PLAYOFF OPEN THREAD - Game #5: Warriors @ Mavs - Turn This Mutha Out!
Warriors: 3-1
Mavs: 1-3
Time: 6:30 pm PST
TV: TNT
Radio: KNBR 1050
We've had celebrities attend the games. We've also had an R&B sensation sing possibly the sexist rendition of the national anthem ever. We've also got some hatin' sports critics finally showin' us some love on national television.
But all that doesn't mean much unless we get that fourth win! C'mon Warriors, LETS TURN THIS MUTHA OUT!!! (Some old-school reference for y'all pre-hyphy, pre-mobbin' Bay Area hip-hop heads.)
Tonight could be the night the Dubs finally win a playoff series! It's been more than 15 years since the last time the Warriors made it out of the first round. And people thought Kevin Garnett's got it bad...

Last time the Warriors won a playoff series, MC Hammer was blessin' the airwaves and the country with "2 Legit 2 Quit." Maybe we should bring him back for the sake of nostalgia and goodluck?
The Warriors head to Dallas for what looks to be another grudge match. In Game 4, the Warriors showed heart and maturity as a team, closing out a close game they probably would have lost if this was a few weeks ago. Despite a more focused and balanced Dallas team effort, the Warriors looked undaunted, led by the "bodyguard" Baron Davis. Like their leader, the rest of the Warriors sacrificed their bodies going for blocks, rebounds, loose balls, and charges. The Warriors know they need another effort like this if they're going to beat the Mavs. They didn't get 67 wins playing this bad all season.

Was this the cultural reference that Kenny Smith was using to describe Davis? If so, we know we're protected!
The Warriors will DEFINITELY have their work cut out for them playing in Dallas. As we've noticed, home court advantage seems to create some insane blindspots in the referees' judgment (see foul disparities in all games for more details). Pietrus finally emerged from what seemed like a month-old funk to provide some offensive, but more importantly, defensive support off the bench. As much as Davis is able to carry the team on his back, does it also make others cringe every time he hits the deck on his fearless drives? As much as we need him, we need others to step up. The Warriors need more help from Monta Ellis but also TMNHarrington. We all know that Nellie was exaggerating when he said he would go to a six man rotation, but considering how little we saw of both Monta and Harrington in game four, something tells me he will pull out any game plan necessary to get the Dubs to the next round.
Lets hope the Dubs shock the world tonight and more importantly, make Charles Barkley eat his words (what doesn't he eat?). He's already conceded publicly that the Dubs played fantastic in Game 4 and are "fun to watch." Maybe he'll even wear a Warriors jersey?
Vegas odds: Mavs by 9 (as of 9:15am PST)
Predictions:
- Warriors by 1
- Ellis becomes the most improved player of the series, going off for 18 points.
- Biedrins plays some solid D and makes plays that are not reflected in the stat sheet.
- Barnes, the "UCLA legend," hits three 3-pointers, finishing with a solid 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
- Terry punches someone where it hurts the most- and people think Jax has a temper!
- Too Short's "Blow the Whistle" is the anthem for the night. The refs make some REALLY bad calls.
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: Live Box Score from Yahoo!
UPDATE 2: Warriors lose 112-118.
Stay tuned for the recap...
0 recs |
513
comments
Comments
Ill Go First...
J Rich goes for 30 plus tonight....BOOK IT BABY!!
by gswrico on May 1, 2007 9:25 AM PDT 0 recs
Let's do this!
I think Nellie is going to have the Warriors come out full on tonight. And I think the Dubs know that tonight's game is going to be crucial. They can't let Dallas have even a finger hold. Step on their throat! Stay focused, stay composed. Do what you've been doing. Don't get overconfident and don't rely on the fact that you can always go back to Oakland if you lose. Let's show the league that the kind of heart this team has.
WE BELIEVE!
by walkerp on May 1, 2007 9:31 AM PDT 0 recs
They say everything in Texas is bigger
Nevertheless, I'm a selfish bastard and want tonight's game...Nothing like knockin' out a 7 footer when he's on the ropes.
