A 20 point win against playoff hopeful Minnesnowta Timberwolves? We'll take it!
Andris Biedrins whispers into Troy Hudson's ear:
"I see dead wolves..."
(AP Photo/George Nikitin)
There was a LOT to like tonight:
DEFENSE!
Did the Warriors just hold a team to 86 points? Did the Warriors just put the clamps on a team for 4 straight quarters? Did the Warriors just hold a team to under 36% shooting from the field and under 16% from downtown? Did the Warriors just play a game without some random player having a career night? Yes, yes, yes, and YESSSSSS! (You can tell I'm sick of random scrubs lighting us up.)
Attack of the killer The City bees!
(AP Photo/George Nikitin)
JRich's All Around Game
Pretty much everyone on this squad can put points on the board. However, not everyone on this team can pass and rebound. JR had a poor shooting night, but his passing (8 assists) and work on the glass (7 boards) really helped the Dubs do some major damage out there. It's nice to see Jason adjusting his game to provide this team with some major help in the problem areas.
DID YOU SEE JR'S INSANE BEHIND THE BACKBOARD DUNK TONIGHT?!
Uh-huh, just like you saw Wilt's 100 point game on TV.
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
Managing Minutes
Because the bench stepped up big time (Monta and MP2 especially) Nellie was able to keep the minutes of starters Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson, and Al Harrington all below 30 tonight. When was the last time you could say over half the starters played less than 30 minutes and the Warriors won? The Warriors better be ready for tomorrow night's battle in Seattle. Fatigue should not be an issue.
We could complain about the Warriors getting out rebounded by a margin of 8 or that they only went to the charity stripe 18 times to the TWolves' astonishing 38 visits, but... but... who cares? It's a win. A BIG WIN.
WARNING: What foolish GM's do to great players.
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
Tonight was a nice win, but let's not get too carried away. The Warriors didn't gain any ground on the Clippers or Hornets as they both were victorious tonight. Make no mistake the Warriors are in the midst of a nightly battle for their playoff lives. A nice win streak will do wonders and a nasty losing streak will send this team to the all too familiar NBA Lottery. Enjoy this win tonight Warriors Nation, but remember the playoff war continues tomorrow night in Seattle...
Off the bench and off the hook. Monta Ellis did big thangs tonight with 24 points (11 for 18 FG's), 6 dimes to 3 turnovers, and 3 steals.