Golden State Of Mind - Warriors vs Rockets updates: Golden State blows out Houston on ESPN"UNSTOPPABLE BABY!" - Warriors rookie Marc Jackson to the Mavs' bench, after a lay-up during a 29-point loss (2000)https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50563/gsom-fav.png2015-10-31T16:00:02-07:00http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/rss/stream/94132472015-10-31T16:00:02-07:002015-10-31T16:00:02-07:00GSW at N.O. gamethread: Thompson expected to play
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<p>The Warriors face the Pelicans today after handing out a beatdown in Houston last night.</p> <p>Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson left last night's game in Houston in the fourth quarter with back soreness, but commented after the game that it was nothing to worry about long-term, <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Curry-Warriors-breeze-to-another-victory-over-6602214.php">according to Ron Kroichick of the S.F. Chronicle</a>.</p>
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<p>One of the few concerns to emerge for the Warriors was Thompson leaving for the locker room midway through the fourth quarter. He had stiffness in his back, though he’s expected to play Saturday night in New Orleans.</p>
<p>"I’ll be good," Thompson said. "It’s just precautionary. No use killing myself."</p>
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<p>Diamond Leung of the Bay Area News Group followed up today and had positive news to report: Thompson is expected to play.</p>
<blockquote align="center" class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Klay Thompson has been dealing with a stiff back, but is expected to play against the Pelicans.</p>— Diamond Leung (@diamond83) <a href="https://twitter.com/diamond83/status/660316460699389953">October 31, 2015</a> </blockquote>
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<blockquote align="center" class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Klay Thompson on his back issue from past few days: "I'll be alright, but it's just something that I have to be cautious about."</p>— Diamond Leung (@diamond83) <a href="https://twitter.com/diamond83/status/660329148464758784">October 31, 2015</a> </blockquote>
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<p>Nevertheless, as I'm sure fans of Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard are well-aware, back injuries can linger even after the point a player is cleared to play — let's hope this doesn't become an ongoing problem for Thompson.</p>
https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2015/10/31/9651468/warriors-at-pelicans-gamethread-klay-thompson-expected-to-playNate P.2015-10-31T09:49:46-07:002015-10-31T09:49:46-07:00One Play: 2 Spurs Recipes + Curry = Klay 3
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<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>This is a deep dive analysis on one play from last night's Rockets-Warriors game, as we explore the Warriors' playbook.
</p> <p>This is a deep dive analysis on one play from last night, as we explore the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a>' playbook.</p>
<p>Previously we looked at the Warriors using a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> set in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2015/10/29/9633006/one-warriors-play-spurs-play-curry-bout-dunk-pelicans-warriors">#1. Motion Strong</a>. In the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Rockets</a> game, the Warriors pulled out this nice play which combines two central actions in the Spurs playbook: Loop and Hammer.</p>
<p>First, in the following play, on a first glance it might look like <span>Stephen Curry</span> runs around, gets the pass, then magically finds <span>Klay Thompson</span> for a three.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ghu8GQwVTLg" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Let's look more carefully. The first thing to notice Curry inbounds to Andre Iguodala. This is an out-of-bounds play and on these, you have the chance to run a set play and put everyone right where they ought to be, and also have enough time to run a second option if the first one is stopped. There are two parts of this play: a Triple Loop (which the Rockets defend very well) and a Hammer.</p>
<h3>Part 1. Triple Loop</h3>
<p>As the ball is inbounded, look at three Warriors readying to screens for Curry, who proceeds to "loop" around the screens and come out on the opposite wing. Poor Beverley has to follow Curry dodging screens by <span>Festus Ezeli</span>, Klay, and <span>Draymond Green</span>. There are lots of variations on how Curry can run around the screens in case Beverley tries to short cut the screens and I hope later this year we will highlight more variations. This time, Curry runs the basic loop.</p>
<p><b>Rematch the video and watch what the Rockets defenders do to keep Curry covered. </b></p>
<p>Beverley smashes into the brick wall named Ezeli and gets hung up on that screen. Klay is next to block Beverley's path, so Klay's man <span>Trevor Ariza</span> very alertly switches on to the looping Curry. He is a step behind Curry, and Draymond is setting the third screen, so Ariza calls for Draymond's defender <span>Terrence Jones</span> to jump out to make Andre have to pass a split second later to Curry and a couple of feet farther out than ideal. Now Ariza can catch up to Curry. Excellent defense. (Actually if you want to split hairs, Andre could have passed directly to Draymond who was unabated to the hoop, but that's with the benefit of slow motion.)</p>