Go Ws!!!
by ViveAirFrance on May 1, 2007 10:02 AM PDT 0 recs
Mavs by 9 (as of 9:15am PST)
Me? I'm lookin for monta and little Al to get it goin this game and push us into round two, it's a freebie, they've got nothing to lose by letting it all hang out! and I also hope someone picks up the Zorgon role and does us proud at big D?
Anyone plannin to be there?
by Skeptic con Urquell on May 1, 2007 10:13 AM PDT 0 recs
What to look for with Dallas
First, the Mavs should trap and double BD early and often -- even using George and/or Buckner to body him up. They haven't done this yet. (Of course, they can't in the open court, but they dictated the slower play in the first half Sunday, and if they can do again, watch out.)
Second, now Dirk's in the position of having nothing to lose -- so expect him to go Gonzo on us. His play has, thus far, been affected by two problems: Dallas has no low post offense and he's clearly not used to a defense that always switches. The Mavs will likely keep running him through screens, but have him try to drive immediately -- before he can be doubled -- and either get to the basket or draw fouls. (I expect the same re Howard -- since Dallas about gave up on driving in game four, and it hurt 'em bad.) Look for them to try to drive on Jack to draw fouls (and get him complaining to the refs or out of the game altogether); it'll be a real test, and we'll learn a lot about Jack in the process.
Finally, Diop starting gives the Mavs the chance to dictate game speed -- and they'll try to slow it down like they did Sunday. Nellie can't let 'em.
Nellie's counters: run, run, run, run; get someone who can hold Howard down (and run him hard so his second half exhaustion pattern continues); get AB the ball several times within the first five minutes. Jack is the best at this -- especially off the bounce pass. Getting AB started early usually means he plays a great all-around game.
I still expect Dallas to win tonight -- perhaps big -- but if the W's can keep it close, they've shown they're able to finish. I like our chances if it's a nail-biter; otherwise, we'll need to win at home on Thursday.
by johnl on May 1, 2007 10:19 AM PDT 0 recs
An Ode
We all admired his darin'
He looked over at Dirk, who'd decided to shirk,
As they both began their preparin'.
The Mavs, as they looked at the stadium.
Heard the yells comin' all down at 'em.
"We believe!" came the call. "You bereave!" shouted all.
But the Mavericks, they remained mum.
When the Dubs took game one
The Mavs, they looked done.
When two came around,
We all fell to the ground
But game three brought us off of our knees
Game four, what a show!
As the points fell like snow
The Warriors mightily fought
It's a three! made by Barnes.
As the Mavs flopped in yarns
But the Warriors sank the big shot.
What's up for game five?
We'll swarm like a hive!
But will Avery find them a plan?
Doesn't matter, says I,
'Cause we'll stay alive
Even if Dirk is (somehow!) the Man.
Cause Baron-D leads the run
Monta makes this team fun
And J-Rich keeps us all flying high
Stack runs away
As Jax has his day
While Big Nellie makes Dirk go awry
As the Mavs' playoff hopes leave
The Dubs will still cleave
Their way through Dallas's key
On this, vict'ry's eve,
Mark Cuban, he grieves
One thing remains true: WE BELIEVE!
by devilishlyblue on May 1, 2007 10:25 AM PDT 0 recs
What is wrong with Vegas?
Well the Warriors have been with me since the beginning of the playoffs, and i am now lucky. Money on the Warriors!!! Are you serious favored by 9, crazy.
by dangdang142 on May 1, 2007 10:28 AM PDT 0 recs
Ooooh, I want this one- BADLY!
Keys to the game:
- Like johnl noted above the Mavs will probably try to get Dirk going with some screens and try to get Jax in trouble. Jax has to continue step up and play smart. Let's hope Jax realizes that the Mavs realize they have no answer for him, so they're going to resort to trying to get him T-ed up.
- Play and think like the Warriors are down 1-3. Nothing to lose. Stay hungry.
