Golden State Warriors (13-19) at Miami Heat (25-9)
TV: CSN Bay Area | Radio: KNBR 680
Tipoff 4:30pm
Blog Buddy: Peninsula Is Mightier
Happy New Year everybody! What a way to start 2011: in Miami (then Orlando after this). Dwyane Wade has scored 40 points in each of his last two games. Can he become the first player to score 40 in three games or more since Kobe Bryant a few years ago?
Oh, and don't underestimate the power of playing against the team that let you go. Dorell Wright has put together a nice string of games.
The last time the Warriors faced the Heat, it was the as-advertised showtime Heat, with dunks galore by LeBron James and Wade, a solid performance by Chris Bosh, and a 22-point loss by the Dubs.
Here are some sub-plots going into this one:
Dorell Wright: Statement game? Remember, he has to guard LeBron.
Dwyane Wade: 40 x 3?
Ekpe Udoh: More burn? Last meeting, it was supposed to be Udoh's debut but he didn't play.
Lou Amundson: I looked at his numbers vs Udoh's and it seems that Keith Smart is just going with whomever plays better that given night. Unfortunately the rebounding totals of Lou and Udoh combined are not that great. So, who plays better tonight?
Stephen Curry: Steph was hurt the last time out vs Miami. He should come out gunning on Carlos Arroyo and milk that matchup to death. The more agile and physical Mario Chalmers will probably end up playing more minutes, however.
Monta Ellis: Monta vs Wade. Should be fun.
Since last time these two teams met, the poll for how many blocks Udoh would get in his debut was irrelevant, we'll put it back up!