PLAYOFF OPEN THREAD: Game #3 - Warriors vs Mavs - Protect This House!

by Atma Brother ONE on Apr 27, 2007 10:22 AM PDT in Previews

It's not even funny how rocking the Oracle Arena's gonna be tonight.
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

Series Tied 1-1

Time: 7:30pm

TV: ESPN

Radio: KNBR 1050

Tonight's the first playoff game in Oakland in quite some time (check out some footage of Game 3 vs the Phoenix Suns from 1994). I won't lie, I'm hyped like a fat kid with a dozen warm Krispy Kremes. I'm happy that the curse is over, but I'm even happier because...

WE BELIEVE UPSET.

Jessica believe upset too!

The Warriors took Game 1 in a pretty convincing fashion, but gave away Game 2 because they lost control of their emotions. There was a lot to like about Game 1 and lot to be disgusted about in Game 2. I have full faith that Nellie and rest of the coaching staff dissected the first 2 games of this series in every way imaginable to come up with an unstoppable baby game plan for tonight. I guarantee you the Warriors practiced smart and hard the past 2 days. I guarantee you they're ready for this. I guarantee you Warriors Nation is ready for this.

We're talking about practice, man. PRACTICE!

Let's hope each of the 8 fellas in Nellie's rotation took something valuable from practice:

Baron Davis: Be a catalyst for Warrior tempo. Push the pace, move the ball around, and help teammates get some easy buckets early on. A few alley oops will get teammates focused and the home crowd hyped. Post up the smaller, slower Mavs guards at every opportunity. On the other end put the clamps down on the inferior Mavs' guards.
Jason Richardson: JRich or Die Flying. JR, this squad, and the arena need a thunderous, ferocious dunk or two early on. Send a message- THIS IS OUR HOUSE. If that J isn't raining, post up or take it to the rack. JR should be able to take the Mavs' guards off the dribble. Keep up the nice rebounding. Step up the D against Josh Howard especially.
Stephen Jackson: No doubt, Jax is a cool cat. He just needs to keep his cool. Aside from the turnovers Action Jackson is the only Warrior that's played well in both Games 1 and 2. Channel that emotion to do big thangs on the court and not pick up T's.
Monta Ellis: Take it to hole strong and take care of the rock. Silly, unforced turnovers are completely inexcusable on the big stage. Win the matchup against flopper extraordinaire Devin Harris. MIP Monta > Flopper Harris.
Al Harrington: Stretch out the Mavs' D with some good shooting. Take Damp or Diop off the dribble and FINISH. Help the Warriors do some damage on the glass. Deny and front the entry passes to the low post. It's time to show up and show the world what Turtle Power is all about.
Matt Barnes: Keep up that hustle, but play smart. Crash the boards, D up Josh Howard, push the pace when bringing the ball up, and keep the ball moving around with sharp passes. Any 3's Barnes Baby knocks down are just icing on the cake. He's a poor man's Shawn Marion, but there's a lot of riches to be found for the Warriors if Barnes can contribute off the bench.
Andris Biedrins: Rebound and swat some shots to get the fast breaks started. Make sharp cuts off the pick and rolls to the basket. Finish those easy layups and dunks. This is no time for another one of those one minute man impersonations.
Mickael Pietrus: What's with this star-struck, utterly lost version of MP2 that we've seen in Games 1 and 2? What happened to the goofy, crowd-pleasing, energetic LL Cool P? Once Mickael gets over the mental hump Air France is going to take off in this series. It's all mental. His corner treys, rebounding, defense, and drives to the hole off the bench could really be the X-factor tonight.

