Posts tagged ‘Andris Biedrins’

Your Warriors are out.

Box Score

What the heck was that?

Baron Davis played 17 minutes, Kosta Perovic played 13. The nuttiest thing about that information is that it seems like the correct move. Baron was dismal in his limited play. He ended up 2-13 and looked more like he was messing around one-on-one with his buddy Steve Nash than trying to help his team win their very last chance to stay in playoff contention. Nellie benched him the entire second half, one of many strange occurrences last night.

The Dubs came out all thumbs, just missing layups and bricking jumpers. The Suns took the lead after three minutes behind fat Shaq post points, and a deadly Nash/Amare pick and roll connection.

The Warriors’ game in the first half was an oddity of freak show proportions. We got to see line ups including Kosta P, Andris, and Uncle Austin at the same time. The strangest thing about the geek squad getting time was that they looked a lot more active and driven than the much touted heart and soul of the team. Kosta was a bit clumsy, but not inept. He didn’t back down from Shaq contact, fought hard for offensive rebounds, and ran the best he could. It was obvious he was sucking wind after a few minutes of real time game, but didn’t quit.

It’s tempting to get very gloomy about the fact that Nellie sat Baron for the entire half. There were no damage control quotes post game to put any kind of speculation speed bumps up either. Nellie merely said that he gave Baron some much needed rest, and BD left without speaking to reporters. If you want to delve into far reaching, pot stirring speculation head over to Tim Kawakami’s blog for his take on Boomgate.

The second half featured a new Dubs squad, and a new spark. Jack finally came alive, pouring in 16 points in the third - including 3 threes. The off brand Dubs managed to not only get out of the first half pit, they actually got up by as much as 8 behind solid play from Kaz, Austin, and their default point guard, Monta Ellis. Two things went right, Jack started bombing with accuracy, and they actually played some gosh dern defense.

Monta and the B-Team managed to push the lead up to 11 in the first few minutes of the fourth before the Suns got down to business and began waxing their playoff mustaches. Amare started getting to the line with a vengeance, while Bell and Barbosa hit some key three pointers. 

The Suns got back on top with 4 minutes left to play as the Dubs went cold. Jack was able to nail a very clutch three to tie it up once more, but the game was over when Monta missed his next jumper and the Suns put up 5 unanswered points.

Andris deserves more of a mention. He put up yet another double double, and had his old stickum grip back, catching Jack’s spitball passes on pick and rolls. Watching him and Kosta on the court together was entertaining, not in the look at the bizarre foreign giants way, more in the hey, those dudes can kinda get after it way.

The final game against Seattle is at home on Wednesday. I’ll be watching with a little tear in my eye. It won’t be a tear of shame, I’m just going to miss the guys, ya digg? 

Peace out 2007-2008 season, I’m not mad at ya. 48 or 49 wins is nothing to be ashamed of and there is plenty of hope for the future.

Burnt out and broken down.

Box Score

In what was most likely the last relevent roller coaster ride of the season our Dubs got us high, low, and everywhere in between.

I’m not going to kick the corpse too much. The keys to defeat were glaringly obvious if you watched the game. Missed threes, missed free-throws, missed lay-ups, JR Smith, Allen Iverson, and most importantly, a dead in the water captain trio of Boom, Jack, and Barnes.

I know it’s a stretch to call a BD dead in the water when he put up a triple double, but he failed to rescue his squad with multiple chances at the end of the game.

Jack had the same type of night we’ve seen from him too often these last few weeks. He couldn’t get into the flow of the game and couldn’t hit any big threes.

Barnes again failed to get out of whatever personal pit he’s stuck in and was more of a sad memory than a contributor.

The Nuggets won this game with smart coaching, deadly shooting from their superstars and a vicious three point shooting bench squad. After watching his team get completely run to the tune of 37 points in the first quarter, George Karl moved into a zone defense and watched the Warriors shoot themselves in the foot with missed jump shots and lack of problem solving skills. Carmelo Anthony got unconscious, Allen Iverson made all the big shots, and JR Smith mercilessly pounded the Dubs with threes and dunks.

