Golden State Of Mind: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
Around SBN: BTB's Final Preseason NCAA Hoops Bracket

RECAP: Warriors 119, Celtics 117 - The Shot Heard 'Round The World

WOW! You may have heard myself and the other writers vent in the past about how blowout losses are the hardest recaps to write. But last night's game may prove just as tough. Why? Because the game was... well it was... WOW!

Open Thread (340+ Comments)

76076136JJ021_BOSTON_CELTIC
Welcome to Upset City. Population: You.

Boxscore

Last night wasn't the reason that I love the Warriors. It wasn't the reason that I love basketball. Last night's game was the reason that I love sports. I don't care if you've never seen a basketball game in your life; you had to appreciate what went down on the court between these two teams. In front of the biggest crowd ever to grace the Arena in franchise history, David (Or maybe in this case "Davis") stood up to Goliath and fought with every fiber to scratch out a victory in a blaze of glory that left the Celtics with .3 seconds (and the rest of eternity) to wonder what the hell just happened. So why would arguably the most incredible game of the year be challenging to write about?

Because I'm speechless. Simply speechless.

JUMP!

Star-divide

Let me be the first to admit, I didn't entirely believe. Coming back from Beatdown City (also known as Utah), I honestly believed that the Warriors wouldn't be able to fire up enough passion to put the mighty Green Giant away. Add to the mix the fact that Jax was sitting this out and the situation went from desperate to hopeless. Add to THAT mix the fact that MP2 was starting and the game went from hopeless to "What time does the next BART train leave?"

I've never been so happy to be wrong in my life. What happened on the Roaracle floor was a game for the ages. ESPN Classic is likely buying the rights to this bad boy as we speak.

The events of last night started out deceptively. Right from opening tip off, the Celts jumped out to an early lead that had me thinking that we were serving up one of our patented first-quarter-no-show-omelets. But the young'uns had a thing or two to say about that. The Dubs came back firing and Ellis and Beans put on an offensive show ending the first with 10 a piece and allowing the Dubs to walk away from the first up by 3 points.

And even then I didn't believe.

"So we had a good first.", I told myself. "We need to string together three more solid ones to put these guys down!"

And so the second quarter came and my post 1st quarter thoughts began to crystallize into reality. Ray Ray started with his patented hot hand, KG knocked a few back and the Warriors as a whole began to slow their roll. Alas, what could be done?! We are playing the best team in the NBA right now; should we expect anything different?!

We should. Last night's game further solidifies the theory that the Warriors are experts at playing to the level of their opponent. In the past, this theory has haunted us as we have diminished our abilities to dump easy W's against inferior teams. Last night, however, this uncanny ability worked in our favor. The second quarter would be the final (and only) quarter that we would lose to the Celtics this game.

Celtics Warriors Basketball

"That's it boys. Pack it up. Baron for MVP. And I'm out."

For the rest of this incredible match-up, 20,711 fans were treated to point for point possessions, textbook defensive and offensive demonstrations, glimpses of the future, (Ellis with 12 points in the fourth finishing @ 29 points and 9 dimes, Beans with 21 and 13 boards), relics of the past (C-Webb with a great 3 swats and some decent work containing Garnett), moments of the present (TMNT with 22 and 12 boards going a perfect 6-6 from the line, Baron with 29, 6 dimes, 6 boards, 2 jacks) and most importantly...

The were treated to a miracle.

For 48 minutes their record was out of the window. For 48 minutes their All-Stars were mere basketball players. The Celts brought out their big guns, (Ray Ray with an incredible 6-8 from beyond and 32 points overall, KG with 17 and 15 boards, Paulie at 23, 5 and 5) and we were still able stay with them and hit the money shot at the right time.

By no means was this a commanding victory, but it sure as hell was the best win of the year. We're capable of anything. And if I ever find myself not believing that last statement again, well I'll always have this to remind me:

We just beat the best team in the NBA. And it feels GOOD.

wonder

Seriously? Am I going to have to post the same YouTube video three times in the same recap? Sure. Why not?! It was just that good.

0 recs  |  Comment 38 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Biedrins Out
At least a week; maybe two.  Had an appendicitis attack last night after the game.  The appendizx is being pulled today.

BTW, he had just a TERRIFIC game last night, outplaying Garnett (when, after CWebb left, he was on him), hustling on D, and getting lots of boards, including ORs.  

by johnl on Feb 21, 2008 1:45 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Flippin Awesome!
That was great. I watched all 3 of them too!
Watched the replay 20 times last night and scared the crap out of my wife!
I also figured out who TNMT was(im new), and HE does look like one! HAHAHA.
Proud Sponsor Of: The San Jose Giants Baseball Team 2008 is gonna be big! http://www.greenlightjerky.com

by GreenLightJerky on Feb 21, 2008 1:46 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Warrior Land
is truly "Where Amazing Happens"!

Our W's were fighting like Warriors yesterday and it led to an Andris injury. :( Lets hope Wright, POB, or Webber can step there games up!

Ballin

by ballin on Feb 21, 2008 1:47 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Can basketball
really lead to appendicitis?
Proud Sponsor Of: The San Jose Giants Baseball Team 2008 is gonna be big! http://www.greenlightjerky.com

by GreenLightJerky on Feb 21, 2008 1:56 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

weak.
c'mon there were better recaps than that.

by baller90210 on Feb 21, 2008 1:47 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

not sayin it was bad
not up to par

by baller90210 on Feb 21, 2008 1:48 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Ouch!
Lack of sleep (went to the game last night) and lot of work today but you should probably know that they aren't all going to be winners. :)

I can only take solace in the fact that that video is 10 times better than anything I could write on a good day.

I'll just to go crawl into a corner and die now.

by Hash on Feb 21, 2008 2:03 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Man!
I think people have to try doing what we do for a week to realize it's hard hosting this site when ... you have a fully time job or school, family, kids, life ... shall i go on?

great recap man! my next recap will consist of 2 words. Either "We Won" or "We Sucked" haha!

by YaoButtaMing on Feb 21, 2008 2:14 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

lmao!
ROFL. Damn son, looks like someone booked you a one way ticket on the hater train.

by xcoma on Feb 21, 2008 2:17 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

naw man
its not even like that. still the best sport blog i read, but im just sayin that for such a great game the recap could have been like for example the ones vs. the mavs in the playoffs last year. but don't take it the wrong way, this site still bangin.

by baller90210 on Feb 21, 2008 2:27 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Great Recap
Seriously how do you put in to words of what happened last night, I was at the game and I'm still speechless.

I just remember Jumping up and down out of my seat, screaming in joy.

I Love the Warriors!

It's startling how so many people watch basketball, yet so few actually play it.

by 3 The Hard Way on Feb 21, 2008 1:52 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

couldn't have said it better.
Just the video would be more than enough.

by lightz0ut on Feb 21, 2008 2:07 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

paul pierce
whats up with Paul Pierce pushing Baron Davis off?!?!

  He's been trashtalkin all game long and now he has to eat it!

  Good job Baron for reminding pierce, whos the better team!

by Mrsouthbay on Feb 21, 2008 2:22 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

they
were childhood friends. so nothin serious

by baller90210 on Feb 21, 2008 2:28 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

They are pretty much best friends
Dont make it into something that it is not. They host Magic Johnsons basketball game fundraiser every year. SO he probably gave him the shove like a friend would shove a friend after one beats the other
My pictures never show up here, so this is my new Signature

by sloth11 on Feb 21, 2008 2:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The Youtube
video isn't clear but if you were watching the game yesterday on FSN both of them were Paul Pierce was laughing with BD about that shot before he gave him a friendly shove...

by RubberDubDubs on Feb 21, 2008 7:42 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

After that shot...
I wet myself a little.

by sunghan on Feb 21, 2008 2:34 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

is it really.....
that big of an upset? Boston is cooling off, they play in the east. do you really think they would have the best record if they played in the west? im guessing middle of the pack, with about 6-7 more losses on their record. they aren't the best team in the league.

not a huge upset in my opinion. good game? yes. but not David v Goliath or anything like that.

by Nellieball on Feb 21, 2008 2:49 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

It really was...
an upset. If you watched their first game against the Celtics in Boston, you'd see why. No Jackson either? This game should have easily been Boston's. Also, if you look at Boston's record agasint western conference teams it's really good. Maybe that's just because they don't play teams out here much tho...

by Captain Jack on Feb 21, 2008 3:05 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

asdf
watched every minute of the first boston game. we were coming off an overtime (w vs philly, kelenna game winner) back to back, and boston was coming off i believe its first loss of the year to detroit. that one was over early.

i understand your point about jackson, but boston is not as good as their record. playing against terrible competition (in an especially terrible division) allows you to get into a groove that you can carry over when you play good teams.

look, i'm not saying the warriors are better than boston. boston would win a playoff series. if you want to call it an upset, thats fine. in my humble opinion, it is not a HUGE upset. it's not like we slayed some sort of mighty dragon. i dont rate boston as highly as everyone else does. to me, this is on par with beating a west team that is about somewhere between 3rd-5th place.

yes, it is an upset, but basically all i am trying to say is i don't believe boston is the best team in the league.

by Nellieball on Feb 21, 2008 3:54 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

This is definately an upset
Boston is 16-1 against Western Conference Teams(before last night). They beat everyone before, and when I say beat I mean BEAT DOWN! They beat the lakers in LA (double Digit), Spurs in San Antonio, Rockets, Suns, Hornets, Nuggets, Jazz.  I am very impressed with the Warriors, especially without Cap'n Jack.  
It's startling how so many people watch basketball, yet so few actually play it.

by 3 The Hard Way on Feb 21, 2008 3:32 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

"the fact that MP2 was starting"
if you're gonna say that then you have to mention that Pietrus had a good game, otherwise it's unfair

by dorian on Feb 21, 2008 3:52 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

100% agree
I trust you can understand my fear but he did have a pretty good showing last night.

His D as of late has really proven to be an asset. I was just reminiscing with a co-worker on his two monster swats against Phoenix not too long ago.

It seems like the Warriors have made the decision to continue with MP2 and after watching him as of late, I too think there's hope for him to turn this season around.

by Hash on Feb 21, 2008 4:28 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Where are all the Haters now?
Everyone say it: A very nice effort by MP last night. Was glad to see him get the start and play a nice, spirited game, hustling like crazy, playing team ball, hitting the boards, getting floor burns and always accepting Nellie's challenge of guarding elite scorers. His game is ugly and hard to apprecite for the kiddies who are more style-conscious, but he does a lot defensively to help the team. I, for one, am glad that he's sticking around -- and that he's getting some playing time. Sure glad Nelson and Mullin don't listen to the children on this board when they whine about him...

by Dubmanny on Feb 21, 2008 4:29 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Pietrus was...
...pretty decent last night. I hope it continues, but I also have to say that one decent performance getting a surprise start doesn't silence the very valid criticisms of his play that a lot of people have.

by Zack Vank on Feb 21, 2008 4:50 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

With due respect...
He also played about twice as long as he normally does. All I'm saying is that it is one thing to play a all-around decent game when you have more minutes to spread your performance. That said, MP still shouldn't be a starter on a healthy Warriors team, which begs the question: can he play effectively in limited minutes? That's something he has yet to prove.
"SCARY HOT!"

by Talimon on Feb 22, 2008 8:39 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

maaaaaaan pietrus
why can't you play like this every single game that you get to play in?!
"If somebody come in your gym and score 72 points, you goin' to stop playin too." - Friend on Monta Ellis' 72 point highschool game

by SAV IT OUT on Feb 21, 2008 4:47 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

seriously.
cut pietrus some slack.

he may look dumb. but i'm pretty damn sure he tries his best to give a good effort whenever he's given the chance.

you all should respect him for that at least.

i've seen ppl get all up on his case after one stupid foul in a game like it was the end of the world. give me an f'in break. like baron or anyone else hasn't had their share of dumb plays.

by jchao204 on Feb 21, 2008 4:48 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

The difference is
though Baron makes his share of dumb plays, he contributes in other areas so it more than evens out most of the time.

With that said, Pietrus did play much better than usual last night.  I thought he did a very good job when they make the defensive switch of having him guard Ray Allen in the latter part of the second half.  Now lets see if he can play well and play within his limits consistently from here on out.  

by nautica on Feb 21, 2008 6:02 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

the difference is
Baron is a Superstar. MP picks up stupid fouls for being agressive. Baron picks his up because he lost his man and trying to make a last effort to catch him. Barnes and Al do it by putting their hands on the opposing players' back.

by lightz0ut on Feb 22, 2008 3:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

that was an
A+ GAME TO WATCH. I am worried about Bean-less warriors for the next two weeks. Andris is a big part of what we do here...... sigh....
brb, going to ORACLE

by warrior510 on Feb 21, 2008 6:07 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

sure
I'll give Pietrus props for tonight's game. He played a decent game, imo. That doesn't excuse the fact that he's having a below average year. I do respect the guy, always have. He's just doesn't play smart on a consistant basis. His negatives this year overshadow his positives.

I'm watching the game again, in the 3rd with about 8:50 to go. Garnett grabs a wild layup by Pietrus and passes it out but gets it stolen by Webber. Then Webber gives it to Ellis, but then gets it back. He then sees Pietrus WIDE open at the 3pt line but makes the smart decision by not passing the ball to him. He waits for Baron as he drops a contested 3. hilarious

art by jnazaire 07

by disguy on Feb 21, 2008 6:26 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

That was amazing!
I wish I could have been there.

I thought the Laker game was as good as it gets, but I don't know anymore. The Warriors never cease to amaze.

Go Warriors!!!

by goGSW24 on Feb 21, 2008 10:49 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Beleeeeve!
I can't believe that last shot.  Baron was so off-balance I thought for sure it would be a brick.  But it didn't even touch the rim!

by achiappanza on Feb 22, 2008 12:04 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

i think
he practices that shot... a lot.
"To my dear brother, Noompsy."

by Tim N Chris Burger on Feb 22, 2008 12:05 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

haha
heres ur
reality check

haha

get ready

loss to atl
next night

make me sicker
than watching
gigli

ANY QUESTIONS???

by KennySeagle on Feb 24, 2008 10:54 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

"UNSTOPPABLE BABY!"

Golden State Warriors rookie Marc Jackson to the Mavericks' bench, after hitting a lay-up during a 29-point loss (2000)

Start posting about the Warriors »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Small
Help Fire Don Nelson By Signing Petition
We_re_back__small
Terms of Service and Moderation on GSoM...
Small
Five Good Things So Far
484214594_82b6b3554a_small
The Warriors as Simpsons

Recent FanPosts

Lakers_small
Stephen Jackson - Trade Partner/Asset Analysis & Weighted Ranking
Britwarriorgswavatar_small
GSW Coaching - Who is the Boss?
Small
Don't trade Stephen Jackson
Pitofdespairguy_small
Warriors Chemistry and Leadership
Drmlg_logo-gmail_small
Jonny Flynn, Wayne Ellington, Corey Brewer: Summer Glimpse to Fall For-Real
Sp_baron_edited_small
Could the Warriors run the triangle offense?
Small
Would you be opposed to trading Ellis?
Australian_flag_reduced_small
Miami Interested in Stephen Jackson Trade
Small
Who is your starting 5 if you ran the team?

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

GSoM Motto

"UNSTOPPABLE BABY!"

Golden State Warriors rookie Marc Jackson to the Mavericks' bench, after hitting a lay-up during a 29-point loss (2000)

Ads

SPONSORS

2009-2010 Around the Association

2009-2010 Golden State Warriors Preview

Golden State Warriors 2k9-2k10 Super Preview Blowout Special!


GSoM Crew -------------------------

Atma-160_small Atma Brother ONE

Gw090_small Fantasy Junkie

--------------------------------------------------------

Small Hash

Small dj fuzzylogic

--------------------------------------------------------

We_still_believe_small R Dizzle

Small Adam Lauridsen

Chef_randolph_gs_small Tony.psd

Japan_by_miaumi_small YaoButtaMing

Small jae