OPEN THREAD: Game # 15 - Warriors vs. Rockets

by YaoButtaMing on Nov 29, 2007 12:26 PM PST in Previews

Warriors (W-L): 7-7
Rockets (W-L): 9-7
Time: 7:30pm PST
TV: FSN Bay Area
Radio: KNBR 680

OH BOY! Christmas has come early for me because my favorite player comes to the Oracle tonight! Yao "butta" Ming will grace us with his ginormous size while the Warriors run circles around him.

Coming off a last minute win against our Norcal rivals, the Sacramento Kings, our Warriors finally have reached the .500 mark for the season. We now stand 6-1 since Jackson's return (Yes I am keeping track!). This gets us to 9th in the West, one game out of 7th and 8th, and 1.5 out of 6th. A win tonight ties us with the Rockets for 8th. However, we're going to have to deal with some talented opponents! First, I have to give major props to the best center in the league... Yao Ming:

I'm not the only Yao fan on GSoM so I'm sure I'm not the only one excited to see him face up against our Warriors. As good as the Rockets are on paper, I think we have a decent chance to run them into the ground. In the past we've matched up well with them because of Van Gundy's slow style of play and Yao's speed or lack thereof. But now they have Rick Adelman as their head coach and their offense looks a little sharper.

The key to the game will rest on how hot TMac gets. If we can hold him to less then 30 points and not allow him to create for others, we can take them for sure. Pietrus and Jackson have the job of slowing him down with their height and length. Baron and Monta can use their speed to give him fits.

The Rockets will have a tough time matching up with the Warriors. We're simply too fast for them up and down the court especially if Nellie continues to go extremely small by starting Al at center. If the 3's can rain, the Rockets just can't compete.

I can't wait till tip off tonight!

I'll post the lyrics later ...

Predictions:

Warriors win by 3.
Rockets don't have an answer for Ellis who scores 25 points.
Baron hits the game winner... again for 3.
Yao gets his 10th double double of the year.
Al Harrington and Biedrins run circles around Yao.
At halftime they have the Chinese lady on the uni-bike, again!

Update (Atma Brother #1):

Warriors Win!! 113-104

Stay tuned for the Recap!

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Comments

Ming great??

Great youtube clips - never seen them before. Thanks.

But Ming as the greatest... ...huh? In seems to me that a pretty high percentage of those Ming highlights had the Rockets down or tied. Not saying that's Yao's fault, but...

Excited about the Warriors beating the Rockets - yes. Excited about Yao at the Oracle - no. Yao is a good player, but he puts me to sleep with boredom like most slow big men.

by oaktownchicken on Nov 29, 2007 12:53 PM PST 0 recs

lol @ stick-figure fans

hahaha...i wish i was tony.psd...now's a good time for a yao-looking stick figure.

by GameSix on Nov 29, 2007 1:03 PM PST up 0 recs

Beans

Call me crazy but I'd rather have Beans on my team then Yao.

I mean there is no way that you can come up with a better quote then this:

(Setting the scene: Beans dunks and hypes up the crowd) you shout: "Beans Give us the Gas!" and he then blocks a shot and then dunks on some fool at the other end of the court after having raced down the court at break-neck speed. Sick!

And think about this: Beans is almost 6 years younger then Yao, and if you look at their stat lines, Beans isn't all that much "worse" then Yao. Lower scoring average true, but all other averages are pretty close. Beans may not be a "dominating" center (yet) but he does some serious work down low.

Maybe I'm crazy... and possibly blinded by Dub Love... But I'd like Beans at every meal! (And by "meal" I mean playing center for the Dubs!)

GO Dubs!!!!!!!!!

"Hold It Down For The Bay Reppin Oakland" --Keak Da Sneak

by Section 233 Row 1 on Nov 29, 2007 1:33 PM PST 0 recs

Wait ... did you say Barnes over Yao?

