OPEN THREAD: Warriors vs. Atlanta - Time to get ill!

by dj fuzzylogic on Feb 22, 2008 3:59 PM PST in Previews

Warriors (W-L): 33-21

Atlanta (W-L): 21-30

Time: 7:30PM PST tip off

TV:FSN

The Warriors host A-town tonight in Oaktown!

Despite the wide margin of difference in their records, the two teams are perhaps more similar than we think. In a basketball sense, they're both athletic. But pop culturally, both cities local music scenes have had a huge impact on hip-hop and r'n'b over the last 15 years. Who can forget LaFace records in Atlanta (home of 90s giants TLC, Tony Braxton, Babyface, and Whitney Houston) or the turn of the 21st century trend, Crunk. Us bayheads of course know about hyphy, mobbin' music, high-sidin', Master P, Digital Underground, 2pac, and some of the funkiest funk bands you'll ever hear in the world.

Too bad tonight isn't a battle of musical chops.

And even though the Atlanta Hawks are a pretty low-interest team for most, tonight's game still matters.

It matters in the sense that the Warriors are a .600 team and are in 9th place in the conference standing. Any other year, being .600 means your at least a 7th seed or maybe a 6th seed. But a low lottery pick??? That's crazy.

In less than a year, the new mantra of the NBA has moved from it's youth movement and planning for the future towards re-adjusting it's focus on the NBA's elderstatemens, mega-stars in the twilights of their careers. Whereas the Mitch Richmond, Karl Malone, Gary Payton experiments by the Lakers a few years back was laughed at for a variety of reasons, Joe Smith, a bust in my opinion, at 32, is considered an upgrade over Drew Gooden for Lebron and company, according to John Hollinger on ESPN.com. Mike Bibby and Shawn Marion, in the same article this morning on ESPN.com, were considered ONLY 29. Both Vince Carter and Antawn Jamison, if my memory servces me correct, were seen as going downhill last year at 29 years of age when critics and fans spoke of their free-agency status.

The Warriors stayed put, not picking up any veteran savvy 29+ year olds. Nor were they like those teams on the other end, picking up on youngsters like creepy old guys at the clubs. Atlanta, you could say, improved itself much by getting Mike Bibby, a shoot first guard on a team with plenty of scorers already. But given the conditions now, the Warriors have a little more to worry about tonight given that ever game counts already in a fully loaded western conference. Plus, given the Warriors usual lackadasical play after a an exciting win, I have a premonition that tonight will be tougher than our record indicates. AND if Biedrins is out and Jax is day-to-day, who's going to step up in their absence? Things are looking riskier already.

Predictions:

* Warriors by 1
* Harrington scores 27
* Brandan Wright gets some burn, but doesn't get off the bench in the second half
* CWebb has his best night yet with extra playing time. 12-6-3
* Josh Childress' homecoming proves disasterous. But he has one highlight worthy dunk on someone.

What are your predictions and feelings about the Warriors tonight? Click on 'comments' and join the fun tonight!

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Comments

Warriors by 5

I see that Hawks keeping the game close, but finding a way to blow it. The Warriors, as always, play up, or in this case play down, to their competition. Look for low scoring first quarter follow by 3 strong 30+ point quarters. for a 110-105 Warriors win.

by mcwalter44 on Feb 22, 2008 4:06 PM PST 0 recs

Stay Classy Golden State!

Hopefully Jim won't get mad!

by Tony.psd on Feb 22, 2008 4:31 PM PST 0 recs

too sweet!!!!

I think Jim would enjoy this.

by Psion on Feb 22, 2008 5:51 PM PST up 0 recs

in reference to your hip-hop influence comment.

http://www.sfweekly.com/2008-02-20/news/the-demise-of-hyphy/

long read but i found it very interesting.

by jchao204 on Feb 22, 2008 4:53 PM PST 0 recs

that

was pretty interesting i must say

by singha on Feb 22, 2008 10:03 PM PST up 0 recs

hyphy was a fad

give too short some lov

by sing sing supernote on Feb 22, 2008 4:55 PM PST 0 recs

loss by 6

joe johnson lights up from the 3 point line and drops 6 treys

by saintdee on Feb 22, 2008 5:31 PM PST 0 recs

Even though we did nothing at the deadline........

I still have to thank Mully and Nellie that this is no longer the Warriors situation....

http://www.flyergroup.com/sports/local_story_051184602.html?keyword=topstory

Aha Pacer Fans!! Serves you right for your ridiculous actions in the past.

I still believe that the Dubs should try and sign Artest in the off season. Oh Boy! Diddy+Ellis+Artest+Jack+Beans=Championship

OakFoSho

by Sneaky275 on Feb 22, 2008 6:10 PM PST 0 recs

I hope. . .

