The Dubs Report

First Report On The Dubs

First off, I just want to say that I am very grateful to be writing for myteamrivals and to be writing for my Golden State Warriors. Sports are a great passion of mine and I appreciate this opportunity to showcase my abilities.

Now onto the Golden State Warriors---a team that is talented and dysfunctional in so many ways.

Lets start with the dysfunctional aspect of it. They have a owner who likes to make enemies with whoever he crosses paths with. Isn't a patient person when it comes to players and deciding whether they should stay or go. Meaning, the players talent isn't given the chance. That's also on Nellie for not putting them in the game. A new GM, in Larry Riley and to be honest I'm not that fond of the guy. I can say I liked him better as a assistant on the bench. Riley and Nelson decided to trade Marco Bellinelli to the Toronto Raptors for Devean George straight up. Really? The Bellinelli experiment is done just like that? I was hoping big things for Bellinelli going into this season, but when i heard he was traded earlier in the off-season I was somewhat surprised. I knew there were talks about trading him earlier in the year, but nonetheless I was disappointed he left. And Devean George out of all people? I'm sure he's a nice role player (specifically on a good team) but we could of gotten better then George. I'm not so sure he's even going to see any playing time. First two games of the season he's in a suit....that makes it clear.

And Don Nelson. Listen, I am very gracious for what Nelson did for the Warriors franchise and taking them to the playoffs for the first time in 12 years, with the most exciting team in the NBA, but enough is enough. Time to move on Nellie. There are many times where I'm like "What the hell are you doing Nelson?" I do not agree with some of the decisions he makes. No, I'm know where near the coach of Don Nelson, or any NBA coach for that matter, but even the most obvious is noticed. Nelson doesn't like to play rookies at all. At times, I don't agree with that. And with certain rookies I can understand, but we all saw the talents of Anthony Morrow and Anthony Randolph. When given the opportunity, they delivered on the court and to the fans. Keeping struggling players in the game is another example of what Nelson does. Like Corey Maggette, or a C.J. Watson.

I know Nelson is very close to becoming the coach with the most wins all-time in NBA history. So, no doubt about it he will finish this season. I just hope a guy like Keith Smart will be given the chance to become a head coach, hopefully for the Warriors. Smart has some experience from last year, when Nelson would let him coach some games. I'm pulling for Smart to become the next head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

Now, lets move on to the talent aspect of the Warriors.

The youngest team in the NBA....well, at times they certainly play like that. This year's group of Warriors has many scorers. (Like, Monta, S-Jax, Curry, Morrow, Maggette, Azibuike, Randolph, Watson maybe) The offense won't be the problem, it will be the defensive side of things that will cause the Warriors to lose some tough games.

Lets break-down each Warrior player....

Monta Ellis- The fastest player in the NBA is back at full strength and I can't wait to see what he does this season. Already in the first two games of the season you can tell his explosiveness is back and his jump-shot is looking good as well. Many people have questioned whether or not Monta can be a leader. I am certain he will lead this team and is very much so capable of getting the confidence from his teammates and the fans. Look for Monta to step up big time this year.

Stephen Jackson- I really appreicate what Jackson has done for the Warriors and helping them to the playoffs. But all he did in the off-season was complain and tell everyone he wanted out of the Bay Area. Well, ok...I would like it very much so if he was traded. What's the point of him staying with the Warriors, if all he does is become a distraction? It won't be tough to find a team for S-Jax. but what's going to be tough is getting rid of his contract (Oh yeah, that's another negative about the Warriors front office, forgot about that). At least he's being honest about this whole situation, right? He's still playing for the Warriors to his fullest. I just wish the Warriors do eventually trade and give that starting spot to someone else.

Anthony Randolph- I believe this will be a break-out season for Randolph. A player that's close to 7 foot with his ball handling skills is amazing. Also, his tanacity out on the court, he gives it his all and you got to love that about the guy. He works very hard, much more so then he did last year (apparently from Nelson). Watch out for number 4 this year.

