PLAYOFF OPEN THREAD: Game #2 - Warriors @ Mavs - Spoilers?
Warriors Lead 1-0
Time: 6:30pm PST
TV: TNT
Radio: KNBR 1050
The whole world is watching and the Warriors are on center stage. People are hailing down the bandwagon or rather party bus begging for a ride; fans are fighting their fellow fans for tickets; and even Jessica Alba wants to a piece of this action at the Oracle. Yet, the national (and even local) media, though impressed by the Warriors win, are still claiming Mavs in 5. Heck, our coach thinks we got a a better chance of getting hit by lightening than winning the next game. If that's the case, what are the vegas odds of Warriors vs. lightening?
Just playing!
The Warriors aren't buying into the hype (or even anti-hype) that sports media has created. Nellie is at it again with his cooky strategic 'motivational strategies' and for good reason. Shocking the world with a game one win over Dallas (and then getting a B-list celebrity but an A-list 'honey'--pun intended--to attend game four), the Warriors still realize they haven't done anything yet. Which is not to say that the Warriors nation can't celebrate, but I guess it just depends on what you define as "success" for our Dubs. Amidst this maelstrom of doubt and mispronounced names, lets hope our Warriors respond to pressure in game two with as much vindictiveness as Agent Zero.

Nellie: "How long do I have to keep up this act?"
(Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
I think its safe to assume that the Mavs will make some adjustments after realizing their pre-game adjustment of starting Devean George was a near disaster on both ends of the floor. I suspect that Avery Johnson will do what everyone has been telling him, which is to revert back to their original game plan and throwing in one of their twin towers back into the starting lineup. Also, it is probably safe to say that the Warriors got a break in some ways in game one because of all the mistakes that Dallas made -- blowing wide open layups --which I suspect will happen far less in game two. In addition, the Warriors need to limit their turnovers and protect the ball better (see Ellis and Richardson). Dallas has equally feisty perimeter defenders --as we took note in game one--and can also pour on the points after turnovers as fast as we can, in a style very similar to our own.

More shut down defensive!
(Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
The one thing I fear is the reliance on shooting ourselves out of a in-game shooting slump. Contradiction? Apparently not for the Warriors. Although points off turnovers are our strength, breaking down the Mavs equally porous interior defense-- as demonstrated by several of Baron Davis' dribble drives-- were major momentum changers.

Flavor of the Month: Your Golden State Warriors
(Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
This is undoubtedly the most intriguing matchup of the playoffs so far with the most interesting subtexts and emotional narratives that anyone can get into. Will the Warriors win their first playoff series in over 17 years? Can a playoff series win give Warriors fans a feeling of reconciliation after all these years? Why do the Warriors own the Mavs? Will Nellie punish the Mavs organization for forcing him out years ago? Will Nowitski succumb to cultural mechanisms of the oedipus complex and sublimate his true self to patriarchal law, that is Nellie? Will Action Jackson's awesome team play -- broadcasted for the world to see on cable television -- be proof of his good citizenship? Will Jason Terry go "nuts" by punching someone again? What are people thinking about the Murphleavy trade now and could that heist be so good that it will be the plot for "Oceans 14: Getting two studs for nothing"? Will Jessica Alba bring some other fine celebrities to the game? Will we see more highlights like the ones in this clip?
(Thanks to djchuckdeez)
Vegas Odds: Dallas by 9.5 (foxsports.com as of 8:22 am, PST)
The intrigue is endless. As we are glued to our television sets tonight, lets look out for these things:
Predictions:
- Warriors by 3
- Dallas makes most of their easy layups
- JRich and Ellis shake off their first game jitters, hitting several big threes!
- Action Jackson continues his spectacular play hitting open jumpers and helping his teammates get involved offensively. What a guy!
- Several news reports say that Scarlett Johansson, Kerry Washington, and R&B sensation Mya have also purchased tickets to upcoming Warrior playoff games.
Make sure to give us your predictions in the comments before tip off and post any comments you have during the game right here.
GO WARRIORS!!!
UPDATE: Some links to satisfy your Warrior fix before tip off tonight:
- Ranking the Warriors’ all-time best and worst trades [Talking Points with Tim Kawakami]: Thank you Indy!
- Warriors dancing, Mavericks clenching: The fruits and wounds of Game 1 [Talking Points with Tim Kawakami]
- Lots of good links on commentary coming out of Dallas after the first game [Mavs Moneyball]
- Crazy Warriors [The Chronicle Sports Columnist Blog]
- Go Big Mavs, We Dare You [Fast Break]
- How Good is Golden State's Smallball Lineup? [FanHouse]
- In Baron They Trust [FanHouse]
- Baron: I Owe It All to Magic [FanHouse]
- Links: This Means War(riors)! [Slam]: Warning! Hater alert.
- Don Nelson Predicts A Dallas Win In Game Two [FanHouse]
- Nellie's Up to Something [Hoop Junkie]
- Al Harrington is Smarter than Us [Slam]
- Game 2 strategies: Dallas might stay small, Warriors don’t care [Talking Points with Tim Kawakami]
- Stat of the Day [Mavs Moneyball]
UPDATE 2: Warriors lose 99-112
Stay tuned for the recap...
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319
comments
Comments
prediction
-both teams score over 100
-J-Rich goes for 19 points, 7 boards, and 3 assists
-Boom Dizzle continues to make whoever is guarding him look silly and rips 4 steals in the process
by TheRealJoeSmith on Apr 25, 2007 10:02 AM PDT 0 recs
prediction...
-Dirk goes off for 30+
-Baron is triple teamed all game, scores only 15, but has 15 asts.
-JRich matches Dirk with 30+
Back and forth game, Warriors win in the 4th with a spurt.
by ritchie on Apr 25, 2007 10:12 AM PDT 0 recs
this is tough
by djchuckdeez on Apr 25, 2007 10:21 AM PDT 0 recs
predictions
- both teams shoot 50%
- mavs grab 53 rebounds - warriors get 37
- warriors take 11 steals & force 7 additional turnovers
- warriors score 28 fast break pts - mavs get 12
- 1 warrior will shoot the lights out - 34 total points & 7/11 from long range
- dirk goes off for 36 pts, 12 rebs and 6 ast
- over 240 total points scored during the game
- warriors win by 8
GO WARRIORS
by stedanko on Apr 25, 2007 10:25 AM PDT 0 recs
mavs HAFTA win this game
As the preview said, there's NO way they'll miss a million layups again. I don't buy this "Dirk the Facilitator" talk either. The Mavs won't win unless Dirk drops at least 25. Take that to the bank.
I'd like to offer aj some advice: I think they should play damp and devean george more.
i'll be watching at frankie's sports bar on mckinney, in uptown dallas, if anybody wants to join.
by GameSix on Apr 25, 2007 11:06 AM PDT 0 recs
2-0 on a 67-win team
One thing I'm hoping is that no one (on the Ws or at GSoM) is "satisfied" with a split right now. If we lose, we may all, after a period of grieving, say "ah well, we got the one game we needed." But right now we have a chance to truly put the hammer down. Basically, if we win, our chances at taking the series go up to like 75-80%; and there's a very reasonable chance the series never makes it back to Dallas. I for one will be pretty bummed if we miss the opportunity.
by Sleepy Freud on
Apr 25, 2007 2:00 PM PDT
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i'm with you 135%
go dubs!!!
by OaktownWarrior on
Apr 25, 2007 2:58 PM PDT
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Prediction
by Number22Drew on Apr 25, 2007 11:13 AM PDT 0 recs
now THAT'S analysis
by GameSix on
Apr 25, 2007 11:59 AM PDT
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The anticipation
by justin on Apr 25, 2007 11:59 AM PDT 0 recs
Dubs Double up Mavs
- Barnes grabs 11 boards
- Ellis gets 18
- J Rich gets 32 and 10 boards
- BD hits for 22 and 14 dimes
- AB plays a bigger role and makes a couple free throws
- Kelena sees action and makes a three
- Jackson drops 8 dimes and makes us hold our breath at least once protesting a call/non-call
- Al brings his A game and nails at least 3 threes
by warriorfaninlakerland on Apr 25, 2007 12:08 PM PDT 0 recs
Where will Cuban sit at Oracle?
You got to remember that the Warriors missed a ton of layups as well. Especially in the 1st Quarter.
The jitters are gone for game 2 and this will be a high scoring affair. Mavs will own the offensive glass and the Dubs will own the fast break. Whichever team plays their advantage better will win.
Of course, this will be the Warriors. Our open court play is UNSTOPPABLE, BABY! One Dub, One Love.
by CNote on Apr 25, 2007 1:13 PM PDT 0 recs
Reg Season Games
by InNellie WeTrust on
Apr 25, 2007 1:45 PM PDT
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I don't think Dirk is going to be the guy
I think we still have to worry about Josh Howard, as Jax is too busy on Nowitzki to guard him. JRich is going to have to come up bigger on the defensive end tonight.
I'm giddy with excitement.
by ffgolden on Apr 25, 2007 1:18 PM PDT 0 recs
j-rich can handle it
by OaktownWarrior on
Apr 25, 2007 3:00 PM PDT
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Keys and Predictions
- I'm expecting Avery to revert back his normal big strategy and starting 5. Regardless of what the Mavs do the Warriors need to stick with their style.