What are you crazy? I can't reply to this ... there is no way you can possibly convince me to take Barnes over Yao ... even if Barnes came with Jessica Alba ... ok maybe Jessica ... but not straight up!

by YaoButtaMing on Nov 29, 2007 1:40 PM PST up 0 recs

Beans not Barnes

Biedrins comma Andris.

by Hash on Nov 29, 2007 1:46 PM PST up 0 recs

Still doesn't change ... Beans or Barnes =)

I think i'd still take Yao.
Let's make this a vote ...

by YaoButtaMing on Nov 29, 2007 2:01 PM PST up 0 recs

For this team?

Biedrins in a heartbeat. He's faster, more durable, younger, can dribble down the floor, and looks like Ivan Drago. Yao's an amazing offensive player and he's good on the glass, but his D is suspect and he's plodding as hell. He would deflate our team.

by Tenorca on Nov 29, 2007 2:31 PM PST up 0 recs

Also

I think Biedrins has better hands. Not sure Yao could handle some of the passes BD wings in there.

by Tenorca on Nov 29, 2007 2:37 PM PST up 0 recs

Wait till you see tonight ...

Yao's a lot faster then people give him credit for. His hands are better then Beans, watch the passes from Tmac and their pg. Plus, his passing ability is far superior. Also, watch tonight how Adelman has implemented a running team so he might surprise you. Plus, how many times have we seen teams double Beans? Never.

by YaoButtaMing on Nov 29, 2007 2:43 PM PST up 0 recs

I'm looking forward to tonight, definitely

The only thing you wrote I could possibly disagree with you on are Yao's hands. I recall him dropping a ton of passes the games I've watched him, but, admittedly, the sample size is small. I still think Biedrins is better for THIS WARRIORS TEAM. Yao's a better player, indeed, the second best center in the league (Dwight Howard is just unstoppable), but he could not play at the pace the Warriors do every night. I know the Rockets run, but the Warriors RUN. They ran the friggin Suns out the building. And again, Yao's D is suspect at best while Beans is getting better at a dramatic pace.

by Tenorca on Nov 29, 2007 2:54 PM PST up 0 recs

Beans > Yao

I don't know about you YaoButta, But I like the Beans Stat line better then the Yao stat line from last nights game...

What I like even better though is a Dubs Victory!

If only we had Huston last year instead of Utah...

Go Warriors!

"Hold It Down For The Bay Reppin Oakland" --Keak Da Sneak

by Section 233 Row 1 on Nov 30, 2007 11:25 AM PST up 0 recs

YaoButtaMing HEARTS YaoRocketMing

Love is cute :)
Yao is good, but not great.
Beans is good, but not great.
Beans is better than YaoRocketMing for the Warriors.
YaoRocketMing is better than Beans for YaoButtaMing.
YaoButtaMing posted a great youtube! For that reason alone (for today only) I'll say Yao is the best player in the NBA.
Aside from Baron!

by oaktownchicken on Nov 29, 2007 2:50 PM PST up 0 recs

LOL

I died laughing in my office when I read this. We'll see tonight. I agree, the dynamics of this team would change drastically if we had Yao, but it would be fun to watch ...

by YaoButtaMing on Nov 29, 2007 3:17 PM PST up 0 recs

I'll take andris

yao couldnt play offense in our system. we would have taken a shot already by the time yao trotts down the floor. And since his defense is also suspect, what good is he for us? Also his game is annoying as hell. He's the biggest guy in the NBA and all he does is that turn around/fadeaway jumper. (ok maybe thats not all he does, but thats his go to move) With his size he should be drop stepping and dunking on everyone. Have you seen the size of his legs? Yao is soft.
Ill take andris anyday

by ilubthedubs on Nov 29, 2007 3:17 PM PST up 0 recs

Funny

The only thing i find annoying when I watch basketball is guys who can't make a wide open shot.

I'll never get tired of ANY shot, ugly or not, that keeps going in. On the other hand, we're only 14 games into the season and I'm already tired with the 6/525252 we put up on 3s in some of the games we played this season.

by lightz0ut on Nov 29, 2007 3:29 PM PST up 0 recs

dont get me wrong

im annyoed with the abundance of 3's we were taking last night too when they werent going in. All i was trying to say is that with his size, he should have more of a power game, and its annoying to see him not utilize his size as much as he could. Its annoying to see someone with such a gift not use it. Hes a great shooter for a center and thats fine, but he would be more dominant if he wasnt so soft right?

by ilubthedubs on Nov 29, 2007 3:51 PM PST up 0 recs

Beans =AB

YaoButta... I'm surprised at your lack of Nelly-ism knowledge.... "Beans" is a classic!