- Watch out for Josh Howard. The Mavs foolishly didn't go to him in the 4th quarter of game 4, but I doubt they'll repeat that mistake.
- Try to get a big lead and rest the 6 early. Monta and Al need to step up or else it's going to be tough for the 6 deep rotation to keep from getting fatigued.
- The refs are going to call some horrendous calls. Be prepared for it. The fellas can't let it get to them.
- Keep driving hard to the basket. The Mavs are charmin soft down low.
- Warriors by 5
- Boom Dizzle comes up big on the glass tonight
- JRich drops 25+ points
- No tech's for Jax tonight
- JHo drops 30+ points
- Devin Harris flops 5 times and gets some awful foul calls.
- Barkley gets embarrassed on TNT.
by Atma Brother ONE on May 1, 2007 10:35 AM PDT 0 recs
thank god atma
by TheTallLimey on
May 1, 2007 1:32 PM PDT
up
0 recs
We got more
If we do this we can reach the "higher heights of spirituality" and prove that we are more than just "freaks of the industry.
a few notes from the underground to keep with the old school theme
by azw on May 1, 2007 10:36 AM PDT 0 recs
Tonight...
by saraluvsbaron on May 1, 2007 10:46 AM PDT 0 recs
harrington
The Mavs DON'T have sh*t on the Dubz!
by nfisch88 on May 1, 2007 11:11 AM PDT 0 recs
I like Charles Barkley
Applause for Charles... and his hilarious commercials.

You'll be back.
by WHYarenasWHY on May 1, 2007 11:15 AM PDT 0 recs
inside the nba
by stedanko on
May 1, 2007 1:01 PM PDT
up
0 recs
Let's close this one out
CMON WARRIORS!!!
RUN TMC!
by ZombieWarrior on May 1, 2007 11:53 AM PDT 0 recs
TICKETS!
by pne987 on May 1, 2007 12:29 PM PDT 0 recs
i know game 6 will be online only
by stedanko on
May 1, 2007 1:03 PM PDT
up
0 recs
this will be tough
another track of the day: the game "my turn"
by AJC3317 on May 1, 2007 1:52 PM PDT 0 recs
The momentum will take us to the promised land!
by crossphaded on May 1, 2007 2:51 PM PDT 0 recs
go warriors!
http://what-sucks.blogspot.com/2007/05/what-sucksa-what-sucks-preemptive.html
by burl on May 1, 2007 3:17 PM PDT 0 recs
My predictions
- 3 Ellis to the Rims!
- At LEAST 1 Jordan-esque move by JRich
- Jax owns Dirk all night long
- Baron with a buzzer beater
- Beans makes all of his FT's
- Barnes will the final nail in the coffin
- Air France has key hustle plays
- TMNHarrington will come out of his shell and drop 30+
- We get to chant from wherever we're watching the game, "WE WANT FOYLE!"
by ThisIZtheSeason on May 1, 2007 3:21 PM PDT 0 recs
this is it
by Caught Backcourt on May 1, 2007 3:37 PM PDT 0 recs
I think ...
by olympicmike on May 1, 2007 3:45 PM PDT 0 recs
matt barnes new tattoo
by atrain724 on May 1, 2007 3:53 PM PDT 0 recs
Not covered
by Psion on
May 1, 2007 4:43 PM PDT
up
0 recs
here's to overcoming a league-mandated...
go dubs.
by 321 IN n OUT on May 1, 2007 4:24 PM PDT 0 recs
lord lord lord
BARON
Go Warriors!
Needles and Pins.
I just want to see the boys fighting out there like they did to get into the playoffs.
It's been a trip reading all of the grief pouring out of Mavs blogs today. It's time for Baron and the Team to take their place in basketball history. Take their Heart! Texas Tears The Size of Tumbleweeds!
by redape on May 1, 2007 4:24 PM PDT 0 recs
Raptors and Nets
by longus on May 1, 2007 4:30 PM PDT 0 recs
I dont know
webber in the play-offs that the oracle fans wouldnt think of it as a happy homecoming, and try to make him as uncomfortable as possible
by azw on
May 1, 2007 4:46 PM PDT
up
0 recs
booing
by Psion on
May 1, 2007 4:50 PM PDT
up
0 recs
Correction
by Psion on
May 1, 2007 4:54 PM PDT
up
0 recs
Dallas about to get F'd in the A
We'll hey boys, how's this for a HI-LAR-IOUS joke.
