RECAP: Warriors 120, Suns 118 - Rising Son!

What a game, what a game, WHAT A GAME!!!
Tonight the Warriors were winners.
Tonight the Roaracle Crowd were winners.
Tonight all who saw this game nationwide were winners.
So where were you tonight? Did you see the game? Thank god for Tivo because I can watch this game all weekend. I'm pretty sure what we just saw will be more entertaining then anything the all-star weekend can conjure up; even the dunk contest. If you missed the game ...well then what the hell is wrong with you? There are always certain games you circle on your calendar to watch because you know great basketball is going to be played. Ok, maybe not great basketball, but tonight was purely an offensive display of beauty.
Oh and our own GSoM member "ON THE RUN" came away with the prize by guessing the outcome of the total score, 238. Details to come my man.
So let's dive in ...
Jump!
I have to say, I'm on a basketball high right now. Sure I'm blowing this out of proportion because we still sit 8th in the West and the Suns were missing the big Aristotle, but come on did you see that? Tonight was everything we expected, no defense and a lot of offense. Right from the start both teams were scorching (no pun intended), scoring 70 combined points in the first quarter. The second quarter went by in a flash and at the half the Warriors were up by 4.
This game came down to the final 2 minutes as both teams were shooting over 50% FG, keeping the score close the entire game. With 3 seconds left in the game Amare hit only 1 of 2 free throws, ending the night with 29 points and the inability to tie the game. With just 2 seconds left on the clock the Suns had one last opportunity to tie or win the game, but thankfully Barbosa fell just short, rimming a 3pt shot.
Apart from the constant stars of Nash and Amare, I was impressed with Grant Hill and Barbosa from the Suns. These guys both had 26 and 24 points and kept their team close in the hostile Roaracle stadium. With Hill grabbing 15 boards, it seemed as though both players were all over the place on defense and offense. On our Warriors side, I was impressed with Azubuike and Barnes playing clutch towards the end making tough shots and closing out on defense. Both didn't play many minutes but had major impacts every time they were on.
As for the Stars of the game:
Ellis: Most Improved Player back to back? I heard it again tonight on ESPN and I have to say I completely agree. Monta is blowing my mind this year with his improvements. Actually let me paraphrase ... with his offensive improvements. His lack of defensive still drives me crazy and I won't consider him a great player until he improves; but tonight he showcased his offensive weapons for everyone to see. Swift cuts to the basket with his gorgeous finger roll, Ellis ended the night with 37 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. What's most impressive was his desire to close out the game and take control. With a couple minutes remaining, Ellis drove to the basket, proving his strength by knocking Nash to the ground. I think he's ready for the playoffs (we just have to make them). I can't wait to see how he performs.

Baron: Boom didn't disappoint. I knew he'd come out hot and he did just that. Controlling the game until the very end, he closed out the victory with his game winning shot when he took off from what looked like the free throw line (thinking he was going to dunk) and rolled the ball in as he crashed to the floor over Nash (no foul). Baron had 27 points and 13 assists but more impressively, he help contain Nash and Raja Bell to only 28 points combined.

The Warriors end the first half of the season 32 and 20 and tied in 7th place in the West with Denver and Houston. I'm mad no one on our team made it to the All-Star game but I'm also glad that we have 5 days off to rest so we can make a strong stretch in the second half of the season. Lord knows we need it because right now one of us three will not make the playoffs and we all sit with the same record with Portland looming in the closely.
People I agree with:
My sentiments exactly. I wish I was there to see everything unfold in person. My favorite moment of the night came in the end watching the post game interview with Baron and Monta as they joyfully played pushed each other for not guarding Barbosa correctly. Classic.

Need I say who the Warrior Wonder is? Growing up in front of our own eyes Monta Ellis is our rising son. Apart from the impressive stat line, his grace towards the basket, speed and jumping abilities makes this kid so much fun to watch. Put him along Bukie and Wright, our future is bright!

