Makes Love to Pressure

Taken by Ben Margot (AP Photo)

Stephen Jackson showcased his all-around game on national TV in tonight’s game versus the Portland Trailblazers. He made shots, handled the ball, set up teammates, hit free throws and played outstanding defense.

The Golden State Warriors came out of the gates lethargic and hesitant. The telecast announcers informed the viewers that Baron Davis had caught the flu after having visited a sick relative in LA. With the leader of the team playing at half his usual level, the others were out of wack for the first quarter. Andris Biedrins missed easy layups including 3 in a row during one possession. The atmosphere even affected Capt Jack. Normally a free-flowing type of shooter; Jackson passed a couple wide open looks behind the arc, content to pass it down low to a teammate.

The Blazers came out hot at the start of the game. LaMarcus Aldridge was abusing Biedrins and Harrington on the block; he consistently made hook shots in the paint over the Warriors’ frontline. Steve Blake had his usual hot game from deep range against the Warriors. Some of the shots he took where reminiscent of those Jackson took against the Lakers on Sunday night. Each successive three was further and further out and hit nothing but net. Only the hot touch from Al Harrington late in the first half kept the Warriors close.

When the third quarter rolled around, the Warriors made a conscious effort to drive the lane and either get easy shots from kick-outs or draw a foul. The third quarter was Jackson’s time to shine. Coach Nelson put Jackson on Aldridge to start the half. With Aldridge’s length, you would think he could just shoot over Jackson anytime he wanted. But, Jackson kept Aldridge further out from the lane and got in tight when he tried to face up. With his length and tenacity, Jackson was able to effectively shut down Aldridge’s post game. Aldridge was only able to score two points on Jackson in the second half.

Having played great defense, Jackson was given the green light to do his magic on the offensive end. When Jackson has the ball in his hands, good things happen for the Warriors. During an out of bounds play, Jackson delivered a spot on alley-oop to Monta Ellis that worked to perfection. Later on, he had one of his patented slow-motion drives to the basket which seems to always work. And of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without Jackson stepping into a three and draining the shot to give the Warriors’ the lead.

With the game well in hand, fans was treated to the sight of an all bench unit for the last five minutes of the game. A lineup of CJ Watson, Marco Belinelli, Brandan Wright, Austin Croshere, and Kosta Perovic. Belinelli showcased his quick release to the delight of the fans. And Croshere had another one of his rim-rattling dunks to seal away the victory. Croshere always cracks me up; when the Warriors are leading or losing by a landslide, you can always count on Croshere to throw down an amazing dunk to spice things up.

The next four games for the Warriors will probably decide their playoff hopes.

@ Denver on Saturday
vs Dallas on Sunday
@ San Antonio on Tuesday
@ Dallas on Wednesday

Two back-to-backs against playoff contenders. With the rest the starters received in this game against the Blazers, they should be rearing to go against the Denver. Hopefully, the clutch shooting by Jackson and co. can put the Warriors over the top.

Stephen Jackson’s Line:

Tags: 2007-2008 Season, NBA, Portland Trailblazers
Posted under On the Court |