<p>Now that the initial action is stopped, I like how the Warriors didn't bail out into a Curry-Green pick and roll. That's a mighty fine option, but at this point in the game, Klay was scuffling a bit, and I suspect they intentionally went to a second action for Klay on purpose, as we will see.</p>
<h3>Part 2. Hammer</h3>
<p><span>Gregg Popovich</span> was one of the earliest coaches to put extra emphasis on the corner 3. He found he could turn players like <span>Bruce Bowen</span> from a one-dimensional lockdown defender (two dimensions if you count dirty play) into a 3 and D guy by his mastering the corner three.</p>
<p>The Hammer action, at its most basic is this. The ball handler drives to the hoop from one side. On the other side, a three point shooter cuts to the corner. Here is the hammer part: a big sets a screen on the shooter's defender. Driver passes to the corner. That's it. Simple idea, but you need communication and awareness to defend this.</p>
<p><b>Rematch the video and watch what happens to Beverley as he guards Klay while Curry drives.</b></p>
<p>Curry drives toward the basket on one side. On the other side, Klay goes to the corner. Ezeli sets a screen on the blind side of Klay's defender, Beverley (these are called "back screens"). Poor Beverley is getting worked on this play, as he's nailed by Ezeli a <b>second</b> time on this play. Now Klay is open in the corner. Curry drives, <span>Dwight Howard</span> helps (possibly unnecessary, Ariza seemed to be keeping up). Dwight gets hands up to prevent a Curry pass to a cutter down the middle. Unfortunately for Dwight, it's the pass to the corner 3. The pass is a little bit off and Klay bobbles it, so he misses a completely open 3, but Beverley is frazzled and gets there late and a nice pump fake gets Klay space for a shot.</p>
<h3>What's Good About These Plays?</h3>
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The <b>Triple Loop</b> is great because it is fun to watch and, well, there are three screeners! That is tough to defend. The Spurs run it a lot for Tony Parker. Now if it's Curry looping, he can run it even better than Parker, since Curry can loop out farther and get off a three with just a step of separation. There are a lot of counters Curry can run if he is overplayed on the loop (think all the backdoor cuts against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/35063/russell-westbrook">Russell Westbrook</a>) or if the defenders switch, the last screener can cut to the hoop (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21747/shaun-livingston">Shaun Livingston</a> was good at these finds). Many options.
<p>The <b>Hammer</b> is great because...</p>
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<li><span>it isn't that complicated to run and there are a lot of ways to distract on one side and back screen on the other;</span></li>
<li><span>corner 3s are very efficient and Klay and Barnes can hit them at a high efficiency;</span></li>
<li><span>when a defense pays attention to a drive on the other side of the court (especially when Curry is the driver, and the defense has to be ready to help), they are vulnerable to being back-screened; and</span></li>
<li><span>once the corner 3 is open, there are a lot of ways to get the ball there. In this play, Curry guns it over the top, but he could have passed it along the baseline, or even jumped out of bounds and passed it from out of bounds (think Manu Ginobelli sailing out of bounds and passing to the other corner). </span></li>
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<h3>Final Notes</h3>
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<li><span>This year, the Warriors are trying to get deeper into their playbook. Every play should have multiple options and counters to different defenses. So in this case, the Rockets stopped the first option, the Triple Loop, and the Warriors went straight into a second option. If that didn't work, there is still more than 10 seconds on the shot clock for a bail out Curry pick and roll.</span></li>
<li><span>The combination of plays is also nice because the first Loop caused the Rockets to jumble up their D with switches. So now Beverley is guarding Klay and he is (1) small and (2) probably hasn't prepped to stop Klay in the same way he game plans to stop Curry.</span></li>
<li> <span>I assume this was a planned Loop with Hammer option, but it would be even more impressive if Ezeli and Klay read the play and did the Hammer spontaneously. </span><span> If you watch, Draymond does come out after the the Loop to apparently set a screen for Curry, so I don't know if that was just great misdirection or his giving Curry a third option.</span> </li>
<li><span>Hat tip to @halfcourthoops who pointed out the play.</span></li>
<li>I probably can't write one of these for every game, but wouldn't it be fun if we could? The main constraint, beyond time, is that<b> I can't always track down video of full plays. </b> I don't have cable and a DVR, so I can't usually acquire digital video until a day or two after the game.</li>
<li>So if you see some cool play that we ought to break down, if you can provide video, that would make it extra possible. Consider making a FanShot. Or tweet me and we can work it out.</li>