There's a reason Ellis to the Rim took home the MIP honors.
Don't let the Mavs forget why.
Photo: Warriors.com

Keys to throwing up this W:

Watch out for the active hands and double teams from the Mavs when the the rock is on the perimeter. They're taking chances and in Game 2 it paid off. The Warriors need to make that first pass fast or start that first dribble quicker. Don't expose the ball in the triple threat position. React faster.
Move away from the ball. Too often in Game 2, it was an ugly 1 on 5 style of play where the other 4 Warriors hung out on the perimeter searching for David Hasselhoff in the Dallas crowd.
Make Dirk continue to Nowitness this nightmare.
Shut down Jason Terry, Devin Harris, and Jerry Stackhouse. These guys aren't on par with the Dubs' backcourt.
Don't whine about calls. Did anyone really think the Warriors were going to get the calls in this series? The Mavs are a playoff tested team that was 2 wins away from the ring ceremony last season. It takes time to get the calls and respect from the officials around the league. Winning a few playoff games and even a playoff series will accelerate that process. Win now, whine later.
Crash the boards and get those outlet passes to teammates streaking down court fast. Easy buckets = easier path to victory.
Avoid half court offenses and sets. Make this a full court game. The Mavs can't hang.
Eliminate those silly turnovers. The Warriors are the ones who force turnovers at a frenetic pace, not the Mavs.
Execute Nellie's game plan flawlessly. If there's anyone who knows how to deconstruct the Mavs and drive them nuts it's Nellie.
Run the Mavs out of the gym from the opening tip.
Don't ever forget that an upset is very possible.

The Warriors are NOT losing tonight's game. Why? Check out the facts:

The Warriors haven't lost a playoff game at home in 13 years.
The Mavs' B-Rate media is scared [pree].
The Dubs have never lost a playoff game with Jessica Alba in attendance.
We know the Warriors are going to win this series and so do the Dallas newspapers [stedanko].
The Warriors have won 7 of 9 against the Mavs.
The Mavs' are scared.

The poll up at Mavs Moneyball.

For those of you lucky enough to score some tix tonight's festivity represent to the fullest and stay classy [ALX8725]. A ton of GSoMers will be there, so make sure to get this party started right [see who's going to the game? by eddie925]. For those of you at home watching on TV turn up the volume a few extra notches and you'll feel like you're there with us. For those of you catching the game on the radio, turn up the volume... and then turn it up some more.

Vegas Odds: Mavs by 4.5 (as of 9:27am Fox Sports.com)

Predictions:

Warriors by 7.
Action Jackson continues his brilliant play without picking up anymore silly techs.
JRich steps up big time and drops 25+ points with a big night on the glass.
Boom Dizzle drops 10+ dimes.
No Warrior gets a technical foul tonight.
Al Harrington finally shows up in this series and knocks down at least 3 trifectas.
The Warriors hold Dirk Nowitzki to under 17 points.
Josh Howard looks like Scottie Pippen out there collecting 25-7-5 with 2 blocks and 2 steals.
Devin Harris only flops 4 times tonight.
It's so bright in the arena with all the yellow playoff shirts that people at home have to decrease the brightness and contrast levels on their TV sets. People listening on the radio have to turn down the bass level.

As far as I'm concerned this series is 0-0. This is now a best of 5 playoff battle and the Warriors have the home court advantage. Do you really believe the Warriors can't do this?

Didn't think so.

Cali > Texas
Bay Area > Dallas
Jessica Alba > David Hasselhoff
Warriors > Mavs
Let's prove it.
Let's do this.

Make sure to give us your predictions in the comments before tip off and post any comments you have during the game right here.

UPDATE:

WARRIORS BLOW OUT THE MAVS!! 109-91

Final Box Score

Stay tuned for the Recap!

Poll

What are we going to Nowitness tonight?

0 recs | Comment 205 comments

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Comments

AHHHHHH!

Me and the hubs will be there tonight! I even bought today's SJ Mercury with the front page article on the Warrior Faithful. Can't wait...GO W's!!!

by dirrty on Apr 27, 2007 10:35 AM PDT 0 recs

Prediction

Warriors - 117
Mavs - 110

PT-42

by norcaldevilasu on Apr 27, 2007 10:36 AM PDT 0 recs

hey

are you in Tempe? if so do you know of a good place to watch the game

by azw on Apr 27, 2007 11:48 AM PDT up 0 recs

Didn't see the earlier

I'm actually in the Bay. The best place to watch sports in Tempe actually closed recently (McDuffy's). I'd say Six Shooters on Mill Ave./University would be the place to go.