- The Warriors caught Dirk off guard by not allowing him to get that first dribble and suffocating him from the elbow and the perimeter in Game 1. Dirk's probably going to try to post up in the low block and play like a power player. Al Harrington's going to need to continue his excellent D down low and front Dirk and deny those entry passes. BD, JR, Jax, and Monta need to make those entry passes difficult by getting in the Mavs' guards faces. Andris Biedrins is also going to need to produce some tough, athletic D off the bench on Dirk.
- Come out confident from the start. The Mavs are scared. They've lost 7 out 8 against the Dubs.
- Talk to the refs before the game and warn them about Devin Harris' ridiculous flopping.
- Force Damp and his hands of stone to beat the Warriors on the offensive end.
- Don't get killed on the boards by too much.
- Knock down those jumpers and finish those layups.
- Monta and JR need to get off their Game 1 playoff jitters.
- Warriors by 7
- Baron drops over 12 dimes and collects over 6 boards
- JRich nets 30 points and over 6 boards
- Al drops 4 treys to punish the Mavs for going big.
- Dirk scores 21+ points
- Devin Harris flops 3+ times
- The Warriors get out-rebounded by 15.
by Atma Brother ONE on Apr 25, 2007 1:19 PM PDT 0 recs
TMNHarrington
by CNote on
Apr 25, 2007 2:22 PM PDT
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Lazy prediction
by SleepyFloyd on Apr 25, 2007 1:27 PM PDT 0 recs
Check out this pic and blog from San Antonio
by dubschemistry on Apr 25, 2007 1:29 PM PDT 0 recs
WOW
by CNote on
Apr 25, 2007 2:19 PM PDT
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they look like they
by dj fuzzylogic on
Apr 25, 2007 4:15 PM PDT
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screw the SoCal celebs, Bay Area represent...
by 321 IN n OUT on Apr 25, 2007 2:07 PM PDT 0 recs
joe morgan, en vogue...
by OaktownWarrior on
Apr 25, 2007 3:02 PM PDT
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i'll be honest
by AJC3317 on Apr 25, 2007 2:11 PM PDT 0 recs
I'm with Sleepy Freud
I do worry about him just drawing mad fouls. That's his style of play.
The pressure is probably close to equal on both teams tonight. The Warrios have had a taste now. They don't want to let go and settle.
GO WARRIORS!!!!
by walkerp on Apr 25, 2007 2:16 PM PDT 0 recs
This will be tough
I hope I'm wrong but IF the dubs see this start to happen they have to take a page out of the Suns book. They should turn up the pace, don't foul even if it means giving up layups, and hope that we are the hotter team offensively.
Go Dubs
by olympicmike on Apr 25, 2007 2:34 PM PDT 0 recs
Totally Agree
This game goes to overtime, and is decided at the horn. In that scenario, I'd rather have Jax and Baron than Dirk and anybody.
Warriors by 2 (unless the refs get in the way)
by teagle on
Apr 25, 2007 3:42 PM PDT
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Lil' Dun Hating Community
http://lildundun.blogspot.com/
by DubsGonDoIt on Apr 25, 2007 2:49 PM PDT 0 recs
The Mavs will not ge this monkey off their back!
http://pweb.netcom.com/~ctxm/whiplash.jpg
We're gonna ride those doggies into the ground.
by Skeptic con Urquell on Apr 25, 2007 3:00 PM PDT 0 recs
4-0 Win
I go for Stephen Jackson 30 point game, no double double. Davis Triple double. Nowitski 7 points, 12 rebounds. Howard 15 points, 9 rebounds. Harris 24 points.
Warriors by 12.
I hope there are some GSoMers to represent since I'm not there! I'll still do a lot of shouting and sign holding at my Sanyo though!
UNSTOPPABLE, BABY!
by Zorgon on Apr 25, 2007 3:45 PM PDT 0 recs
freakin' killing me
i'm past covering my bets by saying we'll see. these dubs have been playing too strong together the last two months to be a fluke. this is real, go up 2 and bring the MAVs to our house to be put down!
jackson will step up big tonight.
barnes will continue to relish his new roll as chief pain-in-your-ass.
wish list:
one vintage boomrich oop!
one boombeans pick and roll slam.
one ellis to the rim poster.
one deflated, discombobulated, disheartend, discouraged, disbelieving, disgusted, disjointed, distressed day in big D.
go DUBS you sunsabitches!
by redape on Apr 25, 2007 4:10 PM PDT 0 recs
2 and counting
by Caught Backcourt on Apr 25, 2007 4:16 PM PDT 0 recs
DAMNIT!!! I can't wait!
Warriors win a close one by 2 points... 113-111
Jason Richardson takes over the game with late heroics ala Baron Davis
Scoring is spread more evenly this game
Dirk has a better game... but not an MVP type game
Someone is gonna get ejected... more than likely either Jason Terry, Dirk, or Avery
Howard takes over the Mavs and keeps them close after the ejection
An "UNSTOPPABLE BABY!" chant starts up... in the Bay Area
Haters still talk about how the Mavs are gonna come back and win the series... in 6!
