Recap: Warriors 121, Hornets 116- Can't Nobody Hold Us Down!

by Atma Brother ONE on Nov 10, 2006 1:27 AM PST in Recaps Comment 25 comments

SWOOOSH! It was raining game in Northern California tonight and it was pretty. Both the Warriors and the Hornets were sinking shots at a high percentage. The Warriors were stroking it tonight from both 3 point land and the normally dreaded charity stripe (81%), while the Hornets were taking advantage of the Warriors' charmin soft interior. Aside from some very questionable officiating, the game was a pleasure to watch. This is what NBA basketball is all about.

Boxscore

Atma's 10

1) It's pretty when the shots are falling...
Check this out:

Mickael Pietrus 4 for 8 from downtown
Matt Barnes 2 for 2 on free throws
Troy Murphy 7 for 13 FG's and 4 for 4 from the line
Monta Ellis 6 for 13 FG's and 7 of 9 FT's
Baron Davis 11 for 17 and 13 for 17 from the charity stripe
Mike Dunleavy 3 for 3 on free throws
Andris Biedrins 1 for 2 FT's (hey, it's a BIG improvement from last season's 30.6%)
Anthony Roberson 2 for 5 on 3pt's

Good things happen when you put the ball in the bucket.

2)... but don't count on it.
I hope you enjoyed it because shooting nights like this won't happen for the Warriors that often this season. It might be a few weeks, months even, before we see the Warriors shoot like that again. Granted Baron and Monta driving hard to the bucket opened up shoots for everyone else and kept the shooting percentages high, but it's unlikely this cast will shoot like this regularly. Again, I hope these guys prove me wrong on this one big time.

3) Mickael Pietrus is playing smarter and more effectively.
So far this season Mickael is really showing me something. He's stepped up his rebounding and passing big time. Can you believe MP2 had 5 dimes tonight? I never thought I'd see the day. He had a beautiful drive and dish to Andris Biedrins too.

4) Monta's got game, but he's not ready to play point in the final minutes of the 4th quarter.
Don't get me wrong- there's a lot to like about the way Monta's played this season and it's an absolute joy watching him blow by opponents, but I don't think he's ready to run the point at the end of games yet. I realize what Nellie's trying to do and the value he sees in posting Baron up high in the last few possessions, but I don't know if Monta running the point is the solution. Monta still looks a little nervous and lost on those crucial plays. I expect him to grow into the role, but it takes time. Hopefully things will be different when JRich is back healthy.

5) Biedrins reverted back to his one minute man impersonation.
Why? Why? Andris came off such a solid performance against the Hornets in OKC with his 6 blocks only to foul out in 18 minutes tonight. The Warriors really needed Biedrins with Ike out of the lineup to grab some boards and block some shots, but he didn't come through.

Uuuuuuhhhh- that ugly hitch in the free throw is back.

6) Dajuan Wagner is in Nellie's dog house.
I don't know why, but we'll look into it. I can't believe the man couldn't even get into the game with JRich out. Something must be up.

7) The Warriors are softer than soft down low.
It's been said numerous times by Tim Kawakami and myself- Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy CANNOT play together. Tonight Nellie was in a tough position because of the limited personnel available and Warriors Nation already knows that Murphy + Dunleavy = a Smurfy + Nuthinleavy 4/5 tandem, so I won't harp on this. I think these visuals capture perfectly what other teams see when the Warriors' interior is "defended" by Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy:

Props to the Dubs for winning tonight in spite of their soft interior.

8) Tonight's refs need to go to see an optometrist tomorrow morning.
I don't know what you guys saw at home on TV, but those of us in attendance tonight at The Oracle witnessed 3 officials who must've had some big money on the Hornets. It was that bad. No joke.

9) The Warriors should get better.
Sure they won't hit shots like they did tonight, but think about it- both Jason Richardson and Ike Diogu didn't even suit up (well okay, I guess we have to throw that expression out the door since they had to wear suits on the sidelines with Mr. Stern's dress code). JRich was the Warriors best player last season and I expect Ike to step up and have a nice season overall with improved rebounding and shot blocking to go along with his low post acumen and smooth shooting stroke. Also, Zarko Cabarkapa didn't play. Imagine how good the Warriors will be when the Zark-man's in game shape and can return to dropping 30 points and 12 boards on fools. Hahaha, okay it's way past my bed time...

10) And last but not least- whassup with the Warrior girls?
This is the second time I've seen the Warriors this season in person and I've been pretty disappointed by the Warriors Girls. Sure a lot of our favorites our no longer with the squad anymore, but what bugged me was that they pretty much came out in the same attire twice during the game- that's tacky. Last season they had some pretty fly outfits, but this season their threads are ranking a definite NOT HOT on the world famous GSoM Fashion meter. I can handle the Warriors missing the playoffs for 12 straight years, but this... this is just unacceptable.

Ladies, bring back the fly threads!

Before the Warrior began their back-to-back games against the Hornets, I said that they HAD to at least get a split. Well, the Dubs lost a close one in OKC the other night and then came back and won a close one on their home floor tonight. Mission accomplished. Man, that feels good!

Warrior Wonder

full.getty-71797344rw011_warriors_horn_1_11_05_am.jpg

Baron took it strong to the hole ALL NIGHT LONG.
Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images

Do I even have to say? Boom Dizzle came correct tonight with 36 points (a red hot 64.7% FG and much improved 76% from the free throw line- can you believe Baron went to the line 17 times?!), a perfect 9 to 0 assist to turnover ratio, 4 boards, and 3 picks. I'll pass the mic to Nellie to hype up BD (from Warriors.com postgame):

"Baron played excellent tonight. Best game of the year. The most important stat was that he had 0 turnovers. He basically carried the team on his back tonight. He did it all tonight on both sides of the floor and played great defense towards the end."

'nuff said.

Like I noted in the preview: "The Warriors have never lost a game at The Oracle against the Hornets when Hash and I were in attendance" BELIEVE THAT!

Track of the Day: Puff Daddy & Mase- "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down"

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Point 8 somewhat explains point 5

I don't think the 1 minute man is back, I think it was more a product of the officiating.

The game was called super tight (to be diplomatic) and it was called that way for both teams. Although I have to say Jim Clark turned in one of the worst officiating performances I have ever seen.

There were a bunch of fouls called that had no impact on the flow of the game. Monta's 6th was not a foul and on his 5th, Mason was moving so it was questionable at best.

by bloodsweatndonuts on Nov 10, 2006 1:50 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

The officiating wasn't THAT bad...

I'm usually always bashing the refs but tonight's game I can see why they called some of the calls. The Hornets did get a little break a couple of times but overall the officiating was okay. Initially, some of the calls looked terrible but after the replay, I could kinda see why they made certain calls. The fans at the Oracle couldn't see the replay but I thought some of the calls were justified. Like, Andris' fight for the rebound when he jumped up, it did look he hit the other guy in less than incidental contact and on Monta's charge, he seemed to lower his shoulder but that call could've gone either way.

And big ups to Monta for holding it down. And when you say Pietrus had a nice drive and dish to Murph, don't you mean Biedrins?

by DaAzNJRiCh on Nov 10, 2006 2:08 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Good call

And when you say Pietrus had a nice drive and dish to Murph, don't you mean Biedrins

You're exactly right. I'll plug that in.

by Atma Brother ONE on Nov 10, 2006 8:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

anyone else

notice the huge lane violation in the biedrins free throw pic? He deserves a redo on that one. Poor guy needs all the help he can get on the free throw percentage

by FoyledAgain on Nov 10, 2006 3:57 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Great views... and to add...

again , great commentary, very good points. Just a few footnoes:

I still have that magical feeling when I see Baron, the same one I felt when I was on espn.com hitting refreshing every 2 seconds before the trade deadline when Mullin traded for him. I love the guy, and last night, was just another reason to continue doing so.
The Warrior girls, though a little tacky, had some fine moves last night, I actually noticed them for the first time last night on FSNBay Area which is funny because the first time you guys comment on them is to criticize when I thought they were kinda hot!
Finally, Dunleavy is so bad, he gets booed on every mistake he makes. Hands down, he is the most booed player (by his own fans) in the NBA. It's so bad that I have started writing down all the mistakes he makes so I can drill him.

1st quarter: traveled on a 3 point pullup, threw a running pass straight to the cheerleaders
2nd quarter: took an easy breakaway layup and bounced it straight off the glass so it came back over his head (ha), on another fast break, missed a pass from roberson on a 2 on 1
3rd quarter:.... ehh, YOU GET THE POINT!!!!!

HE SUCKS!

by gsdubz on Nov 10, 2006 7:47 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Warrior Girls

Oh don't worry man, we've hyped them up like no other in the past:
http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/story/2006/9/6/1220/96305

http://goldenstwarriors.blogspot.com/2005/05/new-fab-5_27.html

http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/story/2006/7/26/105943/139

by Atma Brother ONE on Nov 10, 2006 8:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Dunleavy isn't as bad as we'd like to think...

on the fast break...he led Ellis (I believe it was Ellis), but Ellis decided not to go to the hoop and try to set up the 3. Bad decision by Ellis, but MD looks bad.
Like when a reciever runs the wrong pattern..the QB looks like the idiot.

I don't recall the blown layup...

but the pass by Roberson was HORRIBLE!!! and it was hard to catch after Paul deflected it.

The problem is that dunleavy is tryin, but his teammates are showing no confidence in him.
If he's going to stay on the team and play, let him do his thing. Right now they don't let him, so he's very hesitant, which doesn't get it done in this league

Giving a shout out to Mr. Mean, Purvis Short, J.B. Carrol, Bernard and of course, Mr. Bill King

by World Sleepy King on Nov 10, 2006 10:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

i can understand dunleavy haters, and he deserves a lot of the hate. but come on, he played well last night. that missed pass was monta's fault not his. he made his threes and free throws and got a few boards. what else do u want from him?

by AJC3317 on Nov 10, 2006 12:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

oh, one other thing

he had a replay of tuesday night's play when we missed a reverse layup. only last night he took it up strong for a dunk and got fouled, then got up and sunk the free throws.

by AJC3317 on Nov 10, 2006 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I was there

and it looked like a bad called game from the officials live, but it could of been a case of lack of replay.
Warrior girls were ok, they looked like they were C walkin at one point. Definetly not as cool as the Weekend Warriors who I hear have been disbanded by the front office. And where is the inflatable Thunder?!?
Baron is the man and it sure seemed like he was trying to remind the Hornets fans that have forgotten him for CP3 that he is still a baller capable of winning games for his team. They were practically tied in pts scored throughout the game.
And Murph seems to be somewhat getting used to the mask...his shot is finally coming around and that is great to see.
Biggest criticism: still too many 3's hoisted. Although most of them were good looks, I would of perfered to see more slashing. Great game though! Lets keep the momentum goin.

by MoUpInTheO on Nov 10, 2006 8:00 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Great write-up!

I missed the game. Thanks for the complete write-up! Drove all day and couldn't stay awake plus there was no FSN in the room and didn't go downstairs to a sports bar. Any word on any Dunleavy trades? Mully looking into acquiring Brent Barry? Did you catch Nellie on KNBR yesterday with Ralph the Razor? One of the most informative interviews (or is Nellie THAT GOOD?) ever as Nellie went down the line describing his impressions of each Warrior player.

His favorites and biggest surprises are Biedrins and then Monta. Two 20 1/2 average year old players who can play. Biedrins is going to be a great center for years to come. Monta is his best shooter percentage wise though he makes too many critical turnovers given his inexperience. He's real happy with Pietrus attitude who has embraced everything he asked for and wasn't too sure about him in the beginning but is very happy now. Thinks Ike can play the low post but gonna need a lot of time learning to pass out of it. Doesn't understand why JRich waited so long to have the surgery but he wasn't around when all that was decided and now both his most consistent player last year (JRICH) and Murph are hurt and haven't been able to play to their abilities. Dunleavy is one thing that's clearly bothering him and he can't figure out what his role is. He wanted him to be point forward but Dun won't rebound or can't. But he likes his all-court game. Nellie thinks Baron's the real deal and the one star on his team who can do everything though he's not a great shooter.

Kirk

by kirkkazas on Nov 10, 2006 8:22 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Makin the shots

Makes all the difference. The freethrows are coming around, and threes are fine when they go down! I think nellie did a great job this game working with what he had. (might have been a good time to make foyle earn a little of his pay though?) Barnes and roberson contributed energy and dunleavey put some effort into his play this time.
"Ladies, bring back the fly threads!"
Is that them? or nsync??

by Skeptic con Urquell on Nov 10, 2006 10:06 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Formula for winning...

Although the Warriors are 3-3, I see a trend in all of the wins, that doesn't bode well for the season. In the wins Baron has played 40+ minutes. Thankfully, he's in shape this season, but I really really hope that these heavy minutes don't wear down his body as the season goes on. And his heavy minutes makes him ineffective in the 2nd game of a back to back. Also, in all of the wins, the Warriors shot 49+% from the field. And in the three wins they shot 41% from 3pt land, including 10 makes against the Mavs and 13 against the Hornets. Even the freethrow shooting was 80+% in the Mavs and Hornets wins.

