Makes Love to Pressure

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A little rest goes a long way. Still feeling the effects of the overtime loss the day before, Stephen Jackson started off slowly scoring only two points in the first half. Jackson was able to get a prolonged period of rest in the 2nd quarter. Once the 3rd quarter rolled around, Jackson took off in his aggressiveness on both offense and defense. At one point, he scored nine consecutive points including a welcome-to-the-NBA dunk over Chris Douglas-Roberts similar to the one he delivered on Anthony Randolph in the practice scrimmage a week ago.

Jackson’s hot streak put the game out of reach, but before that, other players played a major role in keeping the game close.

Andris Biedrins had another impressive game. His night’s line was 23 pts on 8 for 11 shooting, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks and an amazing 7 for 8 at the free throw line. Although a few of the shots he made were the usual layups and tip-ins, Biedrins showcased a few nice low-block post moves and had a nice running bank shot. If he continues his solid play, he may be an All-Star in the not so distant future.

Corey Maggette had a rather poor shooting night, going 3 for 13 from the field. But, he was still able to score 20 points due to his proficiency at getting to the free throw line and making the freebies. Although a few late game intentional fouls contributed to his total, making 13 of 15 is still impressive. His activity going for loose balls and grabbing ten rebounds was also appreciative. When he first arrived, rumors from the Los Angeles Clippers was of a guy who played no defense and only jumped into defenders for fouls. But, so far this season, Maggette puts energy into defense and dives for loose balls.

The two-headed point guard duties fell to DeMarcus Nelson and CJ Watson. Although there lines are pretty poor, their management of the game was decent enough to keep the Warriors afloat. With their ball-handling ability, they were able to give Jackson a breather from having to bring the ball up court. They were also able to stay in front of Devin Harris for most of the night. The only times Harris was able to get around them was running them through screens.

There has been one good thing which this team differs from last years’ team–perimeter defense. In the past, Baron Davis and Monta Ellis would just let their man waltz into the lane forcing Biedrins to foul. Now, the opposing guards are not able to penetrate as freely and Biedrins is able to stay in the game longer. The addition of Ronny Turiaf is also a big plus. With another big alongside Biedrins, he does not need to cover the entire lane.

Although, the New Jersey Nets is a bad team, hopefully the Warriors can take the positive away from the win and build on it for future contests.

Stephen Jackson's Line:

Tags: 2008-2009 Season, Golden State Warriors, NBA, New Jersey Nets
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Statistically speaking, Stephen Jackson had one of his better all-around games. He finished with 19 points, 7 boards and 5 assists. That’s right. 7 boards!!

The game was decided in the closing minutes of the 4th quarter again. Don Nelson’s big-ball lineup brought the Golden State Warriors down from a double-digit deficit to take the lead near the end of the first half. The rotation of Stephen Jackson, Corey Maggette, Al Harrington, Ronny Turiaf, Andris Biedrins and Kelenna Azubuike kept the game close leading into the 4th quarter. Turiaf and Biedrins were especially solid defending the interior from the likes of Jermaine O’Neal and Chris Bosh.

But, once again, when the game was on the line, the Warriors could not find the guy to close it out. In the game against New Orleans Hornets, Al Harrington missed a game-winning three pointer. In this game, Maggette was given the ball with 14 seconds left. He drove in at the five second mark and slipped on his own accord. With the short rotation, it became a given the team was going to lose in overtime.

In these type of situations, I hope they look towards Stephen Jackson to handle the role. He has hit game-winning shots in the past and is comfortable with taking on the pressure.

Having watched these last two games, the team seems to be one good point guard away from being undefeated this season. The team needs a pass-first, competent ball-handling point guard to give Jackson a rest. Rumors are swirling around Harrington with possible deals involving Kirk Hinrich or Raymond Felton. Either of those would be a good stopgap until Monta Ellis gets back from his injury.

In the meantime, this big-ball lineup is interesting. There wasn’t a time last year where the team as a whole dominated the boards as they did in this game. Keeping turnovers to a minimum, grabbing the defensive rebounds and working the ball inside has kept the game close for the most part. If Nellie can just sub in more of the bench, this season may not be as bad as predicted.

Stephen Jackson's Line:

Tags: 2008-2009 Season, Golden State Warriors, NBA, Toronto Raptors
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Tasked with handling the point guard duties for the Golden State Warriors, Stephen Jackson came through in fine fashion. When he wasn’t hitting big shots, Jackson moved the ball effectively to other players for open shots. He was even able to get in a lob to Andris Biedrins from the corner, reminiscent of last season. Unfortunately, his play was not able to get the team over the hump as the championship contending New Orleans Hornets by the MVP candidate Chris Paul took over at the end of the 4th quarter to put the Warriors away.

