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A little calm before the storm after Christmas Break and New Years did not deter the Warriors from gearing up for what was the biggest regular season game of the season. Although at this point, the next game is and should be treated as the biggest and most important game of the season.
After the Dubs buried the Clippers in an avalanche of threes, depth and David Lee, the interweb also exploded with new pieces on player profiles and analysis. But you didn't come here to read a thousand words from me.
Interviews
The first is Sam Amick's interview with the always-honest Joe Lacob (click here for a live interview). Always an entertaining interviewee, he talks about his thoughts on the Dubs this season. Arbitrary Andrew Bogut news as well. Very weird that nobody seems to care about Bogut's injury right now. Winning helps.
The second is Tim Kawakami's take on Jarrett Jack and his impact on the team so far this season. This won't be the last piece on him.
Awards
Chris Paul for MVP, Miami Heat title favorites, more lessons learned - NBA - Ian Thomsen - SI.com
LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Marc Gasol, Jarrett Jack, and the NBA's mid-season awards - Grantland
Because there must be stuff written on awards that don't really matter, Ian Thomsen of Sports Illustrated and Zach Lowe of Grantland (also a Part II) do an amazing job of making cases for MVPs, Sixth Man of the Year and Coach of the Year. Unlike in previous years, there might be Warriors-related names.
Analysis
Courtesy of Nate Parham and Ed Bemiss, the first link is an interesting look at player rankings and values adjusted. The player rating is similar to the baseball equivalent of WAR (Wins Above Replacement) or even something like Win Shares. It involves quantifying a player and showing their value if they are out of the team's lineup.
David Lee Is Propelling Golden State Warriors Beyond Expectations | Bleacher Report
Ethan Sherwood Strauss of Bleacher Report breaks down David Lee's underrated passing ability. Even though his ambidextrous flip shots and elbow set-shot "jumpers" are automatic, it's his interior passing that has destroyed opposing defenses all season.
NBA Shootaround: The Jackson Five - The Triangle Blog - Grantland
Grantland does Grantland and talks Warriors. This is good.
Clippers at Warriors: Steph Curry and Klay Thompson Rain Down Threes - BBALLBREAKDOWN
Coach Nick of BBallBreakdown does a video analyzation of the game and focuses on the Curry and Klay Thompson's shooting prowess. While I don't agree with some of his previous points (his disdain for Russell Westbrook as a player) his constant shots at Jamal Crawford's defense is hilarious. Crawford was the embodiment of what the Dubs were the past few seasons; terrible defense and lack of hustle overshadowed by a few flashy moves and finishes. Monta Ellis, anyone?
Miscellaneous
A Year In The Life Of The World's Weirdest Pro Athlete: JaVale McGee's 2012
Entertainment. Pure entertainment.
Also, Kent Bazemore.
And look out for Lee and Curry on Bill Simmons' BS Report today. Enjoy.