PT-42

by norcaldevilasu on Apr 27, 2007 11:17 PM PDT up 0 recs

Not quite optimistic enough

Who knew!?!?!?!

by achiappanza on Apr 27, 2007 10:15 PM PDT up 0 recs

Warriors fans

this is what we've been waiting for for 13 years! Dubs will come out tonight and stomp on the Mavs. I can't wait!

Playoff Rally 2006-2007

by tadams1080 on Apr 27, 2007 10:37 AM PDT 0 recs

Woo.

I'm startin' to get real real crazy about this game right now, pimps. 7:30 can't come fast enough as far as I'm concerned.

Playoffs in '07, baby! *It Happened.*

by coma on Apr 27, 2007 10:43 AM PDT 0 recs

hell yes

im getting real pumped up guys. I'm in san diego but ill be watch the game in my common room with my dub shirt on and the girls that live below us are going to have to deal with my screaming my head off all night. lets make it happen warriors

by lowchi on Apr 27, 2007 11:34 AM PDT 0 recs

Get 'r dun

Do it tonight! Go Ws!!

by ViveAirFrance on Apr 27, 2007 11:37 AM PDT 0 recs

Haha...

Don't you think it's a funny coincidence that the poll for the Mav's being scared is 84% to 15% while the poll here on GSOM about the Dubs winning the series is 86% to 13%..kinda close isn't it?

Seems like some GSOM fans have been raiding the polling on Mav's Moneyball!! LOL..I love it!

We better represent tonight....can't come to OUR house and makes some noise...we're shutting these guys up TONIGHT!

HE GOT IT!!!!!!!

by esco41510 on Apr 27, 2007 11:53 AM PDT 0 recs

Ricky's

Is where I'll be at. In fact I'm sending my girlfriend early to secure our seats. I can't wait to see our Warriors kick some butt tonight. The Dallas Asses are going down.

by Psion on Apr 27, 2007 11:57 AM PDT 0 recs

tonights the night

cant wait, the Mavs havent really shown anything to be afraid of, W's should be able to handle this at home.seems like the mavs(at least the fans and the nat'l media) think they are going to roll now that they have won one. they think they have broken the Warriors spirit which i think should actually give us an advantage.

Al needs to hit a couple early jumpers to open up the middle that should make life a little easier for the guys driving the lane. the other key i think is BALL MOVEMENT. we cant get by with 9 assists.

W's by 10
Al and Jrich find there game

by azw on Apr 27, 2007 12:02 PM PDT 0 recs

Bay Gon' CrazY!!!!!!!!!!!!

The bay is going to keep it classy, but we are going to rep with a level of energy that only we can bring tonight. Dallas has no idea what kind of enviroment they are going to be walking into night!! 13 YEARS, I SAY AGAIN 13 YEARS!!!! Let's bring the house down!!!

by DubsGonDoIt on Apr 27, 2007 12:22 PM PDT 0 recs

too excited

words cant even express how badly i want this win for the dub nation - LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WARRIORS!

by Dub Life on Apr 27, 2007 12:39 PM PDT 0 recs

jrich said...

that the last home game was the loudest he has ever seen the arena, but he also said he hopes it is even louder tonight. gsom members are going to be all over the place so there is no doubt!

i made some crazy predictions for sunday's game... for tonight, i will keep it limited to words instead of stats. we know this team will definitely win it for the home crowd and that baron and jax will be cool as cucumbers, but i also expect j-rich to go off at the oracle, monta to get introduced to jessica(and have crazy game), for al to find his shooting range and finally, for coach to have a big smile on his face when we start the nellie chant.

oh, and mp2 better find his game tonight as well or he will be snubbed out of a contract real quick.

by stedanko on Apr 27, 2007 12:47 PM PDT 0 recs

i predict

40 points for J Rich and Adonal Foyle will score not one but two monster dunks!!!!

i just renewed my belief in the Warriors! So much that i'm a season ticket holder for next year! GO WARRIORS!!

by kevinBELIEVES on Apr 27, 2007 1:12 PM PDT 0 recs

I believe...