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<h3>Bonus Quick Notes</h3>
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<li><span>I loved that the garbage time crew actually ran offense. They looked competent and no one became a heartless gunner.</span></li>
<li><span>Felt like Green tried multiple times to set up Andre for alley-oops? Felt excessive.</span></li>
<li><span>Really disrespectful double teams of Dwight. W's just flat out did not believe DH could find the open man fast enough before the Ws would recover. </span></li>
<li><span>That was a very casual 25 points from Curry. His points came so much in the flow of offense. </span></li>
<li> <span>Curry only used superpowers on that crazy dribbling play through three defenders and the unreal bullet over-the-shoulder no-look to Ezeli, which sadly he didn't finish. Our Nate P caught the video:</span><a href="https://www.clippituser.tv/c/gmevr" target="_blank">https://www.clippituser.tv/c/gmevr</a> </li>
<li>It's been reported that Curry is pushing back against being rested in the fourth quarter. What is up with that? Take the rest! Take the rest! Curry injury/burnout is the only thing the W's can't overcome this year.</li>
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https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2015/10/31/9649486/warriors-vs-rockets-video-analysis-stephen-curry-klay-thompsonApricot2015-10-30T21:38:44-07:002015-10-30T21:38:44-07:00Warriors vs. Rockets Recap: Same Old Story
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<figcaption>It was that kind of night. | Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Warriors versus Rockets didn't quite live up to the hype, this time around. </p> <p>Colin Kaepernick is on the hot seat, Uber Technologies is now worth $50 billion, and Donald Trump might be the next president of the United States. It's comforting to know that at least one thing still hasn't changed.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Warriors</a> picked up where they left off last season: by beating the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rockets</a>.</p>
<p>The hyped grudge match between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors went like most of the last ten games between these two, as the Warriors second unit blew past Clutch City in the second quarter and never really looked back.</p>
<p>The game opened up fast, as the starters traded hay-makers like they were a Rocky IV montage (which I may have watched this afternoon). It was clear from before the tip off that the Rockets players considered this an important game against a playoff rival. But once the substitutes came in, it was clear that the Warriors' bench is still the league's deepest and best backup unit. The backups opened up a 13-point halftime advantage that allowed Curry, saddled with three fouls, to get an extended break (to the potential detriment of his MVP campaign).</p>
<p>The Warriors largely coasted from there, as the lead gradually swelled. Outside of a massive contingent of Warriors fans, tonight's action felt a lot like last season's stress-free, blowout-full Championship run. Two down, 80 to go.</p>
<p>Many pundits picked Houston as a major challenger for the Warriors in the west, thanks to the addition of Ty Lawson. But he wasn't quite the terror we've come to know and respect, registering 11 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.</p>
<p>The new-look back court will clearly take some time to figure things out, as the team is already 0-2 with two blowout home losses. Hardened analytics nerds and couch coaches alike could have predicted some defensive shortcomings with a Lawson-Harden lineup, but it has been the offense that has failed Houston in each loss. After shooting a meager 34.5% from the field against Denver (22.9% from three), the Rockets were just 36.6% against the Warriors (21.7% from three).</p>
<p><span>James Harden</span> got the worst of it, as he finished with 16 points on 4-of-18 shooting (with a game-worst -22 plus-minus, per ESPN.com). The Warriors kept to their postseason playbook, forcing Harden to attempt contested, unassisted one-on-one jumpers from mid-range or beyond.</p>
<p>On the other end, the Warriors got contributions from almost everyone on the roster. As Jim Barnett pointed out, <span>Festus Ezeli</span> outplayed <span>Dwight Howard</span>, straight up. <span>Stephen Curry</span> casually dropped 25-7-6 on 9-of-15 shooting. Draymond put up 9-7-7 with two steals for good measure. <span>Marreese Speights</span> and <span>Andre Iguodala</span> combined for 26 points and 10 rebounds. And Harrison Barnes had a solid bounce back game, with 12 points, 5 boards and an absolute poster dunk over Dwight Howard in the second quarter.</p>
<p>Despite missing <span>Andrew Bogut</span> (concussion), the Warriors had no hiccups defensively. It might be safe to say that the reports of Golden State's demise were greatly exaggerated.</p>
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The Warriors hop on a plane and head to New Orleans to play tomorrow afternoon at 3:30pm - the shortest back-to-back turnaround in the NBA this season. But with only two players reaching 30 minutes tonight, they should still be ready to take on the <a href="https://www.thebirdwrites.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pelicans</a> on Halloween.