Monta and Andris were the bright spots in this thing. They are two pieces that are getting better by the game and the front office needs to figure out how to lock them up for the future.

That’s probably the end of the season for the Warriors. I don’t think it’s a cop out at all to call it a great one. The record will speak for itself, and watching Monta take his rightful place center stage was glorious. Don’t hang your head too much Dubs fans.

Right now I’m going to enjoy a sunny Friday off of work and start dreaming about next year.

exclusive postgame audio

Don Nelson

Baron Davis

Stephen Jackson

Your Warriors still got game.

Box Score

Highest scoring game of the season, nice.

The Warriors took a 6-0 lead early, and never got behind for the rest of the game. The Kings stuck within striking distance behind inspired offensive efforts by John Salmons (22 points, 6 rebounds), Francisco Garcia (31 points), and the ruthlessly efficient Kevin Martin (29 points, 7 rebounds). Ron Artest was in a suit, providing nothing but uncomfortable gesticulations from the bench.

Monta, Baron, and Beans led the Dubs in this fast paced win.

Boom had his best night in months, putting up 33 points and dishing 9 dimes. He played a team high 42 minutes and was focused on the win.

Monta played a brilliant 34 minutes, putting up 16 points and dishing 7 assists.

Andris was incredibly active, picking up a game high 17 rebounds and converting quick thinking plays down low.

Al continued to look strong, focusing on power plays in the paint and putting in good work on the boards.

Watching the development of Kevin Martin and Monta Ellis is a gift from the NBA gods. Martin is more refined, and is already a team leader, but Monta’s explosiveness and creativity is unparalleled.

The obvious down side of the game for the Warriors was the lack of defensive focus. With the exception of the first minute-and-a-half of the game, during which Al and Baron stole the ball 4 times, the Kings’ main challenge was deciding whether to drive, or shoot the jumper. Mikki Moore (who dropped 19 and 10 on us in March) was mercifully silenced early on, picking up quick fouls and a tech in the first. I think we’re all better off seeing less of those ridiculous predator dreads on the court.

CJ Watson got a good run in the second half when Nellie sat Monta. Watson wasn’t nearly as explosive as All Day, but he fought hard for a couple of offensive rebounds and was the only Dub able to slow Kevin Martin down all night.

Pietrus returned to the squad in a fairly triumphant fashion. He brought a much needed spark to the building during a second half lull with two emphatic blocks and a gorgeous put back slam. He also reminded us that he’s still the same Peety with one of his patented traveling calls from the corner.

The stage is set for the 8th seed showdown against the Nuggets on Thursday. I’m too nervous and scattered to make any predictions beyond some random Barkley hateration. Make sure to set your DVRs/TIVOs/Alarm Clocks up ahead of time because tip-off is at 5:00 on TNT.

GO WARRIORS!

exclusive postgame audio

Baron Davis

Stephen Jackson

Al Harrington

Chris Paul runs his city.

Box Score

Chris Paul, Peja Stojakovic, David West, and Jannero Pargo made their rekindled fan base proud - and demonstrated that they belong in the top spot in the West.

The Dubs played a solid game with several strong contributions, but demonstrated why they’re scratching and clawing their way between 8th and 9th.

Monta and Andris were the go-to guys for the Warriors for the second game in row. Monta completely dominated on offense, driving and shooting his way to a game high 35 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and snatching 4 steals. Beans was incredibly active beneath the basket and on the glass, putting up 17 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.

It was a good, competitive match. The Warriors lead for most of the first two quarters thanks to Monta and Beans. The Dubs’ defensive plan of aggressively fronting Tyson Chandler in the post was very effective, until the Hornets’ back-up point guard Jannero Pargo decided to become an assassin. Pargo piled on 16 points in 6 minutes in the heart of the second quarter, bringing NO back from the brink and kick-starting their offense.

Paul vs. Davis was the featured match up, unfortunately for us it ended up being very one sided.

Baron was booed soundly every time he touched the ball due to the messy end to his Hornets’ career. He shut up the boo-birds with big plays occasionally, but not for good.