...they can and they will win BOTH home games and the series. Soooo excited about tonight people!!!

sara

by saraluvsbaron on Apr 27, 2007 1:23 PM PDT 0 recs

just put $50

on warriors with a dallas fan at work.

by big things on Apr 27, 2007 1:30 PM PDT 0 recs

jessica alba

it would be really funny if someone who is going to the game that jessica alba is going pay so they can write "JESSICA ALBA WILL YOU MARRY ME?" lol it would just be really funny. if i was going to the game i would do it.

c'mon i know there are rich ppl here do it, it would be a good laugh haha

by baller90210 on Apr 27, 2007 1:53 PM PDT 0 recs

tonight's score

The Dr. is predicting a 115-95 blowout.

by DrDre on Apr 27, 2007 1:58 PM PDT 0 recs

by the W's of course

by DrDre on Apr 27, 2007 1:58 PM PDT up 0 recs

Anyone going to the game tonight?!?!

Print out these South Park-inspired Cuban heads. Copy and paste the link below.

Pass them out.
Enjoy.

http://www.warriorsworld.net/images/cuban_03.pdf

(PS - I know I'm from the "OTHER" Warriors site, but why divide up? We're all on the same team. Go Dubs)

by Flex Kavana on Apr 27, 2007 3:03 PM PDT 0 recs

too funny

That's great I'll be looking for them on tv. If I had a color printer at work I'd print it a bring with me to Ricky's. So if anyone is going to Ricky's and has a color printer, please bring some!

by Psion on Apr 27, 2007 3:21 PM PDT up 0 recs

lol

Hopefully somebody sitting in Cuban's vicinity will have one, that would be outstanding..

by DubsGonDoIt on Apr 27, 2007 3:28 PM PDT up 0 recs

this is it

13 years of pent up energy, and it's all gonna explode! tonight. Oracle's gonna be deafening. I can't wait! Is it 7:30 yet?

by Caught Backcourt on Apr 27, 2007 4:03 PM PDT 0 recs

sweet writeup

i'm juiced for this game. unfortunately, i'm also still a bit uneasy from the last one. the mental approach is so important. i hope nellie can brainwash the team or at least help the guys develop the UNDENIABLE BELIEF THAT WE MUST WIN! the mavs are definitely feeling some momentum, and Dirkatron still hasn't had a decent game. all that said, Monta has to live up to his MIP, J-Rich is due to go off, Al Harrington is also due, and B-Diddy and Jax need some redemption.

Warriors by 4, in Overtime!!!

by OaktownWarrior on Apr 27, 2007 4:07 PM PDT 0 recs

on my way

to the game now... well first i am going to eat some sushi and drink some sake, but then i am on my way to the game. GO WARRIORS!!

by stedanko on Apr 27, 2007 4:19 PM PDT 0 recs

Imma Be there

So that means J-Rich will get off on Dallas

I love 2 tell tha truth, but I'm such a Good Liar

by JRichIsStillAGodButBiedrinsIsABeast on Apr 27, 2007 4:26 PM PDT 0 recs

LOL

might wanna revisit the wording choices in that proclamation haha

by GameSix on Apr 27, 2007 7:43 PM PDT up 0 recs

Smart money is on the Dubs

The Vegas line has changed since this morning - Dubs are only getting 3.5 points now. Ballhype users are currently picking the Warriors 31-26.

Also: That Mavs poll doesn't add up to 100% ... do they teach math in Texas? At least they know their guns.

by jgurney on Apr 27, 2007 4:40 PM PDT 0 recs

i'm bout to leave

i've been pumped for this game all day. let's get it goin. PROTECT THIS HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by AJC3317 on Apr 27, 2007 5:35 PM PDT 0 recs

I'm living a kid's dream...

I've got an unopened box of 432 topps basketball cards, and I get to open them while I watch the warriors kick ass in the playoffs. life's good. :)

by bradyk2 on Apr 27, 2007 6:55 PM PDT 0 recs

hmm...

isnt the magic number really 6? MN = necessary wins + opp losses.

by gswarriors2006 on Apr 27, 2007 6:57 PM PDT 0 recs

no...

it's 3 since the warriors and mavericks are playing eachother, thus a win and an opponents loss are the same thing.

by bradyk2 on Apr 27, 2007 7:02 PM PDT 0 recs

Another reason why the Warriors will win

The Mavericks won game 2 only because our two best players were gone. They can't hang with our full roster, as seen in game 1 and will be seen tonight.

Whoever marries the zeitgeist will be a widower soon.

by J-Triumf on Apr 27, 2007 7:11 PM PDT 0 recs

catch the intros?

Does anyone know of a way to catch the introductions on TV? this bulls game wont be over soon enoough

by atrain724 on Apr 27, 2007 7:28 PM PDT 0 recs

if bulls/heat goes to OT..

we're screwed, huh?

by big things on Apr 27, 2007 7:46 PM PDT 0 recs

$50K Jack fine

What was that all about? I swear, Stern's going all Nazi on us. And he looks like such a nice Jewish boy. Well, at least Jack is playing. Go Warriors.

by johnl on Apr 27, 2007 7:47 PM PDT 0 recs

Sternler

he wouldn't want anyone thinking that NBA players are a bunch of thugs.

Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious.

by Kobe on Apr 27, 2007 7:50 PM PDT up 0 recs

God forbid they cut to the game right away

no, they need to use those fancy graphics they paid so much for.

Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious.

by Kobe on Apr 27, 2007 7:51 PM PDT 0 recs

al coming off..

the bench

by big things on Apr 27, 2007 7:53 PM PDT 0 recs

1st home playoff game in 13 years!

LETS GO WARRIORS!!

by manutefor3 on Apr 27, 2007 7:57 PM PDT 0 recs

Andris!!

the youngin' comes alive!!

Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious.

by Kobe on Apr 27, 2007 8:01 PM PDT 0 recs

BOMBS AWAY!!

J Rich!!

Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious.

by Kobe on Apr 27, 2007 8:07 PM PDT 0 recs

29-20 End of 1st

Keep it up Warriors.

Just to let you guys know, I've been drinking out of the Maverick water bottle I got the past two days. Why? To suck the life-force from the Mavericks.

With his past behind him, Adonal looks toward the future, wherever it may be....

by Zorgon on Apr 27, 2007 8:08 PM PDT 0 recs

hell yeah..

they're talking about that crowd. wish i was at this one! can't wait to be there sunday. GO WARRIORS!!

by big things on Apr 27, 2007 8:08 PM PDT 0 recs

Props to Stern

Comeon, There's a GAME going on here! Get your fans back to the action!

With his past behind him, Adonal looks toward the future, wherever it may be....

by Zorgon on Apr 27, 2007 8:13 PM PDT 0 recs

Flop alert

Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious.

by Kobe on Apr 27, 2007 8:14 PM PDT 0 recs

J Rich is on a mission!

Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious.

by Kobe on Apr 27, 2007 8:15 PM PDT 0 recs

15 POINT LEAD!!!!!!

Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious.

by Kobe on Apr 27, 2007 8:16 PM PDT 0 recs

JRich on fire!!

by nautica on Apr 27, 2007 8:17 PM PDT 0 recs

It's Ova!

We could be seeing Adonal by the 3rd!

ULTRA PROPS to the Warriors and all of my brothers up there cheering for them in the Oracle! Spiritually, I'm right there with you!!!!

With his past behind him, Adonal looks toward the future, wherever it may be....

by Zorgon on Apr 27, 2007 8:17 PM PDT 0 recs

J.........

motherf'ing RICH

by big things on Apr 27, 2007 8:18 PM PDT 0 recs

wish i could see the game

not showing it here in Australia and I can't get it on the web. have to rely on box scores and you guys to get a feel of whats happening.

by Ozwarrior on Apr 27, 2007 8:19 PM PDT 0 recs

Thanks, ESPN

I would've DIED without an NFL Draft update.

With his past behind him, Adonal looks toward the future, wherever it may be....

by Zorgon on Apr 27, 2007 8:19 PM PDT 0 recs

of all the hammering

and they call that?

Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious.

by Kobe on Apr 27, 2007 8:23 PM PDT 0 recs

The Mavs are pooped

Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious.

by Kobe on Apr 27, 2007 8:25 PM PDT 0 recs

Warriors up 15.