Beans = Andris Biedrins

I look forward to the fury of the Yao fans who will be ripping me for taking Beans over Yao...

"Hold It Down For The Bay Reppin Oakland" --Keak Da Sneak

by Section 233 Row 1 on Nov 29, 2007 3:23 PM PST up 0 recs

Speaking of Yao Fans...

Man The arena's gonna be poppin' with Yao fans all over the building. I'm pretty used 2 it- Humble peeps no doubt. The past 3 games I done seen him- everytime Yao flashed his greatness upon the dubs, instead of Yao fans goin' super dumb crazy you'd get a humble round of applause that echoed across the building. Can't be mad at that- it's like the crowd was Humble Magnetic! Hope they don't hate at the Yao sign tonight LOL!

"Yes... Bean Stock was corrected after the pic!"

by Tony.psd on Nov 29, 2007 3:33 PM PST up 0 recs

AM I THE ONLY YAO FAN HERE?

hahaha! i meant Beans not Barnes ... i have a tendency to react too quickly so meant Beans.

but I love this debate. No doubt Yao is my favorite player ... i just wish he was on my favorite team!

by YaoButtaMing on Nov 29, 2007 4:08 PM PST up 0 recs

Yep...

I'd rather have Beans. Warriors had their way with Yao tonight. I love this team.

by Tenorca on Nov 29, 2007 11:01 PM PST up 0 recs

lmaoooo

hella funny vids

by singha on Nov 29, 2007 2:06 PM PST 0 recs

Tonight

the emotions will sparkle and our beloved warriors will play like warriors poets.They will show us what will can do against all odds.

by buky on Nov 29, 2007 3:27 PM PST 0 recs

Yao is Unstoppable, Baby

Hard to claim the same for Beans. You don't need him running the break. Barnett once said that Russell never left the post on a break. I love my beans, but I'd rather have the butta.

by eshock on Nov 29, 2007 3:37 PM PST 0 recs

Great Point!

I think people expect way too much over Yao. He's getting better so people should just admire him for what he is!

by YaoButtaMing on Nov 29, 2007 4:16 PM PST up 0 recs

How many TO's will Yao have tonight?

by ThermoElectro on Nov 29, 2007 3:52 PM PST 0 recs

Yao = over rated

I must be the only Yao Ming hater in Bay Area. Man this guy is getting way too much love. And for what?

Is he greatest center ever? HELL NO
Is the greatest center in the modern NBA era? NO
Is he best center our generation in the NBA? - No
Is he even the best center in league right now? - I'd argue that Howard and him are two best, with Yao getting a slight edge due to his FT prowls.

For all those stat geeks out there here is some info I got off of basketball-reference.com about Yao and who each of his first three seasons compare to. A score of 948 would be a perfect match under their system.

2002-03. Rik Smits, 1989-90 (904)
2003-04. Ralph Sampson, 1983-84 (899)
2004-05. Ralph Sampson, 1983-84 (903)
2005-06. Rik Smits, 1994-95 (919)
2006-07. Rik Smits, 1995-96 (893)

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mingya01.html

Seriously, Yao has only had one season were he's averaged over 10 or mores rebounds per game and was the 05-06. For his career he barely averages 2.0 blocks per game. If you look at the nba's greatest season for blocks per game you'll notice that Yao can't even crack the top 100 (see link below).

http://tinyurl.com/yqwyds

I just don't get all the Yao love... can one of you guys explain it to me? My main point is that this current generation of centers is void of a deference maker like Wilt, Russell, Karim, Walton, Olajuwon, Robinson or Shaq. Though Ming and Howard are the best of the best, do you really want to be praising a guy who's best season match up to Rik Smits?

by mcwalter44 on Nov 29, 2007 3:55 PM PST 0 recs

opps... wrong tiny url link

http://tinyurl.com/286kp8

by mcwalter44 on Nov 29, 2007 3:59 PM PST up 0 recs

Ugh, Rik Smits, really?