Matt redeems himself tonight. We all know, even he knows, that he could've cost us the game vs the celtics. Even after BD's shot he was the only one who wasn't really celebrating.

by warriorgirl on Feb 22, 2008 6:19 PM PST 0 recs

Warriors by 11

I think since we are not in the playoffs we'll play better.
Nice Sign Tony.psd.

Proud Sponsor Of: The San Jose Giants Baseball Team 2008 is gonna be big! http://www.greenlightjerky.com

by GreenLightJerky on Feb 22, 2008 6:28 PM PST 0 recs

drew gooden? why?

Drew Gooden is horrible. Check out his PER. Lead the league in rebounds? What are you smoking?

by mikey J on Feb 22, 2008 6:43 PM PST 0 recs

LaFace

How are you going to mention LaFace and not mention OutKast?????

Dubs by 13
BabyFace goes for 28
CWebb breaks double figures

by Baby Face Assassin on Feb 22, 2008 7:04 PM PST 0 recs

Thank you Bulls

the bulls have put away Denver. A win tonight will give us sole possession of 8th. On another note, Houston just keeps on rolling as they abuse the Hornets on the road for their 11th straight win.

by racsan on Feb 22, 2008 7:28 PM PST 0 recs

so so news

i would of thought it'd go the opposite. didn't watch the game, but that +30 +/- stat for Yao Ming is insane.

by the evil monkey on Feb 22, 2008 7:33 PM PST up 0 recs

hornets

are dropping back to Earth just like Portland.

by saintdee on Feb 22, 2008 7:32 PM PST 0 recs

do you mean "are going to drop"

they had won 5 straight before tonight and are still atop the western conference.

wouldn't be surprised if they did, but it'd been nice if they'd beaten the rockets before dropping.

though, assuming the dubs are an 8th seed at best, i'd rather see them at #1 than the lakers.

by the evil monkey on Feb 22, 2008 7:37 PM PST up 0 recs

Injuries...

Obviously no Beans, but no Stack Jack either for the second straight game. Looks like Pietrus should be expecting an extended amount of PT again tonight.

by Sass Ole 9 on Feb 22, 2008 7:38 PM PST 0 recs

Tundrea Keys to the Game

Rocky
Lord of the Rings
Unforgiven

by sunghan on Feb 22, 2008 7:43 PM PST 0 recs

Good hustle Pietrus

Good pass Webber

"Monta is the MAN." -Bob Fitzgerald

by WarriorForLife on Feb 22, 2008 7:44 PM PST 0 recs

links

to watch the game anyone know it. thanx

by bioecon on Feb 22, 2008 7:44 PM PST 0 recs

link to watch

www.channelsurfing.net

F**K REFS!!!

by faetati on Feb 22, 2008 7:53 PM PST up 0 recs

Ugh...

too many 3 pt shot attempts. I'd like to see some more driving to the hoop like the celtics game.

by sunghan on Feb 22, 2008 7:47 PM PST 0 recs

monta

looks completely clueless on defense. even worse than usual

by AJC3317 on Feb 22, 2008 7:50 PM PST 0 recs

Damn

no ball movement, everyone is playing 1 on 1

by rush735 on Feb 22, 2008 7:50 PM PST 0 recs

bad

this game looks like a loss.. should i watch celtics versus suns instead?

by saintdee on Feb 22, 2008 7:52 PM PST 0 recs

Pietrus steal + assist

I should start mentioning every good thing he does like everyone else mentions every bad thing

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 Feb 22, 2008 7:52 PM PST 0 recs

I want to see Brandan Wright

Please.

by Sass Ole 9 on Feb 22, 2008 7:53 PM PST 0 recs

playin like crap

lucky to be a 3 point game

by Athletix Man on Feb 22, 2008 7:55 PM PST 0 recs

Oh lord

We need a freakin' center! None of the guys playing right now are used to play by the board hence the reason why the hawks are driving for dear life

by warriorgirl on Feb 22, 2008 7:57 PM PST 0 recs

Webber

has been improving every game.

Nelson knows it would be stupid to demand 4th quarter defense the entire game, the Warriors would just tire out and go down with injuries.

But maybe he could tell the Warriors to play intense defense for the first quarter. Because for one, maybe it would help us get over our poor starts, for another it wouldn't allow a weak opponent to gain confidence early.