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
by mightymadskillz on Apr 25, 2007 4:27 PM PDT 0 recs
XD
by Zorgon on
Apr 25, 2007 4:49 PM PDT
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its time baby
by mydedgerbil555 on Apr 25, 2007 4:29 PM PDT 0 recs
By the end of this series
by FoyledAgain on Apr 25, 2007 4:40 PM PDT 0 recs
Warriors play like a team
by Psion on Apr 25, 2007 4:56 PM PDT 0 recs
Symbolistic?
by Zorgon on Apr 25, 2007 5:04 PM PDT 0 recs
Wow TNT
"Stay tuned afterwards to watch the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors. The Mavericks of course lead the series 1 to nothing."
Its like a slap in the face, but that aint so bad cause it should motivate us.
by FoyledAgain on Apr 25, 2007 5:37 PM PDT 0 recs
there goes
by nautica on Apr 25, 2007 5:45 PM PDT 0 recs
poor barkley
kenny smith wanted to kick his arse, by the way. sir charles was just abnoxious.
by OaktownWarrior on
Apr 25, 2007 7:02 PM PDT
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wasnt barkley?
by mydedgerbil555 on Apr 25, 2007 5:48 PM PDT 0 recs
I totally expect
RUN TMC!
by ZombieWarrior on Apr 25, 2007 6:12 PM PDT 0 recs
lets go Warriors!
" Sleepy Floyd is Superman!!!"
by CoachBarry on Apr 25, 2007 6:22 PM PDT 0 recs
HELLL YEAH!! LETS DO IT!
by faetati on Apr 25, 2007 6:45 PM PDT 0 recs
LOL
by Zorgon on Apr 25, 2007 6:49 PM PDT 0 recs
it's not just the refs tonight
by Kobe on
Apr 25, 2007 6:51 PM PDT
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yeah, 8-2 lol
by Zorgon on
Apr 25, 2007 6:52 PM PDT
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Anyone else
by Zorgon on Apr 25, 2007 6:52 PM PDT 0 recs
Either Monta is the superior original
by ffgolden on
Apr 25, 2007 6:55 PM PDT
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yeah
by Zorgon on
Apr 25, 2007 6:56 PM PDT
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10 points for Ellis
by Kobe on Apr 25, 2007 6:53 PM PDT 0 recs
15-7
by Zorgon on Apr 25, 2007 6:54 PM PDT 0 recs
The only scary thing thus far
by ffgolden on Apr 25, 2007 6:56 PM PDT 0 recs
ELLIS TO THE RIM
I think Harris read my post, he's looking aggressive tonight
by ffgolden on Apr 25, 2007 7:00 PM PDT 0 recs
Monta looking confident early
Got caught in the air there for a foul but its all good so far.
by back2back51s on Apr 25, 2007 7:00 PM PDT 0 recs
Jackson also has ice water in his veins
Taking quick shots in the shotclock but its smooth like butter!
by back2back51s on Apr 25, 2007 7:02 PM PDT 0 recs
Finally a Dallas foul
Quit whining.
by back2back51s on Apr 25, 2007 7:05 PM PDT 0 recs
Seriously
by ffgolden on
Apr 25, 2007 7:08 PM PDT
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looks like Monta found his game
RUN TMC!
by ZombieWarrior on Apr 25, 2007 7:07 PM PDT 0 recs
Man
by Zorgon on Apr 25, 2007 7:08 PM PDT 0 recs
Stockton
by ffgolden on
Apr 25, 2007 7:10 PM PDT
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Yeah
by Zorgon on
Apr 25, 2007 7:14 PM PDT
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Jax
RUN TMC!
by ZombieWarrior on Apr 25, 2007 7:10 PM PDT 0 recs
LOL
by Zorgon on Apr 25, 2007 7:11 PM PDT 0 recs
He's a good player but also a jerk
by back2back51s on
Apr 25, 2007 7:31 PM PDT
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"Underrated defense"
by back2back51s on Apr 25, 2007 7:15 PM PDT 0 recs
reggie miller is right about AL
RUN TMC!
by ZombieWarrior on Apr 25, 2007 7:15 PM PDT 0 recs
Get it in the paint
by NY Warriors Fan on
Apr 25, 2007 7:16 PM PDT
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SO...
by justin on Apr 25, 2007 7:17 PM PDT 0 recs
Riding Pine
Nice bank by JR!
by ffgolden on Apr 25, 2007 7:19 PM PDT 0 recs
Foul on Pietrus?
by back2back51s on Apr 25, 2007 7:32 PM PDT 0 recs