The real star of the show was Chris Paul. Paul ran his team like the MVP he deserves to be, going off for a triple double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, 13 assists and 5 steals. The most telling shot of the night came from CP3 with 7:43 left in the game. The Warriors had just muscled their way back to a 90-90 tie, and looked hungry to go on a run when Paul took the game into his own hands and nailed a cold blooded three - triggering a 12-2 Hornets’ run, sealing the game.

In a perfect reflection of the game, Baron attempted his own three to answer Paul’s that fell short - triggering a small collapse by the Dubs and sealing the loss.

Al Harrington finally got a decent game under his belt, he and Monta carried the Dubs in the second half. The two provided 30 of the Warriors’ 45 third and fourth quarter points. Monta was unstoppable and was the toast of the ABC commentators.

The Hornets’ ultimately victorious answer was a deadly trio of Paul, West, and Stojakovic - those three calmly picked apart the Warriors’ defense and nailed all the open shots they needed to.  

Baron and Jack couldn’t come up with any magic. They each individually tried to make big plays but fell short. Baron went 8-22 from the field while Jack put in another weak performance, going 3-11 in 43 minutes. For a couple of guys who supposedly thrive under pressure and live for competition they sure look like they’re wilting after a gruelling season and have come up empty for the final run.

Jackson and Baron are struggling, and there is no one to fill that big of a gap. They’re the heart of the team, no young up-and-comers or bench player combo can cover for a disintegrating heart.

The Warriors aren’t the only ones scuffling; Denver dropped a double overtime loss against the rookie phenom Kevin Durant and his Sonics. We’re still tied for 8th with a head to head against them Thursday.  

Your Warriors ain’t dead yet.

Box Score

With some smart early play by Jack and Baron, and not a little bit of help from a dismal looking Griz squad, the Dubs’ youth movement got its most extended run of the season.

It’s all about perspective. If you were as down as I was on the team after the turrable Texas trouncings, this game should help. If we end up just outside of the playoffs this season at least we’ll have Monta, Brandan, Andris, and some combination of Marco, CJ, and Kaz to look forward to in the future. Grizzlies fans will have Rudy Gay, Mike Miller, draft picks and…..fantasizing about getting Darko off of their team. Pecking order you see, it’s all about finding someone worse off than you and making yourself feel better about your lot at their expense.

All Warriors all game.

Andris had 14 points and 12 rebounds by the end of the second quarter and BoomJack had already combined for 11 assists. The greybeards were obviously focused on moving the ball and Beans was the focal point on offense early on, running tight pick-and-rolls and boarding like mad. Andris finished the game with 21 points & 17 rebounds.

Kaz got another start, and his 40 minutes was the longest stretch on the team. He quietly went about his business, grabbing 10 boards and draining 3-5 threes. With Matt Barnes’ game on life support, Kelenna has really done well to fill the dirty work gap.

Marco Belinelli unexpectedly entered the game for Monta with a minute and a half left in the first, and stayed in for another 21 exciting minutes. In his post game interview he mentioned that Nellie told him to be ready to guard Juan Carlos Navarro, meaning that coach planned this whole circus out. It’s a bit frustrating to see Nelson start gambling with young player development this late in the season, but the results were hard to second guess. After floundering into two turnovers on his first two possessions, Marco shook off the jitters and got his summer league on. He was darting to open spots on the floor off of screens and blasting away with off balance jumpers from all over the court. 13 points on 6-11 shooting with 1 three.

CJ Watson also got a chance to get some licks in, running the point for the last six and a half minutes of the game. He racked up his 9 points in four minutes, going 4-4 with one three.

Brandan Wright’s go-go-gadget arms got 20 minutes of action and excelled against the unmotivated, soft Grizzlies front court. He looked smooth and silly skinny, getting two blocks.

Al looked like junk. He repeatedly tried to force his own shot in the paint, only to get rejected or brick it off the front of the rim. His thumb is wrapped and it seems to be completely throwing him off of his game.

