Preview: Warriors at Kings, Game 7

by Ziller on Nov 8, 2009 12:00 PM PST Comment 73 comments

by Ben Margot - AP

THE OPPONENT

Question: What is the only team to lose by 28 points at home to the Los Angeles Clippers this season?

Basketball-Reference's Simple Rating System regards Golden State as the worst team in the league. Worse than Memphis (the only team G.S. has beaten), worse than the Knicks, worse than ... the 0-7 Nets. That's likely due to point differential, which would be due to that Clippers loss, but still. WORSE. THAN. THE. NETS.

The Warriors have played once on the road, a 22-point beatdown in Phoenix. The team is 22nd in offense and 26th in defense, with the 30th ranked shooting defense. Here is what the players are doing.

			FG			3PT			FT			Rebounds			Misc
	G	M	M	A	Pct	M	A	Pct	M	A	Pct	Off	Def	Tot	Ast	TO	Stl	Blk	PF	PPG
Monta Ellis	4	37.3	8.0	18.5	43.2	0.5	0.5	100.0	4.3	5.8	73.9	1.0	3.3	4.3	6.5	3.8	2.3	0.0	2.3	20.8
Stephen Jackson	4	32.5	6.5	14.8	44.1	1.5	3.8	40.0	2.3	3.5	64.3	0.3	2.8	3.0	3.5	3.3	0.8	0.3	2.0	16.8
Anthony Morrow	4	29.5	5.0	9.5	52.6	2.0	3.8	53.3	2.0	2.3	88.9	1.0	1.0	2.0	0.5	1.3	0.3	0.5	2.5	14.0
Kelenna Azubuike	4	22.5	4.8	9.3	51.4	1.0	2.3	44.4	1.8	2.5	70.0	2.0	2.5	4.5	0.5	0.8	0.3	1.0	2.0	12.3
Corey Maggette	4	22.8	4.0	11.3	35.6	0.0	1.3	0.0	3.3	4.3	76.5	0.8	3.8	4.5	1.3	2.0	0.8	0.0	4.0	11.3
Stephen Curry	4	31.0	4.0	8.0	50.0	0.8	1.8	42.9	0.8	1.0	75.0	0.3	2.3	2.5	5.8	1.5	1.8	0.0	4.3	9.5
Anthony Randolph	4	17.8	2.5	7.3	34.5	0.3	0.5	50.0	4.0	4.5	88.9	2.3	4.8	7.0	0.5	1.8	0.5	0.8	2.8	9.3
Andris Biedrins	3	23.3	3.7	4.0	91.7	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.7	0.0	1.7	6.0	7.7	2.0	1.3	0.7	0.7	4.7	7.3
Ronny Turiaf	2	20.5	1.5	3.0	50.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	2.0	3.0	5.0	0.5	2.0	0.0	2.0	3.5	3.0
Acie Law	1	8.0	0.0	2.0	0.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	2.0	2.0	100.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	2.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	2.0
Mikki Moore	3	16.0	0.7	2.0	33.3	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	1.3	2.0	3.3	1.0	1.3	0.3	0.3	2.0	1.3
C.J. Watson	2	7.0	0.5	2.5	20.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.5	0.0	0.5	1.0	0.5	1.0	0.0	0.5	1.0

Monta Ellis is shooting 100% on threes! Oh no!

THE KEY BATTLE

Honestly, keeping up with Don Nelson's rotation is a full-time job. Friday against the Clippers, the starting five included Mikki Moore, Stephen Jackson, Kelenna Azuibuike, Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis. Which is more undersized, the backcourt or frontcourt? Trick question! The correct answer is "all of the above." Needless to say, there is no one to a) defend the paint, or b) close out defensive rebounds in that five. It will be imperative for Tyreke Evans to attack, no doubt, but I'll give Key Battle status to Jason Thompson vs. Jackson or Azubuike, whichever one matches up with him. Heck, if Moore matches up with J.T., that will be a key battle. Basically, the key for the Kings to exploit the Warriors' SHORTcomings. Heheh. Heh. H.

Anthony Randolph did play 30 minutes off the bench Friday, and I have no doubt he could change the equation when it comes to the Kings attack. But we'll see.