<p><b>Assorted observations</b>...I'm really not feeling Ros Gold-Onwude as a blonde. Though I suppose you could say it's gold for her name, the Warriors, or the Championship ring. Second round rookie <span>Montrezl Harrell</span> was incredibly active, making a great case to be the long term starter at power forward -- like <span>Draymond Green</span> to Tom Izzo, when a hall of fame coach has a favorite player, you should draft him in the second round. I heard rumors that the Rockets are being sponsored by Checkers Restaurants (those jerseys weren't pretty to look at), but I couldn't confirm this with a second source as of writing this. Steve Kerr had a spinal fluid leak which can cause debilitating head aches, but it was clear that <span>Kevin McHale</span> has a bigger headache right now.</p>
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https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2015/10/30/9649334/warriors-vs-rockets-final-score-2015-stephen-curryJared Stearne2015-10-30T20:05:58-07:002015-10-30T20:05:58-07:00Curry hits 1200th three off beautiful Green pass
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<figcaption>Ronald Martinez/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Stephen Curry hits another milestone that shows just how special he is.</p> <p><span>Stephen Curry</span> has already entered most reasonable people's discussion of "best shooter ever". And yet he continues to add to the mountain of evidence by the day.</p>
<p>What initially caught my eye about this particular play was <span>Draymond Green</span> getting the rebound, initiating the break, seeing the floor like a guard, and making the beautiful cross court pass to Curry.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Draymond Green with the beautiful play in transition off the rebound. 11-0 run for GSW <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Playmaking4?src=hash">#Playmaking4</a> <a href="https://t.co/ItI8ghHL7Y">https://t.co/ItI8ghHL7Y</a></p>
— Nate P (@NateP_SBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/NateP_SBN/status/660283798945292288">October 31, 2015</a>
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<p>But it turns out that it was also a minor milestone for Curry (within the context of an already stellar career), who hit his 1200th three on that play.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Stephen Curry has just hit his 1,200th career three-pointer. He is the 50th player in NBA history to connect on at least 1,200 threes.</p>
— GSWStats (@gswstats) <a href="https://twitter.com/gswstats/status/660283676358373377">October 31, 2015</a>
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<p>So that got me wondering: how many players on that 1200 threes list have also shot at least 44% from beyond the arc for their career?</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/psl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=combined&type=totals&per_minute_base=36&per_poss_base=100&lg_id=NBA&is_playoffs=N&year_min=&year_max=&franch_id=&season_start=1&season_end=-1&age_min=0&age_max=99&height_min=0&height_max=99&shoot_hand=&birth_country_is=Y&birth_country=&birth_state=&college_id=&draft_year=&is_active=&debut_yr_nba_start=&debut_yr_nba_end=&debut_yr_aba_start=&debut_yr_aba_end=&is_hof=&is_as=&as_comp=gt&as_val=&award=&pos_is_g=Y&pos_is_gf=Y&pos_is_f=Y&pos_is_fg=Y&pos_is_fc=Y&pos_is_c=Y&pos_is_cf=Y&qual=&c1stat=fg3&c1comp=gt&c1val=1200&c2stat=fg3_pct&c2comp=gt&c2val=0.44&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&c5stat=&c5comp=gt&c6mult=1.0&c6stat=&order_by=fg3_pct">Here you go</a>:</p>
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That's a lot of great shooters in the history of the league that Curry is currently ahead of (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/psl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=combined&type=totals&per_minute_base=36&per_poss_base=100&lg_id=NBA&is_playoffs=N&year_min=&year_max=&franch_id=&season_start=1&season_end=-1&age_min=0&age_max=99&height_min=0&height_max=99&shoot_hand=&birth_country_is=Y&birth_country=&birth_state=&college_id=&draft_year=&is_active=&debut_yr_nba_start=&debut_yr_nba_end=&debut_yr_aba_start=&debut_yr_aba_end=&is_hof=&is_as=&as_comp=gt&as_val=&award=&pos_is_g=Y&pos_is_gf=Y&pos_is_f=Y&pos_is_fg=Y&pos_is_fc=Y&pos_is_c=Y&pos_is_cf=Y&qual=&c1stat=fg3&c1comp=gt&c1val=1200&c2stat=&c2comp=gt&c2val=&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&c5stat=&c5comp=gt&c6mult=1.0&c6stat=&order_by=fg3_pct">click here</a> for the actual list, prior to Basketball-Reference updating the list). Also noteworthy: Curry's father, Dell, had 1245 in his 16 seasons. Steph will be surpassing that soon.</p>