Barnes once again made his presence felt via pain. He blatently shoved Kyle Lowry off of him during an out-of-bounds play in the fourth, earning yet another flagrant - and a suspension for the NO game on Sunday due to cumulative flagrant foul points. Frustration and pain are ruining Matt’s game, it’s a really sad turn of events for a player most of us want to see stick around and do well with the Warriors.

Oh yeah, Monta. The kid cruised through the game, looking like he was playing in high school again. He was a bit sloppy with the ball, picking up 4 turnovers, but was also opportunistic against the sloppy Grizzlies, picking up 4 steals. Mellow 19 points for All Day.

Conventional wisdom tells us that the extended rest for Baron and Jack is a positive sign for the Dubs’ chances against the Hornets on Sunday. The problem is that the Warriors repeatedly tell conventional wisdom to shove it. It’s an early one, 10 am local time on ABC so turn on, tune in and hold on.

PS: Dallas lost to the Lakers…damn I hate being happy about a Lakers’ win.

On the heels of an outstanding victory, the Warriors’ thin front-court takes a huge hit. Janny Hu explains why we’ll be without Andris for a bit:

“Golden State’s top center is out indefinitely after having his appendix removed late Thursday. Biedrins was scheduled for an overnight hospital stay and is expected to be sidelined for at least a week.”

Despite my enthusiastic declarations in the Celtics recap, Nellie is actually still the boss. Lowell Cohn was a witness:

“He approached Davis, and Davis immediately stood up, attentive, alert — no more tired stuff. Reporters wonder if Davis, the Warriors’ only legitimate star, runs the team, if maybe Nelson is overly careful with him or afraid of him. Check this out. Nelson said, “One thing still bothers me.”

Finally, Mully talked with the morning guys at KNBR about how the trade deadline wasn’t really that big of a deal for him and the Warriors, and how he sees the team right now. Here’s the audio.

Webber’s back, TNT was in the house and the hype machine was in full swing at the Oracle, but the end product was too ugly for TV.

Box Score

The young Bulls upended your Warriors on a night full of anticipation and expectations. The Dubs’ defense was pudding soft and all the energy and hustle came from the players in red. Chris Duhon dropped a career-high 34 points, Josh Smith and Tyrus Thomas gorged themselves on easy buckets in the paint, and even offensively stunted Ben Wallace got his licks in.

You can’t blame this kind of flat defeat simply on rust from the time off. There was some severe lack of execution at fault. Baron and Stephen had horrible shooting nights and no one seemed able to deny a pass into the post. Biedrins worked very hard on the boards, but got destroyed down low on defense.

The Bulls were without three of their main players in Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon, and they came into Oakland after a hard loss in Portland the night before. They are an extremely young, raw and physical team. They caught the Warriors sleeping and basking in their own hype, never let up, and took one on the road.

Chris Webber:

Number 4’s debut was definitely more of a fizzle than a bang, but it wasn’t a complete bust. His conditioning is nowhere near what it needs to be to hang with this team for any extended playing time, but he clicked a bit with everyone in the second quarter. He hit a couple of jumpers and dished out two assists in his 12 minutes. Webber absolutely slowed the team down when he was on the floor, but I think he’ll be able to sync up with practice and contribute down the road.

Andris Biedrins:

The big Latvian seems to be getting stronger and stronger. He more than held his own on the boards against the flailing power of the Bulls’ young big men and came up with 18 rebounds, nine of which were offensive. His offensive execution leaves a lot to be desired, but no one else can provide that kind of rebounding.

Monta Ellis:

Is a superstar. Once again, the Mississippi Bullet was the only consistent offense for most of the game. His jumper was spot on and he was finishing with ease. Monta went a mind-boggling 11-12 from the field. That kind of consistency is sorely needed on this sketchy, unpredictable team. He finished the second quarter with an absolutely monstrous dunk that brought the entire arena out of their seats.

The whole game was a sloppy mess and a huge let down after the spectacular, gutsy wins against the Hornets and Bobcats.

Time for the Dubs to lick their wounds and get their heads back on straight for a NorCal grudge match against the Kings on Saturday.

exclusive Postgame Audio

Stephen Jackson

Don Nelson

Chris Webber