This is what I like to see ...
0 recs |
59 comments
Comments
Monta
My question to you guys...how much do you think he's worth at this point? Midlevel? Lower? Barbosa, Kevin Martin, Devin Harris Salary? or higher?
by ThermoElectro on Feb 14, 2008 9:20 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
MAX OUT
by garin423 on Feb 14, 2008 9:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree but
by gsw4life on Feb 14, 2008 10:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
here we go..
i think monta is having a great season because of the system he plays in. and so did pietrus and barnes last year but look at pietrus and barnes for example. both are in contract years as well but aren't worth the money they were asking for! lets just pay him for what he is worth and not for his potential.
by gogomaplata on Feb 14, 2008 10:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
here we go..
i think monta is having a great season because of the system he plays in. and so did pietrus and barnes last year but look at pietrus and barnes for example. both are in contract years as well but aren't worth the money they were asking for! lets just pay him for what he is worth and not for his potential.
by gogomaplata on Feb 14, 2008 10:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He's worth it
There is zero "hope" when it comes to Monta, it was actualized a long time ago. See 37 8 and 5 with one turnover. What else does the guy have to do?
by garin423 on Feb 14, 2008 10:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Lets not get ahead of ourselves...
If you were being sarcastic, it definitely went over my head, but c'mon when there are extremely young players like Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Josh Smith, Joe Johnson etc. etc. lighting/filling up the boxscores, he definitely isn't untradeable...
by Blitz6k on Feb 14, 2008 10:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I will give you Paul
by garin423 on Feb 14, 2008 11:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Is it just me?
by krazybalr on Feb 14, 2008 10:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
monta's defense
don't get me wrong, though, he's a spectacular scorer who will only continue to get better. wow is he fun to watch. and with his shooting percentage he's a perfect compliment to baron and jackson on offense.
by Bucky on Feb 14, 2008 2:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Great game
On a lighter note, the post game interview with Baron and Monta was hilarious.
by danschmeck on Feb 14, 2008 9:29 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
awesome game
Ellis is the man, plain and simple. He's a top player right now i don't care what anybody says, sure he need to improve on defense, but on offense he's virtually unstoppable.
baron as walways came through in the clutch. It's great to see how be takes over games like that.
I agree Azubuike should get more minutes, he adds a lot from the bench. Nelson didn't look to happy after he traveled on one play haha.
In the end, a great game between to fun to watch teams, luckily we won it cause it could have gone either way.
by aqs1980 on Feb 14, 2008 10:08 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
none like him
i.e. Tony Parker....Monta faster, jumps higher, better jump shot, more athletic
i.e. Barbosa....Monta better shot, stronger/more control going to rim.
i.e. Allen Iverson....Monta wayyyy better shooter, jumps higher hangs longer.
Monta has an odd and rare combo of being on the shorter side (for NBA standards) and still able to hise above others at the rim (and with jump shot), take hits mid-air and still have strength to finish and contort his body, as well as still NOT be a volume shooter. On top of that, name anyone else with all that AND can still rebound (I'm really impressed with that) and assist.
There isn't another player like that, what do you guys think????
by ineemoney21 on Feb 14, 2008 10:16 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Raw Dwayne Wade
by ThermoElectro on Feb 14, 2008 10:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Handles
by peteb24 on Feb 14, 2008 1:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Handles Needed ... yes sir!
That's not a knock. Even MJ had to improve parts of his game each summmer. So does Monta.
by soem on Feb 14, 2008 5:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You're only referencing Monta's pros...
Barbosa - Umm... 3 point range? He's a 6th man at this point with the top distributing PG in the league, so it's kinda unfair to expect domination out of him.
Iverson - Veteran all star, VASTLY SUPERIOR HANDLES, more heart and determination than probably anybody in the league, superior defender.
by Dubs fan in Boston on Feb 15, 2008 6:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
anyone at the game?
by gogomaplata on Feb 14, 2008 10:18 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Monta is Getting Even More Confident...
One of the most enjoyable games in a long time (since playoffs). Warriors match up well with the Suns.
SJax did not have a great shooting night, but I give him huge compliments, here is a 3 playing the 1st Team All-NBA Center almost all game, fronting, fighting. Great job.
by philsmith75 on Feb 14, 2008 10:24 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Wade vs. Monta
by ineemoney21 on Feb 14, 2008 10:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I'd take Wade's handles and consistent jumper
by Dubs fan in Boston on Feb 15, 2008 6:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
man
art by jnazaire 07
by disguy on Feb 14, 2008 10:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Monta
Not that last night's game needed it, but I can't remember the last time one single player made an entire game so much fun to watch. It's kind of at the level where every time he touches the ball, you can feel the Oracle pulse with anticipation, which hasn't happened since... well... I guess it'd be Baron in the playoffs last year.
by allonyou on Feb 14, 2008 10:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Yaobutta
by illmaticwarrior on Feb 14, 2008 10:52 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
KJ on Roids
by garin423 on Feb 14, 2008 11:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
illmaticwarrior
Monta, as my favorite warrior, is a great player in my heart, but i can't consider him one of the best players in the league just yet.
You are correct that Nash has NO Defense, but he makes up for it on the assists, scoring, and other categories. He also won 2 MVP's so i have to consider him great.
Don't get me wrong, i think Monta will be great very soon, but his assists are low and his defense needs to improve before I would say he's the best.
just my opinion.
by YaoButtaMing on Feb 14, 2008 12:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Very Nice Recap, But ...
With tiebreakers, the Warriors are alone at 7th in the West.
Have to celebrate those small victories!
Props to Baron and S-Jax for allowing and enabling Monta to do his thing, even on National TV.
by soem on Feb 14, 2008 10:54 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Soem
As for the records. It wasn't until last night we were in 7th. We've been in 8th the whole year w/ Houston right behind us and Denver in front. All three are playoff caliber teams, so it will be interesting to see who falls off.
Scary!
by YaoButtaMing on Feb 14, 2008 12:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Its gonna be Houston
AS for Portland, their streak is over. they might go .500 in the second half.
by peteb24 on Feb 14, 2008 1:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
how bout
by lowchi on Feb 14, 2008 12:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
NAsh/Paul
by MontaAND1 on Feb 14, 2008 12:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
definately
"nahhh...barons the one that would've been in trouble" haha...whole conversation got a good laugh out of me
by Ganzr12 on Feb 14, 2008 2:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Great game...
Was glad to see Croshere back. I'm sorry, but he looked way better than Webber has so far. Adds a little bit of depth in the front court.
I will never understand what some people have against Ellis, but that is a superstar in the making. If we let him go or trade him, that would be a huge mistake. The scary thing watching him is that you see he still has room for improvement and is capable of being a top-tier player.
by tangel29 on Feb 14, 2008 2:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Some people just don't get it...
Monta is great. But you have to realize that he's hot right now. He's hitting his jumpers, he's smooth to the basket, and he's getting shooter's rolls (remember that lefty, off the wrong foot shot that slammed off the back of the rim bounced around a few times and fell... yeah "shooter's roll"). His jumper is going to cool off, people are actually going to start putting their top defender on him (like the Suns finally did at the very end), or something else will take him out of his rhythm. He doesn't suck, so he'll still get his, but he's not an All Star yet, so don't go giving him the throne. He needs to learn to play defense better than Nash, he seems to be improving his confidence, and he seems to be learning a bit more about how to distribute the ball without turning it over. Can he get there? Definitely, but there are too many players who were close but never panned out for it to be a given that Monta will become an All Star.
by Dubs fan in Boston on Feb 15, 2008 6:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sorry....
To compare him to other players that flame out early on is unfair. He seems to have the work ethic and desire to be a top tier player. Also his jumper rarely needs a "shooters roll" when it hits the bottom of the net. He does need to improve his game, but his future is very bright. If the Warriors gave up on him they'd be making a big mistake that some other team would gladly deal with the ever decreasing growing pains this kid displays on the court.
by tangel29 on Feb 15, 2008 10:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Nash on Monta's jock
by gabecruz on Feb 14, 2008 3:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Monta Ellis
When Monta Ellis averages 24ppg for his career, not just for one week, then we can start comparing him to Wade.
When he starts getting over 6 assists per game, then we can start comparing him to Wade.
When he starts playing defense and not getting destroyed by the garbage of the Association (Roger Mason, Nick Young, etc), then we can start comparing him to Wade.
When he puts his team on his back and leads his team through an entire postseason to the NBA title and gets the Finals MVP award, or does anything of significance in the playoffs for that matter, then we can start comparing him to Wade.
Until then, Monta Ellis has alot to prove before we go ahead and put the crown on his head.
by jlagace on Feb 14, 2008 5:38 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
But
Bring on the BD Show!!!
by dajrichshow on Feb 14, 2008 5:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
you missed one...
by lightz0ut on Feb 14, 2008 5:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
although he has to be careful
by lightz0ut on Feb 14, 2008 5:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He even admits it
Bring on the BD Show!!!
by dajrichshow on Feb 14, 2008 6:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You're taking it too literally
Nobody's saying Monta's as good as Wade, just that his game is styled like Wade's. He's not a pure distributor, he's not a deep shooter. They both have solid inside-outside games and make a few amazing athletic plays every game. Monta's not there in his head, he's not there with his handles, and he's not there with his size. These relate to his assist numbers, performance in the playoffs last year, and his defense. Don't get your panties in a bunch.
by Dubs fan in Boston on Feb 15, 2008 6:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
haha I dunno
The rise of Monta makes me nervous. I can already imagine Mullin extending him to some ridiculous $10+ mil/yr contract this offseason because of all the hype. I wish Monta could stay under the radar and blow up for us next season, but I guess it doesn't work like that when young guns are playing for their contracts.
by jlagace on Feb 15, 2008 11:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd take some dude named....
by lightz0ut on Feb 15, 2008 1:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
stupid fouls
He was a culprit for a couple of easy 3pt plays for the Suns... just saying...
by lightz0ut on Feb 14, 2008 6:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Baron
Bring on the BD Show!!!
by dajrichshow on Feb 14, 2008 6:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
BD vs. Pietrus
was forced to guard much bigger players like Amare or Hill on multiple occasions, resulting in lots of fouls and 3 point plays.
You can easily say the same about Pietrus... at least Baron is usually guarding a GUARD, Pietrus is asked to guard Amare like it's his position.
by Dubs fan in Boston on Feb 15, 2008 6:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
lol
by warrior510 on Feb 14, 2008 7:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
But
Bring on the BD Show!!!
by dajrichshow on Feb 14, 2008 7:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He gets fouls by putting his hands on people
That's why he's the #1 3-point-play offender. Barnes on the other hand, that dude knows how to foul someone. Amare's reaction to Barnes's clean, hard foul. It was almost like "do you know who I am?".

by bloodsweatndonuts on Feb 14, 2008 8:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yah...

by lightz0ut on Feb 14, 2008 8:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I love that
Except one time against Dwight Howard.. I remember Barnes was face-to-face against Dwight Howard after a hard foul for like a second. Barnes is no idiot though, looked the other way real quick, can't mess with the 6'11" man-beast D.Howard. It's a good thing that kid doesn't have a mean/crazy streak, imagine Ron Artest or Stephen Jackson's brain in Dwight Howard's body.
by jlagace on Feb 14, 2008 11:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
to help your imagination a little bit
And if you think that's scary, imagine if you put Mike Tyson's brain in Dwight Howard's body. I'd be scared to drive to the lane with him guarding.
by lightz0ut on Feb 15, 2008 1:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
asdf
by J Rich 4 MVP on Feb 14, 2008 7:48 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
oh ya
by warrior510 on Feb 14, 2008 7:56 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
baron and monta
Why we love the Dubz is up there ^^
Yes it's that post game interview everyone was talking about. It's towards the end
by warriorgirl on Feb 15, 2008 11:01 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

by 



