<p>Curry finished the first half with a game-high 17 points to help the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a> to a 57-44 lead at halftime.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Golden State outscored Houston 17-7 from the 6:13 mark in the second quarter to the end of the half. Warriors lead by 13 at intermission.</p>
— GSWStats (@gswstats) <a href="https://twitter.com/gswstats/status/660287083592859648">October 31, 2015</a>
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https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2015/10/30/9649380/video-stephen-curry-three-milestone-draymond-green-pass-warriors-vs-rocketsNate P.2015-10-30T19:16:00-07:002015-10-30T19:16:00-07:00Video: Harrison Barnes dunks over Dwight Howard
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<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Harrison Barnes drove to the basket with authority to dunk on Dwight Howard.</p> <p>I suppose this is one of those plays that everyone who supports <span>Harrison Barnes</span> getting a lucrative contract will use as evidence of his greatness. Others will say his first step still looks way too mechanical.</p>
<p>I just want to enjoy watching him dunk all over <span>Dwight Howard</span>, who once decided the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a> weren't the team for him, like that.</p>
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<p>'Nuff said.</p>
<p>Barnes finished the first quarter with eight points after driving to score at the buzzer, which means he's feeling really confident about dribbling tonight — that's important.</p>
https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2015/10/30/9649276/warriors-vs-rockets-video-harrison-barnes-strong-drive-and-dunk-overNate P.2015-10-30T17:30:02-07:002015-10-30T17:30:02-07:00Warriors vs. Rockets gamethread
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<figcaption>Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Tonight at 6:30 p.m. PST in Houston, the Warriors will face the Rockets, who are one of those pretenders to the crown.</p> <p>Here are some cool facts about recent meetings between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a> and L.A. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Clippers</a> from the Warriors:</p>
<blockquote><ul> <li> Including the postseason, the Warriors have won eight of their last nine games against Houston. </li> <li>The Dubs' current five-game regular season winning streak against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Rockets</a> is the club's longest since winning eight straight vs. Houston from 1972 to 1974. </li> </ul></blockquote>
<p>I fully expect that to continue tonight.</p>
<p>But let me be clear on something: I don't think the Warriors are invincible. I also just don't think the Houston Rockets are a major threat, albeit an intriguing one given their changes, compared to others in the West. And I think <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14003669/nba-5-5-experts-break-cavaliers-heat-warriors-rockets-espn">ESPN's Michael Wallace put things well in ESPN's 5-on-5 today</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p>Despite meeting them in the conference finals last season, the Rockets hardly scare the Warriors in any aspect of the game. I'd go as far as to suggest the Rockets are tailor-made for Golden State's playing style. Teams that relatively slowed the Rockets last season are the ones that forced them to slow down the game. I'd put the Rockets behind the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Grizzlies</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Thunder</a>, Clippers and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> in this department.</p></blockquote>
<p>Totally agree...except that I don't think the Clippers are in that elite class, which is part <a href="https://twitter.com/BramKincheloe/status/660108104906858496">me trolling</a> and part <a href="https://twitter.com/joebw11/status/659935387280896000">something that I think people have accepted as fact </a>without much scrutiny. And that begs the question (again): why does there continue to be so much advance credit given to the Clippers and not so much to the Rockets?</p>
https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2015/10/30/9648784/warriors-at-rockets-gamethread-golden-state-tries-to-pick-up-fromNate P.2015-10-30T11:09:11-07:002015-10-30T11:09:11-07:00Warriors v. Rockets: How to Watch and What to Bet