Jackson finished the game with 26 points and 5 assists. His shot was on in the 1st quarter, hitting three 3s to put the team ahead by eight. The Warriors took advantage of Paul sitting for six minutes at the end of the quarter to build the lead into the double digits. But, Paul and David West led the team back to take the lead. Only a DeMarcus Nelson running floater at the closing seconds kept the Warriors in the lead.

Last season, Jackson averaged 39 minutes a game. If this game was any indication, Jackson will need to prepare himself to play all 48 minutes of the game. As pretty much the only player looking to set up his teammates, Coach Nelson left him in for the entire game. It was apparent Jackson could not sustain his play in the waning moments as he did not receive any rest throughout.

A look at the other players on the team found some positives. Corey Maggette lived up to his billing, getting to the line 10 times and scoring 27 points. He also helped in the rebounding department, grabbing eight. With Maggette’s propensity to getting fouled, the Warriors were in the bonus half way through a quarter. The team took advantage by going to the line 32 times.

Biedrins played a good game, notching his first double-double of the season with 14 points and 12 boards. His free throw shooting is back to being atrocious however. He went 4 of 10 from the line including four crucial free throws in the fourth. He did do a good job of guarding Paul on the perimeter, not many centers could handle that responsibility.

The other free agent acquisition, Ronny Turiaf, will most likely become a fan favorite. The hustle and enthusiasm infused the team and fans with energy. He did exactly what was expected of him which was to play defense and block shots. Hopefully, Nellie will get him some shots in the offense to spread the floor a bit.

Al Harrington’s had a line of 13 points, 7 boards, 3 assists and 3 steals to increase his trade value. Earlier in the day, a story leaked of Harrington demanding a trade. If he continues to play like tonight, the Warriors may be able to snag a decent player in return.

Stephen Jackson's Line:

Tags: 2008-2009 Season, Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Hornets
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Photo taken by Dino Vournas (AP Photo)

In the last game of the preseason, the Golden State Warriors squared off against Lietuvos Rytas, a team from Lithuania. On this night, Stephen Jackson acknowledged is role as the captain and put the team on his shoulders to carry them to victory.

At different points in the game, the Warriors offense stagnated when players would go one-on-one with their man instead of spreading the ball around. When these times appeared, Jackson would step in to get others involved while hitting timely shots to bring some energy back to the squad.

Jackson is primed for the season as can be seen by a line of 28 points on 10 of 16 shooting to go along with 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

In a game unlike any other, the unorthodox Nellie offense reared its head. The center, Andris Biedrins, led the team with five assists. The point guard, DeMarcus Nelson, led the team in rebounds with eight. The team minus Jackson, shot only six threes. With the addition of Maggette, the team went to the line 40 times.

I can picture the team offense now. Maggette will get the starting unit of the other team in foul trouble at which point the team will run roughshod over the other team’s 2nd unit. I believe most of our wins will come in that fashion.

Stephen Jackson’s Line:

Tags: 2008-2009 Season, Golden State Warriors, Lietuvos Rytas
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I can not in good conscience take away the spotlight from Rob Kurz for his epic shot in the Golden State Warriors win over the Milwaukee Bucks in Beijing, China.

On the second leg of the Warriors foray into China, the unprobable and unexpected happened.

The night began much like any other Warriors’ game night. Stephen Jackson was in midseason form hitting his shots and dishing out the assists. He would end the night with 24 points on 9 for 14 shooting, 5 of 9 from the 3pt stripe. Jackson even received a technical for complaining to the refs midway through the 3rd quarter.

A number of other Warriors had a decent night. Andris Biedrins recorded another double-double with 13 points and 11 boards while defending well against Andrew Bogut. In the previous game with Biedrins sitting out, Bogut ran amuck on the Warriors front line. This night, he could not get into rhythm against Biedrins.

Anthony Randolph, the 1st round pick for the Warriors in the 2008 draft, had a very good night. Although he did not reach double figures in points scored, he was everywhere on the defensive end. Randolph grabbed 9 boards and recorded 4 blocks including one that was sent to halfcourt that Corey Maggette picked up for a runaway dunk.

But, the player of the night had to be Rob Kurz. Kurz is fighting with Anthony Morrow for the last spot on the roster and he made his case on this night. With 36 seconds left in regulation and the Warriors down 103 to 106, Kurz hits a game-tying 3 pointer. Down on the Bucks end, the unknown Matt Freije pulled up for a turnaround fadeaway jumper in the middle of the lane and drained the shot to give the Bucks the lead again at 106 to 108. With 0.1 second left on the clock, Kurz did his best Stephen Jackson impersonation and nailed a three to win the game.

In an act of comaradarie, the entire team jumped off the bench and swamed Kurz in a group pileup. Its good to see a team coming together right before the start of the season.

Stephen Jackson’s Line:

Tags: 2008-2009 Season, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks
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