I remember the great dane went bald to look tougher. Funniest ish ever.

Best duo since...

by Tim N Chris Burger on Nov 29, 2007 4:44 PM PST up 0 recs

Overrated? Really?

come on ...

No one ever said he was the best ever ... nor has anyone ever said he's the best of our generation.
Look at those statistics. He's getting better every single year! And he's always on the list of potential MVP'ers for the year!
Look at what the guy has had to go through coming from China to here. Think of all the bashing he took from media and players the day he stepped onto the NBA court.
He's an ambassador of the game. He's always been a standup guy so why wouldn't you like him?

So basically it's very easy to root for a nice guy who's had to deal with a huge cultural change and guess what ... is an MVP runner for this year!

by YaoButtaMing on Nov 29, 2007 4:52 PM PST up 0 recs

Second of all ...

you don't think Nellie would pick Yao before Beans even for this system? You play based on your players ... we don't have an offensive center so of course we are more guard oriented. How AWESOME would this team be:

pg: Baron
sg: Ellis
sf: Jackson
pf: Harrington
C : Yao

Our offense would be just as good but our D would be even better.

by YaoButtaMing on Nov 29, 2007 5:09 PM PST up 0 recs

Yao Debate

Would Nellie want Yao over Biedrins? Of course, Yao is an older and more polished player that what he was trotting out in Dallas with S. Bradley. That's not my point. My point is that he isn't an MVP. An MVP does let his team collapse when T-Mac gets hurt. Notice that they didn't start winning again until T-Mac came back. I'd argue that Yao isn't even the MVP on his own team let a lone his his division or the league for that matter.

Another point, like most of the bloggers here I've seen my far share of Yao game both live and on TV and I'm impressed by his how strong he is for a guy that's 7'6", because guys that tall tend be more like Manute Bol than Shaq. However, he's freakin' 7'6" yet barely grabs 10 boards game despite playing 35 minutes each night. It's not like he's so frail that he get bullied out of rebounding position. It's not like he doesn't have an advantage with his height and wing span and though we know he'll never jump out of the roof, it isn't like he can't jump at all. So, then why isn't he a rebounding machine? Is it a lack of desire, fundamentals, bad luck? I don't know, but I am just not sold on him being great.

I think Rik Smits is a fair comparison in that Yao is an above average center who has the potential to be much more of an impact, but for some odd reason isn't.

by mcwalter44 on Nov 29, 2007 7:13 PM PST up 0 recs

Yao love

I don't know about YaoButta, but as a Chinese guy who loves to hoop, I am just damn glad that Yao has made the impact he has. You know how many Chinese guys we get to root for in professional sports? Blacks, whites, and Latins have hundreds, if not thousands. We get Yao, Yi, and Chien-Ming Wang. This might sound completely irrelevant if you haven't been in these shoes, but it's not if you are. So it doesn't really matter if Yao is truly great... what kicks ass is that he's an impact player.

I am still the shortest guy on every court I step onto (5'7"), and if you get a bunch of Asians on a team, odds are good that they'll all be guards. So we get by with some good shooting and try to play as all-around a game as we can.

It is just way cool to see a big Chinese man out there swatting. Even if he doesn't make the all time top 100 in that category. I can't swat anybody.

by achiappanza on Nov 29, 2007 11:12 PM PST up 0 recs

Two things of note:

I heard Fitz say (on the radio post-game) that Nelson was going to try a different tactic on Yao than the Harrington gimmick. Nelson, of course, could be lying to him.
Luther Head hasn't played the last two games and played 4 minutes the game before that. The Rockets won those 3 games. Does Adleman play him now? I say yes. Less due to the fact/perception that he's a Warrior killer and more due to the fact that they are also on the back end of a back-to-back.

by bloodsweatndonuts on Nov 29, 2007 4:34 PM PST 0 recs

I'm shocked

that people would choose Beans over Yao. I would say Yao is better offensively and defensively. Beans might be faster, but that doesnt mean Yao couldnt get into shape. Harrington and Jackson took a long time to adjust to the system before they finally got into shape. I think the argument is actually pretty ridiculous.

we will miss your j rich

by ripjrich on Nov 29, 2007 6:24 PM PST 0 recs

HD

this game really on HD?

my comcast guide says College Basketball for channel 720? Anyone else?

by InNellie WeTrust on Nov 29, 2007 6:54 PM PST 0 recs

i dont think so

same at my house. im pretty sure i got the suns game in hd though... mabye they made a mistake on the schedy

by STIX on Nov 29, 2007 7:27 PM PST up 0 recs

qwert

I predict us winning this quite easily, with some solid defence it can very easily be done. Our speed will carry us past them no doubt! Would love to see the rook's get some decent time but idoubt this is gonna happen 2nite
btw has anyone seen the boston - new york score, Celts are hammering them 77- 37 with around 4 mins of the 3rd left. Does anyone know what the lowest score a teams ever got in an NBA match?? I could see them getting around 50!

by UKgswfan on Nov 29, 2007 6:58 PM PST 0 recs

back to back

think back to our previous back to back games? did anything come easy?

by InNellie WeTrust on Nov 29, 2007 7:01 PM PST up 0 recs

now

it's ballooned up to 100-51. What's the biggest point discrepancy in a game so far? Because this margin has to beat it.

We're all B.D.'s sidekicks. He's got like five sidekicks. We're like the Power Rangers. - Al

by Caught Backcourt on Nov 29, 2007 7:40 PM PST up 0 recs

asdf

Oops. That was meant for UKgswfan.

We're all B.D.'s sidekicks. He's got like five sidekicks. We're like the Power Rangers. - Al

by Caught Backcourt on Nov 29, 2007 7:42 PM PST up 0 recs

heyy does

nebody know where i can get a live feed? my grandmas house dont got freakin fsnbay area!please the help would be nice.

by GSwarrior on Nov 29, 2007 7:19 PM PST 0 recs

asdf

Franko choked next to the hottie. haha.

by STIX on Nov 29, 2007 7:25 PM PST 0 recs

HD

I WANT MY HD!

lakjfldkjflakfjaldfkjadf

f- fsn hd
f- nfl network
f- yao

by InNellie WeTrust on Nov 29, 2007 7:32 PM PST 0 recs

At least you get to watch it on tv

I got to sneak peaks on nba.com vid feed on the computer at work. Shhhhh. My boss might catch me.

Best duo since...

by Tim N Chris Burger on Nov 29, 2007 7:38 PM PST 0 recs

final

score was 104 - 59 :s absolutly crazy! There top scorer was richardson with points! Hate to be a Knicks fan right now!
go dubs!!!

by UKgswfan on Nov 29, 2007 7:44 PM PST 0 recs

woops

richardson got 7 points**

by UKgswfan on Nov 29, 2007 7:44 PM PST 0 recs

nice start

15 to 3. smells like a butt whoopin..... lets keep it up.

by STIX on Nov 29, 2007 7:51 PM PST 0 recs

Is it just me

or ALL game live casts are not working??? Yahoo Game Channel, NBA box score, espn game cast... are all out!

F**K REFS!!!

by faetati on Nov 29, 2007 7:52 PM PST 0 recs

woah

17 - 3!!!!
maybe were gnna try and outdo the Celts and beat the rockets by about 60 points! i can dream!

by UKgswfan on Nov 29, 2007 7:55 PM PST 0 recs

Is it just me,

or does this line up look like the best five we can put on the floor at one time?

by Jeremy Belvins on Nov 29, 2007 7:55 PM PST 0 recs

Live Feed

I live in Salt Lake and have to search the net every game for a live feed. Found one....

http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=2712&part=sports

The telecast is in chinese. But, that's what the mute button is for!

by Dr Chavez on Nov 29, 2007 7:59 PM PST 0 recs

how do i

get that to work?

by curtischin on Nov 29, 2007 8:11 PM PST up 0 recs

those videos

are great!

Hey fool, this ain't no football game!

by J2daZ on Nov 29, 2007 8:14 PM PST 0 recs

TVKoo

You have to download the player onto your desktop.
Then double click on it, and it'll come up. they have listings on the right.

---> cable TV Channels
----> NBA (50853)

if you double click on the NBA link it should come right up.

by Dr Chavez on Nov 29, 2007 8:16 PM PST 0 recs

Score??

Anyone out there have an update?

I pray i never have to use a gun again.

by ssmokinjoe on Nov 29, 2007 8:29 PM PST 0 recs

here it is

43-40 DUbs

by Dr Chavez on Nov 29, 2007 8:32 PM PST 0 recs

score as of 2:23 left in the 2nd:

52-42 up

by curtischin on Nov 29, 2007 8:39 PM PST 0 recs

1:16 left in the 2nd

55-49
technicals on both T-mac and Cap'n Jack

by curtischin on Nov 29, 2007 8:43 PM PST 0 recs

qwert

59-50 half time to us.

Anyone watching it on TV??
how we doing??

by UKgswfan on Nov 29, 2007 8:44 PM PST 0 recs

baron is killin it

plus he got few minutes breather at the end of the half. Got 3 fouls, tho.

Best duo since...

by Tim N Chris Burger on Nov 29, 2007 8:46 PM PST up 0 recs

halftime

warriors up 59-50

by curtischin on Nov 29, 2007 8:45 PM PST 0 recs

59-50 at the half

we got a turnover to end the quarter, or it would've been 61

by Dr Chavez on Nov 29, 2007 8:46 PM PST 0 recs

Curtischin

did you get the player working?

by Dr Chavez on Nov 29, 2007 8:46 PM PST 0 recs

yeah i did

thanks a lot

by curtischin on Nov 29, 2007 9:08 PM PST up 0 recs

ARGH

Bad monta showed up again on the last few posssesions to end the half.

Took it into trouble twice and rushed poor passes.

its freakin beautiful to see him shoot J's, but absolutely painful to see him initiate the halfcourt

24 > 23

WE NEED A BACKUP POINT GUARD

AIM: Jetforze

by OptionZero on Nov 29, 2007 8:54 PM PST 0 recs

Yao and MacGrady

How are they doing and who's sticking them?

I pray i never have to use a gun again.

by ssmokinjoe on Nov 29, 2007 8:56 PM PST 0 recs

Harrington and Andris were taking turns on Yao

now it's mostly Harrington. Although they tried Mbenga and it killed the Warriors offense. Harrington is doing a great job and so was Andris.

Jackson is guarding McGrady and both of them are doing a good job fouling each other and not getting calls. Oh and they both got Ts as a result.

by bloodsweatndonuts on Nov 29, 2007 9:05 PM PST up 0 recs

cool

If i remember correctly, Harrington was also sucessful against Yao last year. Looks like some Nellie magic going on there.

I pray i never have to use a gun again.

by ssmokinjoe on Nov 29, 2007 9:09 PM PST up 0 recs

aa

70-55 up, with just over 8mins left in the 3rd, looking like a healthy lead that we can maintain atm

by UKgswfan on Nov 29, 2007 9:08 PM PST 0 recs

warriors up

70-55

by curtischin on Nov 29, 2007 9:10 PM PST 0 recs

this game makes me sad

if only Utah lost to Houston... then we would have a chance to make it past the second round.

by saintdee on Nov 29, 2007 9:10 PM PST 0 recs

for some reason

im thinking it wouldof been better if we played houston in last years playoffs than utah. wouldof been a hell of a series..

by GSwarrior on Nov 29, 2007 9:11 PM PST 0 recs

"for some reason"

we've been saying this since the night of Game 6

It's almost like the Warriors have 6 guys out there... they always have a guy open! - Jon Barry commentating game 3 last year

by gsw4life on Nov 30, 2007 2:59 AM PST up 0 recs

fasDf

warriors +19

by curtischin on Nov 29, 2007 9:14 PM PST 0 recs

is it me or

do i see when jackson posts up, there is a wide open harrington everytime but yet passes to him 1 out of 4 times everytime? but what do i know were winning. lets go warriors.

by GSwarrior on Nov 29, 2007 9:25 PM PST 0 recs