All I know is without intensity like they show against elite teams in the first quarter they might as well spot the opponent ten points and some confidence.

by belilaugh on Feb 22, 2008 8:01 PM PST 0 recs

down double digits

to an inferior team. no surprise there

by AJC3317 on Feb 22, 2008 8:05 PM PST 0 recs

so tired of barnes

by Athletix Man on Feb 22, 2008 8:05 PM PST 0 recs

everyone

is not playing well. deficit can't be blamed on any player.

by teenychristinie on Feb 22, 2008 8:07 PM PST 0 recs

yep

everyone looks like a step slow tonight

by nautica on Feb 22, 2008 8:08 PM PST up 0 recs

nice.

blowout time.. except we're the victim.

by saintdee on Feb 22, 2008 8:07 PM PST 0 recs

pietrus actually isnt doin that bad

yes as a team they are doing bad, it doesnt help that barnes as been consitently bad all year.

by Athletix Man on Feb 22, 2008 8:09 PM PST 0 recs

the

rookie is in!

by jdmsir20 on Feb 22, 2008 8:11 PM PST 0 recs

i'm sorry but

this team is not gonna make the playoffs if they keep coming out with pathetic efforts like this. yeah they may come back to win tonight but sooner or later it's gonna bite them in the ass, and in the west one or two bad losses will kill u. it's unbelieveable to me that this team still does not have any sense of urgency even when they've lost some bad games and they're in a tight playoff race

by AJC3317 on Feb 22, 2008 8:12 PM PST 0 recs

well

its worse then usual cause we don't have jackson and biedrins. But we usually do better against better teams... or at least we don't look that bad unless the team is portland.

by saintdee on Feb 22, 2008 8:15 PM PST up 0 recs

dubs are like the knicks tonight

no interior defense.

by the evil monkey on Feb 22, 2008 8:15 PM PST 0 recs

Hot

Wax

by Sass Ole 9 on Feb 22, 2008 8:16 PM PST 0 recs

ha

yeah monta looks pretty crazy with that on

by jdmsir20 on Feb 22, 2008 8:16 PM PST 0 recs

harrington

needs to sit. he's building a freakin house with all those bricks

by AJC3317 on Feb 22, 2008 8:19 PM PST 0 recs

croshere needs to sit with him

by nautica on Feb 22, 2008 8:20 PM PST up 0 recs

agreed..

Al is forcing everything.

by Hyper112 on Feb 22, 2008 8:21 PM PST up 0 recs

Brandan Wright Son!

Could the appendectomy help us in the long run? People always talk about planning for the future...

by Sass Ole 9 on Feb 22, 2008 8:19 PM PST 0 recs

Brandon Wright is Dominating the Boards....

This is what I am talking about, and this is what I want to see the rest of the season with Brandon. Now could the rest of the team besides BW and Baron start playing some basketball please.

Wins vs Celts, Hornets, Lakers, Suns, Spurs

Loses vs. T-Wolves, Chicago, Atlanta?

Evidence the Dubz play to the level of their opponent every night.

OakFoSho

by Sneaky275 on Feb 22, 2008 8:24 PM PST 0 recs

Atlanta actually has owned the dubs

before Horford & Bibby.....

by the evil monkey on Feb 22, 2008 8:31 PM PST up 0 recs

Memo to Webber

If your teammate already has the rebound, stop taking it away from them. You are slowing down the break.

by soem on Feb 22, 2008 8:25 PM PST 0 recs

Wright out for Barnes

He saw some good goin on, way to change that

by Athletix Man on Feb 22, 2008 8:26 PM PST 0 recs

barnes in, wright out

what the hell is up with that?

by AJC3317 on Feb 22, 2008 8:27 PM PST 0 recs

because barnes has been playing well

oh wait...

by nautica on Feb 22, 2008 8:28 PM PST up 0 recs

actually

it's because wright has been playing well and nellie doesn't believe in rookies playing well so he had to put a stop to it

by AJC3317 on Feb 22, 2008 8:31 PM PST up 0 recs

wow

andris and Jax, we need you guys

Welcome to Oracle.

by tadams1080 on Feb 22, 2008 8:27 PM PST 0 recs

When was the last time

that the Warriors weren't something like 2-12 from beyond the arc? Early in the game, they just don't make threes.

If the Warriors want to come back from a twenty point deficit, they have to play defense. No way around it. They can't hope the Hawks get very cold while they get very hot.

I'm BEGGING them to play defense.

by belilaugh on Feb 22, 2008 8:28 PM PST 0 recs

If all they're going to do is

jack up 3's and play no defense for the rest of the night, they might as well bring in belinelli for that.

by nautica on Feb 22, 2008 8:30 PM PST 0 recs

well

they pretty much do that every night. sometimes the 3's just go down more often.