So Baron playing 40+ minutes, shooting 50% from the field, 40% from 3, and a good freethrow shooting night = wins, which is probably true for almost any team. But how often will the Warriors achieve shooting stats like these? And how long can Baron keep up these minutes? The Warriors need to be able to grind out at least a few wins when the offense isn't clicking on all cylinders, if they want to make the playoffs.

by LancerEvoV on Nov 10, 2006 10:09 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Dunleavy

I thought he played decent tonight off the bench. His mistakes get magnified and his accomplishments are shrugged off. But he provided some nice bench points. He's still making mistakes but tonight was a definite improvement over the previous games. Hopefully he continues to improve. Perhaps if he can settle into a role, he could provide some quality minutes off the bench.

by Fantasy Junkie on Nov 10, 2006 10:24 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

empty seats

I saw WAAAAAAYYYY too many empty seats in crunchtime at the arena. Whats up with the Warriors fans this year? So many times I was at home, asking for a DEEE FENSE chant, but it seemed like everyone was just chillin. These aren't the Dubs fans I know.

by bozaframa on Nov 10, 2006 10:48 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

that's what i'm saying

I was tired as hell, but i was gettin hyped just watching the game from home...the crowd seemed dead most of the game until the last 5 min or so...they wanted to boo the officials more than they cheered for the W's..

what really made me mad was when the hornets were shooting FTs during the last few minutes..nobody was making any noise at ALL or waving behind the hoop to distract the players..and this was in crunch time when the lead was only 3 pts..

i know whenever i'm at the games i'm usually drunk as hell but i'm still hyped as f**k..either the fans gotta do it themselves or the thundersquad or whatever their name is gotta pump the up the crowd more b/c that was embarrassing

the crowning achievement of ira newble's illustrious career

by JudBooshlur on Nov 10, 2006 11:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

It was really strange. I've never seen it that quiet at the Arena. There were some empty seats too. Maybe all that terrible 880 traffic was just too much for everyone.

by Atma Brother ONE on Nov 10, 2006 11:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

yea

So is Team Thunder not around this year?
Traffic sucked. It took an hour and 25 mins to get from concord to the arena.

by Athletix Man on Nov 10, 2006 12:09 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

It Was Quiet There Last Night....

...and kinda empty too. The Warrior Girl's were not up to last year's standards in my estimation, and I hate to do this, but the band up in that cat-bird stage were kinda not-so-hot....definetly not bringing the funk like some of the group's last year. Maybe Nellie broke Cohan's bank account.

The officiating was horrible. I was slightly on the fence, until Monta got horse-collared going to the basket in the 4th, and was sumarily called for an OFFENSIVE foul. We should have known it was going to be a jenky officiating night when they had to redo the opening tip about three times.

Glad to see T-Murph's shot falling, but I'm getting the sneaky suspicion that we've seen the last of his double-digit rebounding for a while. God he was getting abused around the basket.

by Sleepy71 on Nov 10, 2006 12:24 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

on tv

I couldn't hear the crowd on tv. I was watching and it seemed really odd to not hear a single peep out of the crowd. They said the attendance was 17000 but it felt like 1700.

by Fantasy Junkie on Nov 10, 2006 1:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Are we poor?

This doesn't really have to do with the game, but what's up with the entertainment at halftime and in between timeouts? Atma already mentioned the very limited uni selection of the cheerleaders. I've been to all 3 home games so far and no Hoop Troop, and Jr Jam Squad only performed at Opening Night. Seriously, where'd all that $$$ go from raising ticket prices go??!

by dirrty on Nov 10, 2006 1:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

limited funds because...

Dunleavy's contract kicked in this year.

Sorry, low blow. Had to do it.

by Fantasy Junkie on Nov 10, 2006 1:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Good question

I've been to all 3 home games so far and no Hoop Troop, and Jr Jam Squad only performed at Opening Night. Seriously, where'd all that $$$ go from raising ticket prices go??!

Yeah come to think of it that is pretty messed up. AND NO INFLATEABLE THUNDER! Man, Hash's boss payed good money for these tix tonight. I'm sure he wouldn't have put down that kinda cash if he knew that inflateable thunder wasn't going to be in the house.

Sounds like the work of Cohan and Rowell. We'll try to investigate.

by Atma Brother ONE on Nov 10, 2006 1:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

My bad...

See, i haven't seen them in so long, i even got their name wrong. I meant Team Thunder in that last comment.

by dirrty on Nov 10, 2006 1:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Monta at the end

Honestly, I have no problem with Monta handling the ball at the end of the game. I think Nellie's trying to just get him experience in tight situations because Nellie expects big things out of him. If Monta goes through his end game growing pains now, then later in the season when the games start to matter even more, he'll be that much better. If he is going to be a significant part of this team, and it appears as if he will be, then it's important for him to learn now rather than later. He's going to make his mistakes but they will pay off in the end.

by Fantasy Junkie on Nov 10, 2006 2:49 PM PST reply actions 0 recs