved to 4-0 on the current home stand, and 5-1 at the Arena thus far this year. I stated previously that this current stretch of games where the Dubs play 10 of 11 at home in the month of November would be critical to getting the season off to a good start. While the quality of the opponents has been a little bit on the light side, the Warriors are doing what they need to do, which is to handle their business at home.
The Warriors have been/are/and will continue to ride Davis during this stretch of the season until JRich returns to full health, and Diogu, and Murphy return from their respective injuries. Davis has been fantastic, and his dedication to fitness this off season really seem to be paying off for himself and the Dubs.
But the main difference between this year and last year, (besides coach Nelson) is the continued development of our young players, especially, Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins. Ellis started again for the third straight game and poured in an early 11 points in the first quarter before getting into foul trouble. He finished with 17, and the Warriors were at their best when he was on the floor. Biedrins has also really blossomed into a solid NBA basketball player. Last night he recorded a career high 16 rebounds, which probably was due in large part to the fact that (i'm guessing here) he played a career high 43 minutes. He was everywhere, grabbing rebounds, blocking shots and making tough catches in traffic and finishing strong at the tin. The only thing that he really lacks is a reliable free throw stroke. But we'll focus on the positives for now.
Saturday night brings the Ray Allen and the Seattle Supersonics to town. On Wednesday I predicted a sweep of the next two games, and I'm sticking with my prediction. This upcoming game is another very winnable game that the Warriors must have in the overal scheme of things. I think they ride Davis again, against former pac-ten all world point guards Luke Ridnour and Earl Watson. Neither of those guys will be able to contain Davis, and his production should equal or better that of Ray Allen. I think Seattle will keep it close for most of the first half, but the Dubs will use a decisive run between the 3rd and 4th quarters to pull away for their 5th win in a row. Check back Sunday for a recap.
Mickael Pietrus was the primary beneficiary scoring on two nasty alley oops and an array of lay ups and dunks. In fact, Pietrus has done an excellent job this year of letting the game come to him. He is not "forcing" it offensively as much as he has in previous years, and seems to really be buying into whatever Don Nelson is feeding to him. (Of course, it doesn't hurt that he is in a contract year)
With the win, the Warriors improved to 4-0 on the current home stand, and 5-1 at the Arena thus far this year. I stated previously that this current stretch of games where the Dubs play 10 of 11 at home in the month of November would be critical to getting the season off to a good start. While the quality of the opponents has been a little bit on the light side, the Warriors are doing what they need to do, which is to handle their business at home.
The Warriors have been/are/and will continue to ride Davis during this stretch of the season until JRich returns to full health, and Diogu, and Murphy return from their respective injuries. Davis has been fantastic, and his dedication to fitness this off season really seem to be paying off for himself and the Dubs.
But the main difference between this year and last year, (besides coach Nelson) is the continued development of our young players, especially, Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins. Ellis started again for the third straight game and poured in an early 11 points in the first quarter before getting into foul trouble. He finished with 17, and the Warriors were at their best when he was on the floor. Biedrins has also really blossomed into a solid NBA basketball player. Last night he recorded a career high 16 rebounds, which probably was due in large part to the fact that (i'm guessing here) he played a career high 43 minutes. He was everywhere, grabbing rebounds, blocking shots and making tough catches in traffic and finishing strong at the tin. The only thing that he really lacks is a reliable free throw stroke. But we'll focus on the positives for now.
Saturday night brings the Ray Allen and the Seattle Supersonics to town. On Wednesday I predicted a sweep of the next two games, and I'm sticking with my prediction. This upcoming game is another very winnable game that the Warriors must have in the overal scheme of things. I think they ride Davis again, against former pac-ten all world point guards Luke Ridnour and Earl Watson. Neither of those guys will be able to contain Davis, and his production should equal or better that of Ray Allen. I think Seattle will keep it close for most of the first half, but the Dubs will use a decisive run between the 3rd and 4th quarters to pull away for their 5th win in a row. Check back Sunday for a recap.
posted by DailyDub at 12:13 PM
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