Andris Biedrins- Is he the most talented big man offensively? No. Can he shoot a 15 ft consistently? I don't think ever attempted. How's his free throw shooting? Terrible! And somehow Biedrins is still a above average player. You don't hear Biedrins name a whole lot in the news, but he's player that gives it his all every single game. He's a re-bounding machine. A great defensive player. And can finsih at the rim very well. Biedrins has always been a favorite of mine, even though he may not get all the attention he deserves, he just does his job and does it very well.

Stephen Curry- This rookie has earned the trust in Don Nelson and I can understand why. He's a unbelieveable scorer and is delveloping his point guard skills already this season. I think Curry can be a All-Star type player and I like that he's a confident person. Before the season started he stated his goal was to be the Rookie of the Year...got to admire that. I hope we witness many great games from not only Curry, but the Monta/Curry back-court.

Corey Maggette- A good sixth man...not a starter, but a sixth man. Maggette frustrates me at times. There are games where he's in a zone and he's making everything, but other times where's he's ice cold and starts to make mistakes. I hope this year he stays a little bit more consistent.

Ronny Turiaf- A brusier. That's what Turiaf is, a guy that can come in a game and make things real difficult for opposing big men. He gives it his all and seems like he always has a smile on his face. He gets everyone involved, whether it's his teammates, the fans, or the broadcasters calling the game.

Kelanna Azibiuke- A very underrated player. A undrafted player out of Kentucky a few years ago, has turned into a key player for the Warriors. He's a guard, but can play as a power forward with his size and can step back and nail the threes. He can drive the lane and get himself on the line. He's flourishing into a better and better player.

Anthony Morrow- Another undrafted player last year, out of Georgia Tech, who can shoot lights out from beyond the arc. He's a flat out scorer. I'm expecting big things from Morrow this year, it's just the matter of getting enough playing time and opportunity to score once on the court. Last year, he was snubbed from making a 3 Point Contest appearence, well lets hope he's not this year again.

C.J. Watson- Yet again, another undrafted player out of Tenneesse. When the Warriors resigned C.J. I didn't know what to think. He's a ok player, but nothing special. I felt like we could of saved that money for elsewhere, but a good back-up point guard that could fill in from time to time, with a good jumper.

Brandon Wright- The J-Rich for Wright trade hasn't worked out too well for the Dubs. Wright had surgery recently and will be out for quite some time. I was wishing for the best for Wright, hoping he could contribute this year but he still plays like a rookie. I hope he recovers quick.

Mikki Moore- I was glad the Warriors signed Moore. He hustles, plays good D, and can make a 15 ft. After watching him sit on the bench for the first two games of the season, I hope that changes where Nelson gets him in the rotation some way, some how.

Acie Law- A former 1st round pick out of Texas A&M. The Hawks didn't find any use with him, so a fresh start for Acie. I must say, I am rooting for Acie to do well for the Warriors. I know he will probably be another Marcus Williams (Again, nice job Warriors front office) but lets see what he has on the court.

Devean George- Why he's on the Warriors I have no idea. That's just another big contract they have on their payroll.

Speedy Claxton- I'm glad to see Speedy come back to the Warriors....I guess. It's not like he's going to help them to the playoffs or anything like that, but I suppose the Warriors had some sympathy for him and decided to bring him back.

There you have it, my first report on the Dubs and expecting many more to come. Thanks once again everyone. Glad the NBA season is back!!! Take care.

Warriors Fall Apart Again In The 2nd Half

The game started out slow for both teams. Then around the second quarter it picked up and both teams had their mini-runs, until the Warriors took control and expanded their lead. They went into halftime with a 6 point lead. That was the same case in last night's game against Chicago. The Warriors controlled the second quarter and played their style of basketball. You could also tell that the Warriors were still shaky shooting the ball and last night's performance carried into tonight's game.

As the third quarter starter Detroit opened up in their offensive of sets looking for Rip Hamilton, who returned for his 1st game back, after missing 21 games, and Charlie Villanueva. Both players did not disappoint coach John Kuester as they were making every shot they took. For Villanueva it was his 8 foot jump hook, and for Hamilton it was going off of screens left and right before getting a open shot, which he made. Very good ball movement by Detroit. Rodney Stuckey led the Pistons with 29 points, and though he was sloppy with the ball, causing 7 turnovers, he made up for that with his willingness to get to the basket. The Pistons outscored the Warriors 22-12 in the third quarter.

The fourth quarter really was not much different. Yes, they were several times in the fourth where the Warriors inched the score closer to 5 or 4 points, but they were not making their open shots. Anthony Morrow continued to struggle shooting the ball, which is rare to see from him, but this has happened the past 2 games. There were plenty of chances to take the lead from the Pistons, but the Warriors weren't able to captalize on turnovers and good defensive stands.

Monta Ellis led the Dubs with 29 points, 7 re-bounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. It was just Ellis and Curry that contributed from the starting line-up. The rest combined for 11 points. Another terrible shooting night leads to another tough loss. A game the Warriors could have won, but weren't able to.

Next time....Philly, where the Warriors look to end the road trip on a positive note.

Take Care. From Yours Truly, ScottyK
 

Warriors Lose In OT vs Bulls

In a game with 28 three pointer's attempted, the Warriors made only 8 three pointer's. Coming into tonight's game the Dubs were the 4th best three point shooting team, but they were not able to hit majority of their shots. They shot 38% for the game. The Warriors missed a lot of open shots and that opend it up for the Bulls to keep up with the Warriors and at a pace the Bulls prefered.

The Warriors were going into halftime with a slim lead, but finish the 2nd quarter playing well. The 3rd quarter however, was a different story. Both teams were struggling from the field. There were plenty of opportunity for both teams to open up the lead, but it just didn't happen. Joakim Noah and Brad Miller kept the Bulls in the game. They dominated the paint, with second chance points. Joakim Noah finished with 18 points and 14 re-bounds. Brad Miller had 12 points, with 11 re-bounds. Luol Deng led the Bulls in scoring with 21 points. Derrick Rose and John Salmons weren't really a factor in the game. Both guards did not have a great night shooting the ball.

Monta Ellis led all scorers with 27 points, with 6 re-bounds, and 5 assists. Monta received a rare rest going into the 4th quarter. As a team the Warriors shot plain terrible. Anthony Morrow was 4-15 from the field, and 4-13 from beyond the arc. Vladimir Radmanovic was 4-13 from the field. The Dubs had their chances to extend the lead, but shots weren't falling down.

Derrick Rose had a chance to win the game in the final seconds, but missed a floater on front of the rim, sending the game into overtime.

After both teams exchanged buckets in overtime, it was all Bulls after that. The Warriors struggle to make any shots continued and it lead to their 15th loss of the season.

The Warriors are a better team in my opinion. It's just that the Bulls caught the Warriors on a bad shooting night. We'll see if the Warriors can re-bound from the loss and pick up a win against Detroit tomorrow night.

Take Care. From Yours Truly, ScottyK
 

Dubs Get The Win

After a quick start for the Nets, the Warriors were able to relinquish the lead and control majority of the entire game. The Dubs ended up winning by the score of 105-89. The time the Warriors blew open the game was in the 2nd quarter and they outscored the Nets 38-21, and led by 10 at halftime.

Monta Ellis and C.J. Watson led the Warriors with 18 points, Mikki Moore added 16 points, with a flurry of dunks in the 2nd half. Ellis didn't have to do everything for his team tonight. He spread the ball around and that abled him to have 8 assists for the game. Ellis drove down the lane when he wanted to, but instead of trying to hoist up a ridiculous shot, he lured the Nets big men to him and was able to dish it off for a easy basket. C.J. Watson was a player that stepped up for the Dubs tonight and was a key part of not allowing the Nets to get back in it with easy baskets. He played good defense, that led to steals. The Warriors forced new jersey in 22 turnovers and the Warriors finished the game with 17 steals.

Brook Lopez looked impressive tonight, once again this season. He put up 21 points, to go along with 10 re-bounds. But for the most part the Warriors kept him in check and didn't do a horrible job against him. Devin Harris added 19 points and early in the 1st quarter he was accidentally poked in the eye by Mikki Moore and had to leave the game for a brief moment. During the 4th quarter, the Nets were able to pull within 5 points of the Warriors, but a quick three by Watson buried the comeback.