I pray i never have to use a gun again.

by ssmokinjoe on Feb 22, 2008 8:33 PM PST up 0 recs

cool

just saw some gsom heads in the college section

by jojo4o8 on Feb 22, 2008 8:31 PM PST 0 recs

Ellis

should be getting more points, no one on ATL should be able to stop him.

by greala on Feb 22, 2008 8:31 PM PST 0 recs

yea

bring beli in. Someone needs to start a Beli chant at oracle.

I bet you the warriors are thinking that they'll make the 3rd quarter comeback. Too bad it'll be the infamous 3rd quarter collapse after the half.. down by 25 at the 4th is more like it.

by saintdee on Feb 22, 2008 8:32 PM PST 0 recs

So what you're saying is...

epic fourth quarter comeback?

by belilaugh on Feb 22, 2008 8:33 PM PST up 0 recs

Last year,

whenever a game looked like it was going to get out of hand, J-Rich would come in and hit three threes in a row. Oh how I miss those days.

by belilaugh on Feb 22, 2008 8:32 PM PST 0 recs

WELL DONE

PIETRUS! No sarcasm, very nice hustle even if you weren't rewarded.

by belilaugh on Feb 22, 2008 8:35 PM PST 0 recs

when will nellie learn

wright and azubuike have played well, barnes and pietrus have not. try playing the guys who are playing well

by AJC3317 on Feb 22, 2008 8:37 PM PST 0 recs

Wright

plays well...and what does he get?..PINE!

warriors dont fish they hunt!

by VonteegoCummings on Feb 22, 2008 8:38 PM PST 0 recs

wow

warriors games really aren't for the faint of heart... I don't know how much of this inconsistency I can take... I feel like im just 101% pissed off for 46 minutes of the game until they somehow pull out a win in the last two minutes...

by dandydaniel on Feb 22, 2008 8:40 PM PST 0 recs

nice

down 18... better than 23 ::rolls eyes::

by saintdee on Feb 22, 2008 8:40 PM PST 0 recs

no effort

people walking all over the court, not challenging shooters, chucking contested threes. pathetic performance once again

by AJC3317 on Feb 22, 2008 8:40 PM PST 0 recs

the team is braindead

they should just announce when they're not going to show up and play and save the fans from having to watching this crap.

by nautica on Feb 22, 2008 8:42 PM PST up 0 recs

barnes and pietrus

double trouble

warriors dont fish they hunt!

by VonteegoCummings on Feb 22, 2008 8:41 PM PST 0 recs

monta

needs an easy lay up to get him going. Its gonna take a monster game from BOTH him and Baron for us to even have a chance

warriors dont fish they hunt!

by VonteegoCummings on Feb 22, 2008 8:43 PM PST 0 recs

I ask God every night

Why didn't we trade Pietrus? Even my boy, Matt at this point.

by warriorgirl on Feb 22, 2008 8:43 PM PST 0 recs

matt and pietrus

yeah. i've been wanting pietrus gone for months thought. i really love matt barnes but... he's not really doing much for the team anymore. mayber he's lost his drive because his mom died (RIP Ann Barnes)

by warriors22rock22 on Feb 23, 2008 2:53 PM PST up 0 recs

Are we

going to waive CJ? is he even @ the game tonight?

warriors dont fish they hunt!

by VonteegoCummings on Feb 22, 2008 8:47 PM PST 0 recs

in other news

celts....30 points at the half

warriors dont fish they hunt!

by VonteegoCummings on Feb 22, 2008 8:50 PM PST 0 recs

I dunno

Even the mighty oracle can't save us today. We need Beans and Jax ASAP. Denver and houston lost today and we have to win this one! somehow....

brb, going to ORACLE

by warrior510 on Feb 22, 2008 8:53 PM PST 0 recs

houston won tonight

but it all doesn't matter if we can't even beat atlanta

by nautica on Feb 22, 2008 8:55 PM PST up 0 recs

ooops

correction.... Houston won ..damn it my bad

brb, going to ORACLE

by warrior510 on Feb 22, 2008 8:55 PM PST up 0 recs

I still believe

I know that the Warriors can get back into this game easy if they just pick up the intensity on defense. Atlanta hasn't been knocked down at all this game. I'd like to see if this group of young guys can keep their confidence up if the Warriors clamp down on D. The only problem is now they have Mike Bibby, who seems to love hitting the three against the Warriors and is very resilient. So clamp down on D AND make someone other than Bibby beat you, and we'll be fine.

Hopefully this isn't just wishful thinking.

And hopefully Don Nelson lights a fire under the Warriors' asses at halftime. I've only seen heart from Baron, and surprisingly Pietrus right now.

by belilaugh on Feb 22, 2008 8:56 PM PST 0 recs