INTERESTING SIDESHOW

Usually, Kings management could count on Warriors fans traveling well (or already living in the area) to sell extra tickets. But the Warriors are one of the few franchises more depressing than the Kings right now. So I'm going to go with "no" as an answer as to whether ARCO will be filled with either side. It's too bad, because a full crowd split between Warriors and Kings fan is dynamic. It's like heat mixed with precipitation -- a thunderstorm. Small crowds on each side is more like morning fog.

BOLD PROCLAMATION

Spencer Hawes, Thompson and one other King will all register at least eight rebounds. That other King could be:

* Tyreke Evans.

WAGER

Which has lower odds: Francisco Garcia will wear a knit sweater vest, or Kevin Martin will wear an oversized untucked oxford. (Note: it would be really fricking crazy if Martin sweater-vested it up with Cisco slipped into the button-down. Blow my mind!)

DETAILS

We have a 6PM tip at ARCO, with CSN and KHTK pulling local broadcast duty. The game will also be available on NBA TV! Game thread at 6, post-game thread at 9, recap by Passover.

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Comments

I'm looking for a very entertaining game tonight

I predict both Evans and JT have monster games. Evans will be able to go to the basket at will, while getting fouled. JT will grab rebs. off Evans’ layup misses and put them back. We could very well see another carrer performance by Evans tonight.

Prediction:
Evans – 36 points, 6 assits and 6 rebounds
JT – 24 points, 6 assists and 12 rebounds
Kings win – 114 to 107

by kwill on Nov 8, 2009 12:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Can we haz back 2 backs winz?

Victory is tasty.

by iashwash on Nov 8, 2009 12:37 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Victory is tasty.

by iashwash on Nov 8, 2009 12:37 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

did we ever win 2 in a row in 2008?

"Are you tryin to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?"

by mvhsbball on Nov 8, 2009 12:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We won in 2008?

by Slaaam on Nov 8, 2009 12:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, Once.

On November 5th, 7th and 9th of last year we won against Mem., Min and GS, repectively. That was the only time we won any consecutive games all year.

by kwill on Nov 8, 2009 12:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

for clarity, that was a three game win streak

by betweentheeyes on Nov 8, 2009 6:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think PW needs to put pressure on Tyreke

to put on a full court press everytime the Warriors bring up the ball. If we can slow down their transiton points we are Golden.

by nothingbutnet on Nov 8, 2009 1:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Dig the pun. Agreed. We gotta stop their 3 point shooting too.

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 1:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Great fights last night.

This was the first time I saw Fedor fight.

My initial reaction was that he looked a little soft. Wow! can that guy punch.

by nothingbutnet on Nov 8, 2009 1:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL. No kidding. Stupid CBS did their overrun so my dVr didn't catch it.

I caught the replays. Yeah, he didn’t even show his kicking prowess. The guy can do it all. You can spend hours youtubing him.

Agreed – he’s not physically impressive like other heavyweights (Brock, Cain) but he takes care of business.

Hope he learns a little english to be more marketable.

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 1:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry to see Miller lose

Jake Shields while very skilled is boring to watch. I have to give credit to Miller for his defense. He never seemed intimidated.

by nothingbutnet on Nov 8, 2009 1:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd say he's skilled on the ground. Shield's stand-up wasn't there last night.

I was hoping Mousasi-Sokoudjou would have been better.

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 1:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

but since he kept Miller on the ground almost the whole fight

didn’t really matter

"I make love to pressure" - Stephen Jackson

by Bluejohn on Nov 8, 2009 3:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I say both wear button-downs TUCKED in.

I say the key is perimeter defense. They have too many cats that can shoot the 3 and if they get that going, the game will be too close for comfort.

We know Ellis cannot go by ‘Reke. But who guards Ex-Cap’n Jax or Morrow? I’m thinking Coach Dub has this figured out and has our guys ready to stop the 3 and disrupt the Golden State offense. I’m convinced Curry can be thrown off if you put a physical body on him. JT, Hawes and May May better rebound for their lives.

I’m thinking Udoka does more of the same to help the Kings get their first back to back win.

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 1:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I will be there tonight

With a buddy from Golden State. We’re trading off and going to the king-warriors game at Oracle in Feb. If Stephen Curry outplays Tyreke, I’m going to throw my “friend” off the upper deck. I’ll check back in with y’all tomorrow. Possibly from prison.

Go KINGS!

by Grantnapeareatskittens on Nov 8, 2009 1:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Make sure your buddy lands head first if Curry outplays 'Reke!

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 1:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I really hope this game is working on ATD tonight

"Are you tryin to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?"

by mvhsbball on Nov 8, 2009 1:18 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

It'll be interesting to see this on NBATV tonight. I wonder which team they're going to broadcast.

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 1:20 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Tonight

We get to pick on Mikki Moore.

How much are the Ws paying Mikki?

"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."

by coolcatreportdotcom on Nov 8, 2009 1:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

$800k

We’re paying him $2 million. Ironic.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Nov 8, 2009 1:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Technically we're paying him

1,718,000. But, who counts?

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Nov 8, 2009 1:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The Human Claw!!

I’m going to drink a beer every time he drops the ball.

The question is, how drunk will I get?

I’m projecting a blood alchol level of about .22

by nothingbutnet on Nov 8, 2009 1:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

2.22

"Are you tryin to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?"

by mvhsbball on Nov 8, 2009 1:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That's what I meant

Thanks

by nothingbutnet on Nov 8, 2009 1:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

.22 will be what your blood alcohol level will be

if you drink 30 Sharps during the game

"I make love to pressure" - Stephen Jackson

by Bluejohn on Nov 8, 2009 3:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Summer trade

I guess the Warriors had too many guards, but Jamal Crawford to the Hawks for Speedy Claxton and Acie Law? What were they thinking?

"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."

by coolcatreportdotcom on Nov 8, 2009 1:37 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Contract dump

$19 million for $7 million. But Atlanta got a potential 6th man of the year for the investment.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Nov 8, 2009 1:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think he will be 6th man of the year. Starter minutes and numbers like Manu in the past.

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 1:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Kinda funny that they took on Crawford

But I don’t think Atlanta wanted to give New York more cap relief for 2010 than possible because of their closer proximity (in conference).

But because Golden State has no cap room there was no danger of that. And the funny thing was New York got their cap relief in that deal.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Nov 8, 2009 1:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Crawford was doing nothing for the Warriors anyway

Nelson told him he had better opt out cuz he wasn’t getting any minutes. (And that’s when the Warriors traded Crawford. Worked out pretty well for both sides I’d say.)

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Nov 8, 2009 1:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I hear

Allan Iverson will soon be available. Hey, don’t all you teams jump at once.

Iverson’s only shot at this point is as sixth man on a contender, but he’s going to have to accept that. And what contender wants to risk screwing up their mix and dealing with AI’s wonderful personality? Maybe the Jazz?

Maybe some more sitting at home and watching the games on TV will make that a little easier.

"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."

by coolcatreportdotcom on Nov 8, 2009 1:41 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Ha. I don't think Sloan would want that POS on his beloved Jazz.

Jazz need athletic 4s and 3s.

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 1:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

NBA TV?!?

boooooooooooooooooooo
Time to start looking for streams..

The NBA: "Where 27 free throws happens"

by lodisacfan on Nov 8, 2009 2:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

You bought broadband eh?

Yeah, that sucks. Only really works if you have cable already. Which I can’t get, and probably couldn’t afford anyway given where I live in the first place….

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Nov 8, 2009 2:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

ya...broadband is sweet. but the blackouts are damn stupid

The NBA: "Where 27 free throws happens"

by lodisacfan on Nov 8, 2009 4:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah just a way to con you into more money

But what I can’t figure out is why the NBA offers broadband to people who likely don’t have cable, and likely won’t get it. It’s really stupid.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Nov 8, 2009 5:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed.

if we pay the money, let us watch the games plz

The NBA: "Where 27 free throws happens"

by lodisacfan on Nov 8, 2009 5:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

'Reke and Evans have a nice little lead-in deal on NBA.com (3rd slide).

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 3:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

LOL. 'Reke and Curry I mean.

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 3:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Is there a less talented roster in the NBA...

..than the GS Warriors. I say NAY. And that includes us MINUS Martin and Garcia. The W franchise is a shamockery to the game, and it starts and ends with Don Nelson(and the 12 swingmen on their roster).

by Smills91 on Nov 8, 2009 3:17 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Nets could give them a run for their money. T'Wolves too.

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 3:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Harris + Lopez + TWill + Lee vs. Al-Jeff + Love + Flynn + Sessions and maybe Rubio

Give me EITHER of those rosters over the Warriors dilapidated roster. It’s pathetic.

by Smills91 on Nov 8, 2009 3:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I would have included CDR for the nets. Sessions is not getting any PT.

Not to mention Nets are 0-7 right now. Harris and Lopez are sick but the talent drops far off after that. Lee is a 3 or 4th option role player at best, same with Terrence Williams.

Kelenna, Biedrins, Ellis and Jackson are nothing to sneeze at. It’s not their fault their management doesn’t care about winning. U said it best with that their woes are due to Don Nelson. The roster is better than what their record says.

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 4:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Less talented?

I don’t think so. I thinh they are just disfunctional and not well puttogether. Add a coach that doesn’t really care and a front office that keeps screwing their fans and that’s why they look so bad on paper.

They have good talent, I wouldn’t say the Kings are significantly better to be honest.

The future begins now...

by eduardo_m7 on Nov 8, 2009 3:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Eh, I disagree.

Martin > Jackson
Hawes/Thompson = Bidriens/AR
Evans > Curry or Ellis
Nocioni = Maggette
Our bench >>> Warriors bench

I just don’t see how they even compete with anyone other than the fact that they just sprint every single time

by Smills91 on Nov 8, 2009 3:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Disagree.

Maggette is definately > Nocioni
and
Evans>Ellis? not yet.

by Slaaam on Nov 8, 2009 3:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Plus what about the one left from Ellis and Curry

Don’t get me wrong Smills, I think the Kings have some talent and I look forward to the future, but saying our roster is clearly better than theirs is a stretch. I still think we iwn tonight though ;)

The future begins now...

by eduardo_m7 on Nov 8, 2009 4:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed but NOC is a more locker room guy. I'll take him over Maggette any day.

Plus he plays harder.

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 4:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

for one thing he plays defense which Maggs largely ignores

Maggs is a shooter, can get to the ft line at will and is a black hole in their offense. He is not a better all around player than Nocs although he is a better more consistent scorer. Magg’s contract makes Beno’s look like a gift. He was a horrible panicked signing for the dubs after BD left for the Clips.

"I make love to pressure" - Stephen Jackson

by Bluejohn on Nov 8, 2009 5:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Well said, sir!

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 5:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Jackson and Martin are really hard to compare.

They’re both great at totally different things.

Jackson’s a glue guy that adds a little crazy and loads of toughness to any team he’s on. You can’t say that Kevin does that for anybody.

Evans is better than Curry but Monta Ellis has had tons of 30 plus games in his career and is faster than most in the league. I wouldn’t compare them yet.

The Warriors are too dangerous a team to NOT give them respect.

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 4:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Noc has to drink to get through the day, that’s how bad it is.

by Slaaam on Nov 8, 2009 5:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL. Awww.

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 5:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

So, any links for the game tonight?

I know atdhe.net has one, but we won’t know if its active until the tip.

Any others?

"Are you tryin to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?"

by mvhsbball on Nov 8, 2009 5:06 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

by lodisacfan on Nov 8, 2009 5:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We will B

Don’t worry.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Nov 8, 2009 5:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

channelsurfing.net usually has a good stream

Tyreke Evans for R.O.Y!

by sac-townz finest on Nov 8, 2009 5:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I know where to look

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Nov 8, 2009 5:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow. OCK up by 20 on Orlando.

Impressive. Westie – 15 & 10.

33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.

by JETisKing on Nov 8, 2009 5:50 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Ugh

Paying for league pass and then having a ton of blackout games…FML

Don't sweat the technique

by Rakim on Nov 8, 2009 5:52 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

No the Kings only have 1 blackout nationally televised game

That’s tonight.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Nov 8, 2009 5:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs