What would a Hornets vs. Dubs series look like?

by peteb24 on Apr 7, 2008 11:49 PM PDT Comment 41 comments

I hate to jinx us by predicting that we will finish in the eight seed and match up with the Hornets in the first round, but the more I stare at Denver's remaining schedule and the Dub's remaining games it seems likely.

We obviously have split the last two meetings with the Hornets, but how do we actually match up with them? Last season we upset Dallas, the No. 1 seed because we stymied Dirk and ran Dallas ragged. Can we do the same to the Hornets or will they like the pace we run at?

I do not want to make a prediction for the outcome of the series, but I believe the Warriors are a scary team for the Hornets, and surprisingly, we are the more experienced playoff team. Here are three advantages I see the Dubs having over the Hornets:

No. 1 EXPERIENCE
The Hornets have Peja and Bonzi Wells who have both seen playoff action. Other than that, the Hornets are without a closer who is proven in the playoffs. (Look what happened to CDR in the NCAA Championship game on Monday night!)
For the Dubs, the starting five have all seen significant time in the playoffs. It's hard to say how much of an advantage playoff experience is, but at least we know we can win a high pressure series!

No 2 GUARD PLAY
In a seven game series, a healthy Baron Davis will wear down Chris Paul (and vice versa, unfortunately). However, Monta will run wild against the Hornets as evidenced by Sunday's game. If the Dubs can manage Pargo and Peja on the offensive end, I give the advantage to the Warriors.

No. 3 UNDERDOG
Having the best record in the west is a huge accomplishment. The Hornets have had to play at a high level the entire year and they are being talked about as a possible title contender. Simply put, the Warriors are not. The Warriors have proven they can beat any team in the west (except Utah. That makes me sick) but they are still squeeking into the playoffs. If they indeed make the playoffs they will likely be on a winning streak and ready to battle with any team they face, including the Hornets. As an 8 seed they are the obvious underdog, but they will be either a 49, 50 or 51 win team. Dangerous.

How do you all see it?

This FanPost is a submission from a member of the mighty Golden State of Mind community. While we're all here to throw up that W, these words do not necessarily reflect the views of the GSoM Crew. Still, chances are the preceding post is Unstoppable Baby!

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it would look a lot better

then the dubz picking 16th in the nba lottorey.

win or lose... playoffs or lottery... i gotta luv them dubz! GSW 4 Life!!!

by gogomaplata on Apr 7, 2008 11:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

if we shoot

better than 3-29 from the land of plenty, we'll be alright.

by lowchi on Apr 7, 2008 11:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

well

this blog maybe a little too soon to post. but theoretically speaking if the warriors were to land the 8th seed...i would much rather prefer them playing NO opposed to san antonio, lakers, or utah. i think they match best with new orleans.... but thats just me of course.

by eeeric on Apr 7, 2008 11:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

realistically

i think it would go 7 games 4-3 hornets. in we believe thinking 4-2 warriors! they match up but the games that the hornets won they seemed to know how to beat them bad. the ones the dubs won they were all of great shooting. so it depends on the shooting.

What you thought that I only played basketball? I AM A Golden State WARRIOR!

by 24k state fan since 87 on Apr 8, 2008 12:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hornets, Lakers, Spurs......

Whoever! Just make the damed playoffs first. Beggars can't be choosers folks. So, until the actually seal the deal it is useless to theorize......just trying to stay realistic in case they don't make it.

I'm such a W junkie I have trouble sleeping at night when they lose and right now I'm really friggin nervous about the way thet have been playing. Heartbreak is not something that I look forward to so I"m just trying to pace myself. So, until the next game....Go Dubs!

by mrod on Apr 8, 2008 12:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

we can

beat the spurs. i give it 50-50. Either we hit our 3 pointers and win or we miss our 3 pointers and lose. We definitely could have won on Sunday. Biedrins owns Chandler.

by saintdee on Apr 8, 2008 12:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

We can beat anyone

not named the Utah Jazz......

by mrod on Apr 8, 2008 12:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

not true

we can't beat the Mavs this year either unless their without Dirk. The mavs have our number this year for some reason.

by saintdee on Apr 8, 2008 1:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We played them four times

We went 1-3 with one loss coming without Jack and with Monta just coming off that neck injury. And the other was last week with everybody gassed and lazy. They don't "have our number". They would probably would with home court advantage.

"Much Props to you Dubs in Boston That was dope. Loved the outro. that was hilarious. LOL. Peace." -ROMESdavidWOOD37

by Dubs fan in Boston on Apr 8, 2008 6:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

"We're all corrupt bastards." - Don Nelson

by GameSix on Apr 8, 2008 8:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Der...

I writes english good.

I meant:

"They would probably win with home court advantage"

"Much Props to you Dubs in Boston That was dope. Loved the outro. that was hilarious. LOL. Peace." -ROMESdavidWOOD37

by Dubs fan in Boston on Apr 8, 2008 8:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

By the way

Our record against those teams:

2-2 vs. Lakers
2-2 vs. Spurs
1-2 vs. Hornets

so you decide who the W's would be better off playing.....

by mrod on Apr 8, 2008 12:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

hmm

anyway it can be none of the above?! though crazy i think the lakers are the best bet.

What you thought that I only played basketball? I AM A Golden State WARRIOR!

by 24k state fan since 87 on Apr 8, 2008 12:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

really?! u sure you want warrior killer GASOL AND ODOM playing together against us?

by saintdee on Apr 8, 2008 1:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well

have it this way out of the 3 which one did they look close to having some way of winning. spurs they are going to destroy us, yeah they won but that was when they had nobody playing. the hornets well if wanted paul will kill them and chandler too. lakers yeah they have the warrior killers but for some reason the warriors can play with them sometimes. but i doubt it thats why i said can it be none of the above

What you thought that I only played basketball? I AM A Golden State WARRIOR!

by 24k state fan since 87 on Apr 8, 2008 3:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

did we...

play the Spurs four times?

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.

by triplesix on Apr 8, 2008 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

no

Dec 11 vs SAS W 96 - 84

Jan 7 vs SAS W 130 - 121

Apr 1 @ SAS L 92 - 116

by hardcore on Apr 8, 2008 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

it will be interesting

CP driving over Baron, Peja shooting 3s, Chandler dunking over everyone, Pargo running roughshod over all our guards.

OH WAIT IT ALREADY HAPPENED LAST SUNDAY! DOH!

warriors dont fish they hunt!

by VonteegoCummings on Apr 8, 2008 12:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

lol

Chandler wasn't dunking over everyone. He was too busy getting himself into foul trouble

by saintdee on Apr 8, 2008 1:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

k then

how about David West making 20 footers one after the other with absoultely no one infront of him?

warriors dont fish they hunt!

by VonteegoCummings on Apr 8, 2008 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

4 - 2 Hornets

Dr. Jeff

by JEFFSJAZZ on Apr 8, 2008 3:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Morning W fans!

So, after thinking about this overnight my conclusion is this:

First, the W's must make the playoffs. Second, if they do I think they will most certainly get there with the 8th spot. Lastly, the most likely opponent would be either the Lakers or the Hornets based on both the standings and the remaining schedule of the top teams.

With that scenario in mind..........Warriors can play with the Lakers and we all know it. Even if Odom is a W killer, we still almost took them 3 games to 1 with a back to back + overtime + the Fisher flop! That's without Gasol and Bynum of course so having Gasol now would definitely change the dynamic of everything.

The real problem I see with this matchup is not the Lakers themselves but the NBA. Everybody knows that if we got the Lakers in the first round they would almost certainly be blowing whistles every two seconds giving the Lakers every possible advantage. David Stern does not want the Lakers getting tossed in the first round, especially by our beloved W's. Just think about it..... We all know the Warriors are great for the playoffs and the most entertaining team to watch but he absolutely wants to see the Lakers in the Finals! Call me a conspiracy theorist if you like but I'm telling you that is what I see happening.

Not saying the Warriors couldn't or wouldn't take the Lakers to the brink, just that Stern is a powerful man and you can bet your bottom dollar that he would be instructing the refs to be helping out the Lakers when ever it was possible. Otherwise, the W's would have to play flawless basketball so as to avoid suspicion by the fans or Kobe goes down with an injury which kills the Lakers chances anyways. Lakers in seven

Hornets: I'm intrigued by this matchup and I think that our little band of outlaws could quite possibly take them down. Now, this would mean Stephen Jackson waking up, Al Harrington actually making a shot more than 30% of the time, and Baron Davis caring enough and having enough pride to play defense! Yes, defense! I know what a concept.....mostly I mean playing "D" on Chris Paul and really making him work for a shot instead of standing flat footed while watching Paul get whatever he wants. Biedrens can carve up the Hornets inside, and nobody can stop Monta. Actually, let me rephrase this whole paragraph:

If the Warriors commit to team defense (I know, the chronic is starting to kick in!) then their offensive game just naturally follows. We saw this earlier in the year when the dubs shot down the Hornets in the 4th qtr and ran away with the game. And even though Chris Paul had a good game " he did not dominate!". That is the key for NO........if you can keep Paul from dominating, the rest of the team starts to suffer. West suffers, Chandler suffers, and Stoj/Pargo/ etc..don't really start to matter much anymore. So I think if it came down to the Warriors vs. the Hornets my call is Warriors in six. Time for my second cup of coffee....

Cheers-SG34

Cheers

by mrod on Apr 8, 2008 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Getting the Lakers in round one would be suicide. There is no way we make it out of round one because this is the NBA and we saw what David Stern can do (Game 6 of 2002 conference finals) to ensure the highest ratings in the finals (Lakers vs. Celtics). The sad thing is last year's ratings were horrible and freakin' Lebron was playing. I even watched a few games.

The thing is given their boring style of play, the Spurs seem make it into the finals every other year, so this whole conspiracy theory might just be paranoia. By the Spurs making the finals David Stern is pretty much assured horrible ratings. Lakers vs. Spurs would be an interesting series to test the theory.

by WilliamVanLandingham on Apr 8, 2008 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

disagree...

i'll have to disagree on one point that the spurs are boring. they play good smart basketball, and any real basketball fan can appreciate that. Not always the emotional, exciting brand of ball you've sen the dubs play, but teams like detroit and SA show you what good fundamental b-ball looks like. pay attention. you might learn something.

"No Respect! I tell you man, No Respect!"

by oldskool on Apr 8, 2008 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

even if

all the people who post on basketball message boards pay attention to the spurs and pistons, there's no way the rest of america would. of course they're great teams, but the spurs and pistons are really, really boring to watch.

by Bucky on Apr 8, 2008 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

sure...

i'm sure you agree with yourself, but no else does. you the guy that only knows that a 3-pointer adds 3 points to the score, but knows nothing else about how the game is played. take it easy young buck. you don't need to have your heart racing for 2 hours of basketball to be entertaining. be a basketball fan first and a dubs fan second, and you'll know what i mean.

"No Respect! I tell you man, No Respect!"

by oldskool on Apr 9, 2008 8:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

asdf

His point was that the vast majority of America would rather not watch Tony Parker and Chauncy Billups take turns bouncing the ball on the floor for 10 seconds, waiting for a play to setup, and then passing the ball to:

a) Timmy down low, pass back out, rotate, open 3 on the other side

b) Rip on the curl for a 10 footer

Sure it would be very well played basketball, but the vast majority of viewers want to see high flying athletic play.

"Much Props to you Dubs in Boston That was dope. Loved the outro. that was hilarious. LOL. Peace." -ROMESdavidWOOD37

by Dubs fan in Boston on Apr 9, 2008 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And get off your high horse

It's annoying to look at you when I can see up your nose when I try to look you in the eyes.

"Much Props to you Dubs in Boston That was dope. Loved the outro. that was hilarious. LOL. Peace." -ROMESdavidWOOD37

by Dubs fan in Boston on Apr 9, 2008 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

what am i...

no need to call me a snob. fine detroit basketball is boring. and they along with the spurs win games thru good defense and the fundies. no fun in watching any of that, right? it's like watching baseball, a few homeruns and nice cathces don't make an exciting game. it's the scoring that's exciting, right? sure, i could appreciate good basketball. can you? i think you're the snob here.

"No Respect! I tell you man, No Respect!"

by oldskool on Apr 9, 2008 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

what about

fundamental exciting basketball?

That's what we really need. Something like a Warriors/Pistons game. The defense of the Pistons at the Warriors tempo.

I thought the Warriors offense vs the Kings last night was mostly the right way to play (driving to the hoop, dishing to the open man, making the extra pass) Not really the right way to play defense, but oh well...

The way Memphis shut down my Bruins (sniffle...) in the Final Four, I thought was the right way to play. Good pressure defense, running the break when it's there, executing in half court, and getting to the line.

To get to the point, I don't think exciting, fast breaking basketball and fundamental basketball have to be mutually exclusive. (not that you said it is, but I get the impression from the opinions of lots of posters)

by Baron Von DOOM on Apr 9, 2008 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hornets >>>> Lakers or Spurs

I don't like our chances at all against the Lakers or Spurs. The latter has way too much playoff experience for us to handle. They completely change come playoff time too. The fact that we split the season series is irrelevant. The Lakers, when healthy, wil l have the biggest front court in the playoffs.

I think the Hornets will be the lesser of the 3 evils. We almost had the game on Sunday if it wasn't for Jax & Al going cold. It would likely be a close series.

Obviously, none of this would matter if they miss they playoffs. LET'S GO DUBS!

Am I Michael Scott? I don't know. I might just be a basketball machine.

by disguy on Apr 8, 2008 10:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Look back at their 2nd game this season...

If you look at the Warriors lone victory over the Hornets this season, they did it by forcing Chris Paul into being a scorer. That would be the key to winning a series against the Hornets. Unfortunately, the Hornets were ready for this in the 3rd game and that's why Chris Paul got his triple double. They knew Nellie would try to prevent Chris Paul from doing what he does to make his team so much better which is to pass.

by MAZarate21 on Apr 8, 2008 10:38 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Lakers, really?

Are you guys seriously suggesting the Lakers are our best matchup? Take a look at their starting lineup when everyone is healthy:

Andrew Bynum
Pau Gasol
Lamar Odom
Kobe Bryant
Derek Fisher

Will we EVER stop that frontcourt? They will take away a vast majority of the boards. The only thing that's really stopped the Lakers this year is injuries: Bynum is still injured, and Gasol is finally returning to form. Not to mention that Ariza will remain out for the rest of the season. They are the deepest team in the league and we will likely have to contend with a healthy Lakers team with a bunch of Warriors killers from the bench.

I don't like the Spurs matchup either. We won our first games when the Spurs weren't healthy. And even though we're the underdog, that's not really going to matter as much this year, because favorites are barely better than the underdogs.

I think our best bet is still against the Hornets. They have less talent than the Lakers and Spurs, and quite frankly, that might be the best for us, since if we get in, we'll be the #8 seed. This is a much smaller matchup problem for us, since we match up well at the guard positions and really just need to shore up the frontcourt against West and Peja. And random Warriors killers like Pargo.

Warriors fan down in SoCal.

by Yoyo on Apr 8, 2008 10:55 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

lol

only one person said the Lakers would be our best match up in the entire thread.

Am I Michael Scott? I don't know. I might just be a basketball machine.

by disguy on Apr 8, 2008 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe our best

matchup is with the Hornets, but I am not convinced the Lakers are as dominant as the ESPN's of the world seem to think. There is no way Bynum at age 23(?)comes back in the same shape and skill level he was in before the injury. Phil Jackson would do best to keep Bynum on the bench and use him sporadically if at all, or risk throwing off a pretty darn good Lakers team.

Gasol presents a major challenge, but if we can limit him and Buke owns Kobe, then the Dubs could take a series from these guys.

!!Spree for three!!

by peteb24 on Apr 8, 2008 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't say

the Lakers were the best match up for the W's. In fact, I said that the Warriors probably don't want to see the Lakers in the first round (at least) for reasons stated in my post. But Bynum is not a factor yet and the Warriors have played the Lakers great this year.

It's the NBA I'm worried about in favoring the Lakers in the first round. The Hornets, they are a feel good story, yes. But, they are also a young team like the W's but have not achieved celebrity status like the Lakers, yet.

Spurs, not a good matchup in the first round either. But, hey, if we get in, we play who we have to play, right?????

by mrod on Apr 8, 2008 11:27 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

hornets

I like the matchup with the hornets, first off it would just be a more exciting series to watch especially with baron vs CP3, and monta being unguardable. But, this last game against them we had a good gameplan we were up 12 at one point we just didn't shoot the ball well, i really dont think pargo is gonna have a game like that in the playoffs, i really don't think julian wright is going to hit threes and i remember morris peterson's three bouncing 20 feet in the air and going in, we got good shots that game we just shot horrible. I think warriors in 6 if we get hornets

by FeartheBeard4 on Apr 8, 2008 11:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think

you are all getting way ahead of yourselves. I'm just freaking out about the Warriors making the playoffs.

by Number22Drew on Apr 8, 2008 11:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

uh...

"What would a Hornets vs. Dubs series look like?"

Uh, it would look like a #1 seed playing #9... hahaha... j/k. i doubt the hornets bench can play like that throughout a 7 game series. the dubs would move into the second round, fo-sho.

"No Respect! I tell you man, No Respect!"

by oldskool on Apr 8, 2008 12:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Warriors First Round Speculation

First off there is a caveat to this whole thing.... THE WARRIORS MUST MAKE THE PLAYOFFS! If they don't finish out the season 4-1 at worst which includes beating Denver on Thursday, there is no point in discussing this further.

So let's assume the Warriors make the 8th spot. They will either get matched up with the Hornets, Lakers, or Spurs.

Spurs - Warriors have little chance to beat the Spurs in 7 games. Popavich is too smart to fall into Nellie's style of play. He knows Nellie too well and won't be fooled. The Spurs will slow the game down, get back on defense and the Warriors won't be able to run and gun and play the type of game that they would need to win. Spurs 4-2.

Lakers - As much as I would love to see the Warriors eliminate the Lakers and Kobe in the first round, it ain't gonna happen. Warriors are one of the worst rebounding teams in the league. Lakers have one of the biggest front courts in the league with Bynum, Gasol, and Odom. The only way the Warriors can beat the Lakers is to get out and run and be really hot from 3. While they might get a game or two that way, they won't be able to win 4 out of 7. Lakers 4-1.

Hornets - This is by far the best match up for the Warriors out of the 3 possible. Hornets are a back court oriented team. Yes, they have David West but he is nothing without CP3. Hornets are also much more willing to play the Warriors style. They are a pick and roll team with Paul and Chandler or Paul and West. If Biedrins can use his length on the pick and roll or better yet Wright play the pick and roll (Nellie will never play a rookie in the playoffs unless the Warriors are up by 25 points) and force Chris Paul to shoot outside, they are Golden (pun intended). Paul is MVP in my mind but he still doesn't have a great outside shot. I would much rather see him shooting jumpers then driving to the lane and scoring or dishing to Chandler for dunks or Peja for open 3s. Even with this more favorable matchup, Warriors will still be hard pressed to win the series. If they do, it would have to be in 7 games. Toss up, too close to call - Warriors/Hornets in 7.

by NBA on Apr 8, 2008 3:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

No guarantee that

Bynum comes back at ful strength or ability. Lakers do have a big front court, but Bynum will be a shell of his former self if he plays in the first round series.

!!Spree for three!!

by peteb24 on Apr 8, 2008 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs