Posts tagged ‘monta ellis’

Just when we thought the drama of the Warriors’ offseason was over, we get news that makes our stomachs turn. Monta Ellis will be out for at least three months after suffering a torn ankle ligament while training near his Jackson, Mississippi home.

Ellis is coming off a season that put him in elite company, joining Kevin Johnson, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and David Thompson as a 22 year old guard (or younger), who averaged 20 points per game and 50 percent shooting for the season.

Now the Warriors will have to rely on newly acquired Marcus Williams to run the point. Expect Stephen Jackson and Marco Belinelli to also have a major hand in running Nellie’s squad until Monta gets back.

Ellis was expected to take over the point guard spot vacated by Los Angeleno Baron Davis. More news on how this will effect Nellie’s game plan this year to come.

Your Warriors bolstered Kevin Durant’s case for rookie of the year.

Box Score

Man I’m glad I didn’t end up grabbing tickets at the last minute for this one.

Fan appreciation night you say? We can all appreciate seeing the rise of Kevin Durant (Kid Delicious), but I certainly would appreciate it more if it hadn’t been at the Warriors’ expense. What a baffling loss to end a baffling month.

Due to the TV blackout I split my time between listening to the radio while making dinner and watching the box score updating on my laptop. I noticed what seemed like a fairly inspired comeback attempt in the fourth, and a whole lotta uncontested buckets from the Supersonics.

First quarter collapse, stifled by the zone, no D, no big runs from BD. That’s as much as I can really speak to. Kevin Durant obviously went off hard, finishing the game with career highs in scoring, 42, and rebounds, 13, that’s superb. Monta was the leading scorer for the Dubs with 24 (11-17!), Andris was a stud with 20 points and 17 boards, Marco Belinelli was a sharpshooter, nailing 5-6 threes, wish I could have seen that. 

After benching Baron for the entire second half against the Suns, Nellie went ahead and played him 39 minutes last night. Adam reports in his recap that it wasn’t a pretty sight:

But the veterans that were supposed to lead this team to playoff glory — Davis, Jackson, Harrington — looked defeated and disinterested. They shot a combined 12-40 from the field and managed 7 rebounds between them (6 from Davis). As bad as the stats look, the body language was even more offensive.

Baron’s numbers back up that visual. Our leader’s final outing of the season netted him 36% fg rate on 8-22 shooting. He hit 5-12 threes, that’s chucking.

I have no personal insight into the swamp of motivations that drive Don Nelson and Baron Davis. They are both larger-than-life figures with a history of bridge burning, chip-on-the-shoulder cultivating, and dogged stubbornness. As a dedicated follower of the team for equal personality, and play reasons I can only hope that this end will be a catalyst for reevaluation and rebuilding, rather than mistrust and disintegration.     

The postseason is upon us, let the speculation run wild and free.  

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.

Your Warriors can still fly, and stumble….and fly.

Box Score

With a gratifyingly optimistic crowd at their back, the Dubs shook off a mental hangover from Thursday’s loss, and stormed the court in the first - tying their highest scoring quarter of the season at 42. Jack put up 10 - including 2 threes, and Al put up 13 - shooting well from the outside as well as driving strong. The Warriors’ lead blossomed to 20 points with a minute left in the quarter, and the Clippers appeared to be comfortable in their role as the evening’s tomato can .

Nellie was relaxed enough to leave Baron on the bench to start the second quarter - and was promptly reminded via 3 straight Clipper three pointers, and some sketchy Dubs’ possesions that nothing in life is certain, and that BD is the only man who can make this hoopty run.

The news that Denver had lost to the the Jazz was announced half way through the game, injecting the crowd with yet more hope juice. On the court the Warriors were running and flying, with Baron and Jack finding Monta, and even Patrick O’Bryant for alley-oops. Nellie got into a light hearted mood and faked a drive past Monta after finding the ball in his lap.

Meanwhile, the Clippers’ Cuttino Mobley was decimating the Warriors’ lead with quick turnaround jumpers. Al Thorton (aka the rookie Al Thorton) was ball hawking his way towards a double-double, and Corey Maggette the male model was perpetually getting to the line via throwing his body into whatever Dub was defending him.

The happy-go-lucky feel in the building was suddenly reversed when everyone noticed that the lead had shrunk to 5 points with just under 2 minutes left to play. Monta converted a drive, Jack hit a jumper and hit 5 free throws to keep the Dubs on top for the ugly win.

The final hope lies in the Nuggets dropping one of their two remaining games against Houston or Memphis, as well as the Warriors running the table against the Suns and Seattle.

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

Word from practice today is that Brandan Wright strained his groin against the Kings last night and may not be available in tomorrow’s pivotal matchup against Denver. Wright has come on strong in recent weeks and was expected to play a role in defending the Nuggets’ Marcus Camby, one of the NBA’s top rebounders and defenders.

The W’s were otherwise very loose and in great spirits. Their practice was more like a shootaround, with players getting treatment in preparation for tomorrow’s clash.

Listen to Don Nelson breaking the news to us below, as well as thoughts from Baron Davis and Monta Ellis.

exclusive audio

Don Nelson

Baron Davis

Monta Ellis

Here are some Youtube finds from last night’s game.

Peety’s block on Kevin Martin: From Odenized

Crowd angle of the block. “OHHHHH DAMN!”

Monta’s sick dish for the Boom dunk: “Play of the night!”

Bonus: Belinelli highlights from the Grizzlies game.

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.