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yfCPWKPrjoTy5kQEIdccSbypatA=/0x50:4003x2719/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47553009/usa-today-8577760.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Champs embark on their first road trip of the 2015-16 NBA season in a Western Conference Finals rematch.</p> <p>The Stephen Curry led <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a> are in Houston tonight to play <span>James Harden</span> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Rockets</a> at 6:30 p.m. PST. The Dubs will be without <span>Andrew Bogut</span> after suffering a concussion in the season opener Tuesday night. <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13995885/andrew-bogut-golden-state-warriors-concussion">According to ESPN.com</a> Bogut must be symptom free and pass all of the required NBA concussion tests before he can return.</p>
<p>Both ESPN and Comcast Bay Area will be broadcasting tonight's game from Houston. Don't forget that if you are away from the television tonight you can still catch the game being streamed live on WatchESPN and CSN Bay Area Live Extra. ESPN enjoyed a 171% increase in viewership ratings in their 2015-16 season opener between San Antonio and Oklahoma City compared to ESPN's first game of 2014-15. TV ratings also saw a 31% increase over the first game of last season.</p>
<p>After a memorable ring and banner raising ceremony on opening night Golden State beat New Orleans soundly by a score of 111-95. Houston on the other hand stumbled out of the gate by losing to Denver at home by a score of 105-85. The Warriors are 9-1 straight up (SU) and 7-3 ATS over their last ten games against the Rockets.</p>
<p>Golden State enters tonight as one and a half point favorites according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.oddsshark.com/nba/golden-state-houston-odds-october-30-2015">OddShark.com</a>. The over/under total is currently set at 215.5 points. The under is 7-3 in the last ten games played between the Warriors and Rockets.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Table Presented by OddShark.com" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QXsVdgzBGe7J80N1qxsZINcSEFA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4214593/Screen_Shot_2015-10-30_at_10.05.14_AM.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p class="caption">Table Presented by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.oddsshark.com/nba/golden-state-houston-odds-october-30-2015">OddShark.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p id="paragraph13" class="pgh-paragraph" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; margin-top: 1em; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">Who: </b><span>Houston Rockets (0-1, 0-1 ATS) v. Golden State Warriors (1-0, 1-0 ATS)</span><span></span></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph14" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; margin-top: 1em; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">What:</b> Game 2 of 2015/16 NBA Season, Game 1 of current 2 game road trip</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph15" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; margin-top: 1em; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">When: </b><span>6</span>:30 p.m. PST</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph16" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; margin-top: 1em; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">Where: </b><strike>Honda</strike> <strike>Lexus</strike> <strike>Kia</strike> <strike>Nissan</strike> <strike>Ford</strike> Toyota Center, Houston, TX.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph17" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; margin-top: 1em; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">How to watch:</b></p>
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"> <b style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">National: </b><span>ESPN</span>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><span><b>Local: </b>CSN Bay Area</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><span><b>Radio:</b> KNBR 680<br></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph19" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; margin-top: 1em; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">Radio:</b> KNBR 680, ESPN Radio</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph20" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; margin-top: 1em; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">Spread: </b><span>Warriors -1.5 </span></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph21" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; margin-top: 1em; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">Over/Under: </b><span>215.5</span></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph22" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; margin-top: 1em; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">Moneyline: </b><span>Warriors -125, Rockets +105 (via <a data-ref-index="26" target="_blank" href="http://www.betonline.ag/sportsbook">BetOnline</a>)</span></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; margin-top: 1em; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;"> </p>