A team with the 6th best record in the history of the NBA also becomes the first 1-seed to lose to an 8-seed in a seven game series. Pretty funny Joke, eh Howard.
The punch line will be delivered at the conclusion of game 5. Can't wait for the Dirk-a-tron's MVP SPEECH. Go DUBS
by KCBS Warrior Fan on May 1, 2007 4:46 PM PDT 0 recs
let's hope
RUN TMC!
by ZombieWarrior on May 1, 2007 5:18 PM PDT 0 recs
Is the champagne/beer
by longus on May 1, 2007 5:32 PM PDT 0 recs
my prediction is
by CatchAndShoot on May 1, 2007 6:14 PM PDT 0 recs
warriors win a thriller in ot by 5
-baron messes around and flirts with a triple double
-ellis shows us why he is MIP of the year
-jrich posterizes dirk and scores 20+
-jax has 10 dimes 7 boards and 12 points
-devin harris gets 4 fouls alone from flopping
-dirk scores 27
-howard has a double double 21 and 11
-JET struggles yet again
-diop and damp get a combined 24 rebounds but one of them foul out
by djchuckdeez on May 1, 2007 6:18 PM PDT 0 recs
HELLO EVERYONE!!!
LETS DO IT!!! DUB LUV EVERYONE!
by faetati on May 1, 2007 6:43 PM PDT 0 recs
the last 2 minutes of a close NBA game
by Kobe on May 1, 2007 6:52 PM PDT 0 recs
seriously
by Kobe on May 1, 2007 6:55 PM PDT 0 recs
Baron to J Rich
by Kobe on May 1, 2007 6:59 PM PDT 0 recs
DAMN
by faetati on May 1, 2007 7:02 PM PDT 0 recs
similar start tonight
by AJC3317 on May 1, 2007 7:03 PM PDT 0 recs
one on five...
by dj fuzzylogic on May 1, 2007 7:06 PM PDT 0 recs
terrible call
by AJC3317 on May 1, 2007 7:06 PM PDT 0 recs
oh nice, devin george is in...
by dj fuzzylogic on May 1, 2007 7:06 PM PDT 0 recs
uh oh...
by dj fuzzylogic on May 1, 2007 7:10 PM PDT 0 recs
we're getting lazy
by AJC3317 on May 1, 2007 7:10 PM PDT 0 recs
Looking
by MP2Fan on May 1, 2007 7:10 PM PDT 0 recs
F**K!!!!!!!!!!
by faetati on May 1, 2007 7:11 PM PDT 0 recs
Hang Around
by budgerock on May 1, 2007 7:12 PM PDT 0 recs
2 missed jax free throws
by AJC3317 on May 1, 2007 7:14 PM PDT 0 recs
Don't Get Down
by budgerock on May 1, 2007 7:16 PM PDT 0 recs
whew!
by dj fuzzylogic on May 1, 2007 7:18 PM PDT 0 recs
OOOH DAMN!
by dj fuzzylogic on May 1, 2007 7:18 PM PDT 0 recs
HERE WE GO!
by faetati on May 1, 2007 7:19 PM PDT 0 recs
harris hitting 3's?
by AJC3317 on May 1, 2007 7:21 PM PDT 0 recs
GREAT THREEEEEEEE
10 point game
by faetati on May 1, 2007 7:22 PM PDT 0 recs
aw damn....
by dj fuzzylogic on May 1, 2007 7:26 PM PDT 0 recs
bad turnover
by AJC3317 on May 1, 2007 7:26 PM PDT 0 recs
WELL WELL WELL
by faetati on May 1, 2007 7:27 PM PDT 0 recs <