Overall, it was a good win for the Dubs and not just Monta scored in bunches, it was the entire Warriors team that got involved in the act tonight, and it was good to see. Now let's see if the Warriors can get back to back road wins when they travel to Chicago, and play the Bulls friday night. I know the Bulls are struggling as of late, going 2-8 the past 10 games, but they're still a good team that can put up some points. Should be a good one.

Take Care. From Yours Truly, ScottyK
 

Golden State Warriors vs New Jersey Nets Preview

The 6-14 Golden State Warriors go in IZOD Center to face the 2-19 New Jersey Nets. Warriors coming off a loss to Oklahoma City, while the Nets are coming of their first road win of the season against Chicago. The Warriors are losers of 4 straight and will try to break that streak, once again without Andris Biedrins and Ronny Turiaf. Both players said to be recovering well, and soon to be on the court. Anthony Morrow is expected to return tonight after dealing with a death in the family. It will be great to see him back.

Despite the Warriors losing skid, there have been some bright spots for the Dubs. Monta Ellis is continueing his dominance, averaging 31ppg, to go along with 5 re-bounds per game and 5 assists. Also, is 2nd in the league in steals, with 2.4 per-game. But what Monta needs to work on his limiting his turnovers. He's had around 52 turnovers the past 8 games. Some of it is not his fault though. Monta Ellis is the Golden State Warriors, he has to score a lot, no matter how it's done, he has to score in bunches for the Warriors to have a chance to win. So, expect him to drive in the lane with 3 or 4 defensive players waiting for him. He tries to do too much. He has to be smarter with the basketball. Monta will get plenty of shots, he shouldn't worry about that, but at the same time try and pass to the open guy and have them step up and make a play.

This game won't be easy for the Warriors by any means. The Nets are starting to get healthy. Brook Lopez is playing great basketball right now, to go along with Chris Douglas-Roberts and Devin Harris. If the Warriors can get out in the open court, and get fast-break points then I think they have a good shot at winning tonight's game. That also means contain Lopez anyway you can and they must get back on defense.

Take Care. From Yours Truly, ScottyK

Dubs Lose In Final Seconds

Once again, a game between the Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors came right down to the final seconds, with the Rockets pulling through with the win. Last time these 2 teams met it was opening night for the Warriors, with the Warriors losing 108-107. Well, this time around the Warriors lost 11-109, with Aaron Brooks hitting two free-throws that won the game for the Rockets.

The Warriors were down by 7 at half-time. They came out in the 3rd quarter making every shot they took. For a while in the 3rd quarter it was back and fourth with both teams, shot after shot being made. The Warriors eventually took control of the 3rd and ended the 3rd quarter up by 9. They outscored Houston 38-25 in the quarter. But, the start of the 4th was a different story, the Warriors allowed the Rockets to comeback with a 12-0 run to tie and eventually take the lead. It was pathetic to watch. Bad shot after bad shot was being taken, turnover after turnover was being made.

It was a difficult night for Monta Ellis to get in a rhythm with the Houston D focusing on the star player for the Dubs. Ellis finished the night with 24 points, 8 assists, and 6 re-bounds, but he was 9 from 27 shooting the ball.

With 2.3 seconds to go in the game. Nelson drew up a play that led to Monta receiving the ball and later traveling with 1 second left and that ended the game. A turnover cost the Warriors a loss, not a big surprise though, with all the turnovers the Warriors make each game, and not finishing out a game.

Once again a tough loss for the Warriors, after playing so well majority of the game, they end up giving up the lead and the loss to the Houston Rockets. We'll see if the Dubs will comeback Saturday night and get a win, but it will be a tough task when they play the Orlando Magic.

Take Care. From Yours Truly, ScottyK

Warriors Get Thrashed By The Champs

The best defensive team in the NBA held the Warriors to 97 points, in a easy 130-97 win. The Lakers dominated in every facet of the game. Led by Pau Gasol's 22 points, 12 re-bounds, and 3 blocks. Kobe Bryant added 20 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals after a slow start to help the Lakers to their highest point total of the season. The Lakers ended up shooting 51% from the field.

Monta Ellis led the Warriors with 18 points, 6 assists, and 5 re-bounds, but it clearly wasn't the dominate play Warriors fans were accustomed to see out of Monta the past few games. The Lakers made it their mission to stop Monta and not allow him to get to the basket and for the most part they did a excellent job. Monta settled for mid-range jumpers and some out-side jumpers. There were occasions where he found his way to the basket and made some things happen, but credit the Lakers for playing outstanding defense and stopping Monta Ellis from getting what he wanted.

Gasol and Bynum worked their magic down in the post and took advantage of the under-sized big men, of the Golden State Warriors. If either got into deep position in the post, it was a done deal. They moved the ball around beautifly and made practically every single out-side shot. Whether it was Derek Fisher, Ron Artest, Shannon Brown, Jordon Farmer, the shots were falling for them. The Lakers were coming off a 3 day lay off and anytime you give the Defending Champs to study and watch game film, it's going to be difficult to win, especially with the lack of experience in the Warriors. The Warriors settled for jump-shots and that's what killed them, also lazy passes that resulted in turnovers.

The Lakers were a determined team and credit to them for dominating the entire game. The Warriors need to forget about this loss fast and get ready for their next game against Indiana. Take this beat down as motivation and come back ready to play and get a W.

Take Care. From Yours Truly, ScottyK

Playing Only 6, The Warriors Get The Win

With Monta Ellis and Anthony Morrow leading the way, the Warriors were able to pull off a 111-103 victory against Dallas.

Monta finished with a season-high 37 points and 8 assists, but also had 11 turnovers. The most turnovers in a game by a Warrior since Chris Mullin, with 13 in 1988. But, Monta made up for those turnovers and put together a great offensive performance. Morrow scored 27 points and was 6 from 8 from 3 point land. Ellis, Morrow, and Radmonavic played the entire game. The Warriors suited up the league minimum 8 players, but only played 6. Chris Hunter, who was recently brought up from the D-League, did not play (Coach Decision's) and Corey Maggette did not play (Hamstring Injury).

The Mavs had some injury problems themselves, starters infact. Josh Howard, Shawn Marion, and Erick Dampier were all out with injuries. Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavs with 28 points and 10 re-bounds. Jason Terry provided 21 points off the bench and ended up playing 39 minutes.

It was a close game throughout. The Dubs started out slow, but picked it up with the help of Monta. The Mavs didn't have a answer for Monta. He was driving to the hole and making seemingly everything. The Mavs tried to play man to man defense, that didn't work, they went to a zone, that didn't work, they started to double team Monta, that got him to kick it out to open shooters, like Morrow and Steph Curry.

The Warriors were down by 4 at half-time. The start of the 2nd half wasn't one sided by either team. Each team had their own spurts, but it ended up with the Warriors down by 4 once again, going into the fourth quarter.

The Mavs were on fire in the fourth making everying thing and it looked like they were running away with a victory. Pushing their biggest lead to 9 with 7:21 left in the game. But the Warriors refused to quit and cam surging back with a 21-7 run to end the game. Curry hit a huge 3 pointer to give the Warriors three point lead and later on hit a running floater to seal the win. Great effort by the Dubs, and great effort by Keith Smart filling in for Nellie and he gets the W.

First time since 1951 that a team won a game playing only 6 players.

Let's see if the Warriors can keep the momentum when they play San Antonio tonight. Should be a good one.

Take Care. From Yours Truly, ScottyK

Golden State Warriors vs Dallas Mavericks Preview

The Dubs play the Mavs tonight, in what should be a compelling game. Both offenses can score, but they have equally suffered from injuries.

The Warriors are coming off a great win against the Trail Blazers Friday night and they would like to go for back to back wins. It will be a tough task though. The Mavericks are playing great basketball right now, going into this game their record is 10-3. Dallas has played the last two games without starters, Josh Howard, Shawn Marion, and Erick Dampier.

The Warriors are dressing 8 players, the league's minimum acquirement. Monta Ellis and Anthony Morrow played all 48 minutes last game and they did a excellent job the entire game. Monta shut down one of the best rising star's in the NBA, Brandon Roy. And Morrow was lighting it up from beyond the arc. I expect more of the same from them, if not more, because the Dubs are slim on players and that means more playing time for everyone else.

I believe the Warriors can make it close in the 1st half, but it's going to be in the 2nd half where they have to maintain keeping it tight with the Mavs. The Warriors have struggled before in the 2nd half, hopefully this time around will be different. They decide not to settle for jump shots all the time and take to the rim, where practically every single Warriors player can do.

Don Nelson will be out the next two games pneumonia. He may be back Saturday when the Warriors play the Lakers in Oakland, but that has still yet to be determined. Hope Nellie gets well. Now, I expect Keith Smart to take ver like he has done before and I'm anxious to see how he does. I've been lobbying for Smart to become the next Warriors Head Coach, once Nellie steps down. We'll see what happens tonight in the Big D.

Take Care. From Yours Truly, ScottyK

Celtics Too Much For The Dubs

The Warriors stuck with the Celtics in the 1st half, and only down 1 at half-time. But, once when the 2nd half started it was all Celtics.

The Warriors were unable to make anything from the court.They took terrible shots, they turned over the ball a whole lot and couldn't stop Kendrick Perkins or Kevin Garnett in the paint. I was surprised to see the Warriors out-rebound the Celtics in the 1st half, but that was the only statistic that the Warriors could say they were controlling things. It doesn't help though, that you have injured players and sick players, but that's no excuse. Each player that's active is getting more then enough playing time, but there not producing. I can't tell you how many times Warrior players had the ball go right through their hands because they weren't prepared for the pass. And these were passes near the basket, that's inexcusable. That' when having a Andris Biedrins really helps, because Biedrins is great near the basket and has the best hands on the team.

The Warriors were only able to sqeak out 1 win during the road-trip and head back home to play on Friday. Warriors need to focus and get a win and not go on a losing streak. I will say since they have traded Stephen Jackson, they have played better team basketball, and that's a encouraging thing to see. As we saw the previous night when they faced the Cavs and lost by 6.

Take Care. From Yours Truly, ScottyK

Stephen Jackson Traded to the Charlotte Bobcats

The trade finally happened. Stephen Jackson, along with Acie Law, were traded to the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmonavic.

This trade should of happened a long time ago. Jackson played 9 games with the Warriors this season, before being dealt and those were 9 games the Warriors wasted with Jackson still on the roster. But, the Warriors front office got smart and realized they needed to trade Jackson right away. After all the demands and complaints from Jackson himself and his own agent...he got his wish. He wanted to go to a contender, whether it be to Cleveland, or any 3 of the Texas teams, he just wanted to go compete for a NBA title, and where does he end up...Charlotte. I wouldn't say that's a contending team. Now, compete for the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference? Sure, that's definitely a possibility.

Jackson says he's happy about the trade. He say's that now, but if Charlotte continues to lose like they were before the trade, then he'll most likely go to what he knows best and that's to complain, complain, and complain. I wouldn't be surprised if S-Jax is traded yet again this year, we should see.

I think this was a good trade for the Warriors. Raja Bell isn't the player he once was with the Suns, but he can still shoot the ball and play good defense, something the Warriors need....defense. Vladmir Radmonavic is a big man that can shoot the ball pretty well. That's a big plus in Nellie's system. The Warriors wanted players in return that could help out the team this year, not in the long haul, just so they can be competitive and add some depth. They got rid of a 28 million dollar contract and a headache and bring in a couple of expiring contracts, but players that can contribute as well.

Acie Law was the other player that was apart of the trade heading to Charlotte and I must say I was kind of disappointed he was being traded. He was earning some playing time for the Warriors and playing well, but they must've had to put in the deal to even out the rosters.

Overall, I think it was a good trade for the Warriors and Jackson will help out the Bobcats and try to help the franchise make the playoffs this season.

Take care. From Yours Truly, ScottyK