<h3>Flo's Picks</h3>
<p>Lets look at the picks from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2015/10/27/9616410/nba-2015-Golden-state-warriors-new-orleans-pelicans-championship-rings-banner">Tuesday's game against New Orleans:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph29">ML: <i>GOLDEN STATE -</i><b> WIN</b> 111-95</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph30">ATS: <i>GOLDEN STATE </i>( -<i>9.5 </i>) - <b>WIN </b>GS by 16 points</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph31">O/U: <i>UNDER </i>(<i> 214.5 </i>) - <b>WIN </b>- 206 total points</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">I am hotter than <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/rosgo21">Rosalyn Gold-Onwude</a> to start the season.. Lets see how long this hot hand will last.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">Season Totals:</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">ML - 1-0 (100%)</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">ATS - 1-0 (!00%)</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">O/U - 1-0 (100%)</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">Turning our attention back to tonight, Houston only scored 85 points in their season opener against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Nuggets</a>. While the Warriors and Rockets are traditionally two of the higher scoring teams in the league, they have gone over only three times in their last 10 games. All signs point to Harden wanting to prove to the world that he deserved last year's MVP which could result in a shoot out. With Andrew Bogut out, I'll take the over in tonight's game.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">Here are my picks for tonight's game:</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">ML - <i>GOLDEN STATE</i></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">ATS - <i>GOLDEN STATE -1.5</i></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">O/U - <i>OVER - 215.6</i></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"> </p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"> </p>
https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2015/10/30/9644164/NBA-2015-2016-Golden-State-Warriors-Houston-Rockets-Odds-AndrewFlohr2015-10-30T00:00:02-07:002015-10-30T00:00:02-07:00Game Preview: Warriors vs Rockets
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ichos7e0r0Ih14hLaQAlbL_tVig=/0x0:1964x1309/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47549839/usa-today-8887911.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Happy Friday y’all! Now let’s get back to business. Our “World Champion” Golden State Warriors hit the road with their first stop in Houston! League MVP Stephen Curry and our Dub Squad make their way to the Toyota Center on what looks to be a great Friday night showdown against James Harden and The Rockets. </p> <center>
<table style="page-break-before: always" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="5">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="9" bgcolor="#f7ca3d">
<p align="CENTER">Matchup</p>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" width="240">
<p align="CENTER"><img src="http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/6/235/thumbs/qhhir6fj8zp30f33s7sfb4yw0.gif" name="graphics1" align="BOTTOM" height="100" border="0" width="150"></p>
</td>
<th width="20"></th>
<td colspan="4" width="240">
<p align="CENTER"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="rockets logo" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e3dhRmtyrgpq7mN3GvA7U0pbUko=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2440222/rockets_logo.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" width="240">
<p align="CENTER"><a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/"><b>Golden State Warriors</b></a><br>1-0 (0-0 ROAD)</p>
</td>
<th width="20">
<p align="CENTER">vs</p>
</th>
<td colspan="4" width="240">
<p align="CENTER"><b>Houston Rockets</b><br>0-1 (0-1 HOME)</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="9" bgcolor="#f7ca3d">
<p align="CENTER">Details</p>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="9" sdval="42307" sdnum="1033;0;MM/DD/YY">
<p align="CENTER"><b>10/30/15</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="9">
<p align="CENTER"><b>Toyota Center — Houston, TX</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="9">
<p align="CENTER"><b>6:30 p.m.</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="9">
<p align="CENTER"><b>Local: CSN Bay Area | National: ESPN | Radio: KNBR 680 AM</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="9">