Cut to commercial with Dallas highlight.
Awesome baby.
THE O IS ROCKING.

by justin on Apr 27, 2007 8:30 PM PDT 0 recs

Andris is a beast!

Incredible defense... all the things the Warriors were missing in game two...

Still looking for someone in the crowd wearing the makeshift Baron Beard

by MIPs on Apr 27, 2007 8:31 PM PDT 0 recs

If I were Dallas

I would put a hit out on Baron. We look like crap without him on the floor.

by budgerock on Apr 27, 2007 8:36 PM PDT 0 recs

HARRINGTON

HE SCORED! HE DID IT! (Sign of good things to come?)

With his past behind him, Adonal looks toward the future, wherever it may be....

by Zorgon on Apr 27, 2007 8:38 PM PDT 0 recs

Big Al!

with the big board and big put back!

Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious.

by Kobe on Apr 27, 2007 8:39 PM PDT 0 recs

Walton & Barry..

Despite Barry's slip ups (Jackson, our player with the most assists so far tonight, ISN'T a good facilitator?!) him & Walton are doing a BILLION time better than Miller & Stockton

by MIPs on Apr 27, 2007 8:40 PM PDT 0 recs

jax is not bad

as a spare pg in case barons out, but i trust barnes a little more with the rock. jaxs' handles can get a little outta control sometimes, but still good tho. dude can pass.

by dj fuzzylogic on Apr 27, 2007 8:55 PM PDT up 0 recs

Please make em!

Go Big Al go!

With his past behind him, Adonal looks toward the future, wherever it may be....

by Zorgon on Apr 27, 2007 8:41 PM PDT 0 recs

THE BARON!!!!!!!!!!!

HOW DID THAT GO IN!!!!!!!!

Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious.

by Kobe on Apr 27, 2007 8:45 PM PDT 0 recs

AND 1!!!

3 ON DIRK!!!

by MIPs on Apr 27, 2007 8:46 PM PDT 0 recs

Crowd goes crazy

As Baron LAYS IT IN! FT IS GOOD! HOWARD NOT IN TIME! GO WARRIORS!!!!! 13 YEARS, 13 POINT LEAD!!! YEEEEAAAHHH!!!!

With his past behind him, Adonal looks toward the future, wherever it may be....

by Zorgon on Apr 27, 2007 8:48 PM PDT 0 recs

Baron Davis

That lay up was to end the half where he drew the foul on Dirk was a moment. Also nice work not falling into any trap during the interview by making a joke about his grandmother beating him up and then running away. I'd love to see the Warriors keep it up.

by Jim on Apr 27, 2007 8:50 PM PDT 0 recs

barons grammma

gonna whup him if he acts up again, lol

by azw on Apr 27, 2007 8:50 PM PDT 0 recs

great answer from baron

his grandma said she would whoop him.. love it

by big things on Apr 27, 2007 8:51 PM PDT 0 recs

so far..

ESPN crew > TNT crew

by nautica on Apr 27, 2007 8:51 PM PDT 0 recs

oh.. right

espn, not tnt - answers my question

by big things on Apr 27, 2007 8:53 PM PDT up 0 recs

no "inside the nba"

crew tonight?

by big things on Apr 27, 2007 8:52 PM PDT 0 recs

euh...

"the mavs are gonna try to continue to impose their will on g.s...."
flip the scrip, dude.

by justin on Apr 27, 2007 8:53 PM PDT 0 recs

well..

they can "try" if they want

by big things on Apr 27, 2007 8:54 PM PDT up 0 recs

yup...

that's the key word "try" .. i guess thats an attempt by announcers to give the Warriors props.

by dj fuzzylogic on Apr 27, 2007 8:56 PM PDT up 0 recs

the gregs were wrong

they said that usually we're not good at forcing that many turnovers, but we led the nba in forcing turnovers in the regular season!
They also said we went with an even smaller lineup today, but last time i checked biedrins was taller than harrington.
Just shows you the lack of respect we are still getting.

The J-RICH show is back!