<p align="CENTER"><b>Blog Buddy:</b> <a href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/">The Dream Shake</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="9" bgcolor="#f7ca3d">
<p align="CENTER"><b>Projected Starters</b></p>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" width="240">
<p align="RIGHT"><span>Stephen Curry</span></p>
</td>
<th width="20">
<p align="CENTER">G</p>
</th>
<td colspan="4" width="240">
<p>Ty Lawson</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" width="240">
<p align="RIGHT"><span>Klay Thompson</span></p>
</td>
<th width="20">
<p align="CENTER">G</p>
</th>
<td colspan="4" width="240">
<p>James Harden</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" width="240">
<p align="RIGHT"><span>Harrison Barnes</span></p>
</td>
<th width="20">
<p align="CENTER">F</p>
</th>
<td colspan="4" width="240">
<p>Trevor Ariza</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" width="240">
<p align="RIGHT"><span>Draymond Green</span></p>
</td>
<th width="20">
<p align="CENTER">F</p>
</th>
<td colspan="4" width="240">
<p>Terrence Jones</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" width="240">
<p align="RIGHT">Festus Ezeli</p>
</td>
<th width="20">
<p align="CENTER">C</p>
</th>
<td colspan="4" width="240">
<p>Dwight Howard</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="9" height="20" bgcolor="#f7ca3d">
<p>Key Injuries</p>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" width="240">
<p align="RIGHT">Andrew Bogut – Concussion<br>Kevon Looney - Hip</p>
</td>
<th width="20"></th>
<td colspan="4" width="240">
<p>Donatas Montiejunas - Back</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</center>
<div style="text-align: center;"></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="RIng Ceremony" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S9vGHEwlLEM3Ng8h-oJ6iUcmCYg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4213183/ring_celebration.0.jpg">
</figure>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p><b>The Warriors:</b> It wasn't until Tuesday night's ring ceremony and the unveiling of our new banner where it really hit me: We did it! We're NBA Champions!</p>
<p>Now what can I say about the Warriors' big win on opening night? Steph's gonna Steph by dropping 40 points on National TV. Solid ball movement all the way around. 56 rebounds total from our squad. Not a bad night for Interim Coach Walton, who's 1-0 to start the season. Oh, and a new banner highlighting our achievement and championship rings for our squad!</p>
<p>Keep in mind, the Warriors should make some adjustments on a handful of missteps that occurred Tuesday night. Do a better job on the 3-point line and choose your shots wisely fellas. Ease back on those turnovers (20 total against New Orleans). With <span>Andrew Bogut</span> and Coach Steve Kerr still out, this team still has a deep roster. With the way <span>Stephen Curry</span> showcased his skills against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebirdwrites.com/">Pelicans</a>, our MVP hasn't lost his touch and is still getting better! Expect another Warrior to step it up tonight as well...</p>
<div></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Rockets:</b> <span>Dwight Howard</span> makes his way back to the hardwood floor after serving a one-game suspension due to his fourth flagrant foul last season. That could be a game changer for Houston, who was defeated by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a> Wednesday night. <span>James Harden</span> finished that game with 22 points and struggled on the 3-point line. Although Houston had a terrible shooting night (34% in field goals), who knows what adjustments will be made with Coach McHale.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Predictions:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Last season's MVP Stephen Curry lights it up on Houston's court. Points, 3-pointers, And-1's, assists is all on him tonight. SPLASH!</li>
<li>Bounce back game for <span>Klay Thompson</span> who started off slow with nine points, four rebounds and three assists against New Orleans Tuesday night. He'll do just fine tonight.<br> </li>
<li>The Warriors shot 30% on the 3-point line (9-for-30) opening night. I'm betting that number will increase at the Toyota Center. Golden State just needs to get hot.</li>
<li>Andrew Bogut who sustained a concussion is likely to not be suiting up until he's cleared the NBA's protocol. That means extra minutes for our bigs, especially for <span>James Michael McAdoo</span> who I hope has a break out year. (big supporter right here!)</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Win Prediction:</b> The Dubs first road game victory by 8!</p>
<div></div>
https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2015/10/30/9642020/preview-rockets-vs-warriors-the-championship-road-trip-beginsTony.psd