Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open thread
Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open thread
2022 CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION, Games 5 and 6
Gold Blooded: the rise of Dub Nation HQ and…
#Grateful
Eric Apricot (18 ♡):
Thank you to the whole DNHQ crew and the best Dub Nation commenters in the world. Seriously.
DNHQ has become the fan community I always wanted to be a part of. And because of that, this championship is the most satisfying to me. Thank you for sharing the journey with me.
Asher B. (13 ♡):
Some postgame reflections: 1. Any broadcaster who mentions that the Warriors defense is good has to act like they invented the idea. As in "People see the flashy offense, but something a lot of people don't recognize is that the Warriors are great on the DEFENSIVE side of the ball." 2. Similarly, anyone evaluating Steph's place in history is required to say that unlike everyone else, they already thought he was an all-time great and he did not need a finals MVP to cement his legacy in their eyes. 3. God, I love Draymond's "Wecome back to the Warriors Invitational" I wish I'd written that line. Where can I get Warriors InvitationaI merch? 4. I kind of want someone to ask Wiggins if he's glad he got vaccinated after all. 5. You know when you want something for a long time, and then you get it, so you kind of don't know what to do with yourself? Somebody give me a life purpose, mine is on hold until preseason....
Asher B. (11 ♡):
I'm so glad for this thread. I keep tackling passers-by and casual acquaintances, trying to convey to them how extremely not done I am celebrating and how much I want to replay every awesome detail. My high is about to last for months, maybe years. Thank God for the people here, who get it. WAAAARRRRRIOOOOOORRRRRRRSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr Teal (10 ♡):
So...been thinking about all this Steph legacy stuff, and, like probably a lot of us here, he's in my top 10. This seems to be about where all the talking heads that want to congratulate themselves, are putting him. Is he top 10? Is he? Well, then, who you kicking out? Blah blah blah.
But the viewpoint that i found myself thinking about, is this: if I were to draft an all time team, where I get the first pick, and then whoever I'm drafting against gets the second pick, with us alternating from there, who do I take?
Welp, turns out, it's gonna be Steph f'n Curry. And here's why: the dude is so unique, that among all the other greats, he's the only one that can't be canceled out by a counterpart. So let's say I take Curry...then you take Jordan. Ok, now I take Lebron, or even some other guy that is a relatively good counter to Jordan. It really doesn't matter. The point is, that for whoever you take, I can pick a pretty good counter. But how are you going to pick someone that can stop me from launching 30 footers without giving me a 4 on 3? Answer: (there is no answer). Therefore in my completely objective unbiased view, Curry has leapfrogged everyone to become the best 5 on 5 player that ever did play the basketball. Take that for data!
Janet (9 ♡):
Happy Birthday, Daniel! 🎂🏀🍾🥳 Thank you for the look back at how DNHQ has evolved. I would ride BART at 6 am, obsessed with the GSOM article about the game the night before, arriving at work in a “great state of mind.” I think I found DNHQ by relentlessly Googling Warriors and LGW. From the start, I’ve been charmed by the crew’s terrific writing, analysis, artwork, and overall goodwill toward us readers. And you pulled us through a pandemic!*!?!!!
Backpack23 (9 ♡):
Brilliant article DH. Some real personal highs and lows in your journey. Thank you for sharing them with us.
I joined this community when it transferred to LGW. For me it was a constant source of entertainment, escape and learning. So thank you to all of you for making it happen.
And happy birthday! We almost share a birthday 🎉 Mine is on the 18th, but I live in NZ so it’s kind the same day 😀
sundaygirl (8 ♡):
I'm super grateful for Dub Nation HQ. While I enjoyed the brilliant work of the OGs at GSOM, I always felt a little intimidated by the community...so much of my early fandom was about learning more about the game and the history of the team. I was thrilled to be able to support this new thing y'all were doing here in the aftermath of the Vox debacle. What's been so amazing is that this place actually embodies values that are reflected in the intelligent content and the thoughtful community that's followed you here. It's super special. Congratulations and thank you for being here for us fans.
Ok, I'm still basking in the afterglow and wanted to share this nice Warriors appreciation podcast from these two smart kids at The Ringer (What? I know! They're NOT all Boston fans!)
https://www.theringer.com/2022/6/17/23173349/the-warriors-are-back-on-top-of-the-nba
Aaannnd1 (8 ♡):
I am so grateful that you and your colleagues have created this joyful community. Just think about it: people of many ages, nationalities, ethnicities, genders, work lives, educational backgrounds, and philosophies joining together in this, your community. Knowledgeable, civil, funny, loving people. Cheering and supporting our team, cheering and supporting each other. How rare this is. How amazing to achieve. Almost as difficult as making a Princess Cake….but not quite!😃
Truckeeman (7 ♡):
I'm very happy to support the DNHQ people and program. Have loved the informed (and sometimes off-base) commentary, through highs and lows. Looks like there will be a lot more highs in days, weeks and months ahead! Go Dubs!
Dooner Dub (7 ♡):
I am so grateful to all the writers here. You make my day.
Backpack23 (6 ♡):
This is so great for us
g8tgod (6 ♡):
Happy birthday, Daniel! And a big 'thank you' to everyone in the DNHQ community for making this a fun place to compare notes, encourage one another, and root for the best team in all of professional sports. It's a privilege.
stopnpop (6 ♡):
Love this article, Daniel. Thanks for sharing the story!
Oddly enough, it was the pandemic, and extra time that came with it, that finally pushed me to create an account on LGW and actually participate in the community. I had been a casual lurker for years on GSOM prior to that.
Let's goo dubs... let's gooo DNHQ!
Explain: Steph Curry and Warriors…
We Be Championship
Sabrina420-"Holy Cannoli." (25 ♡):
Anthony Slater
@anthonyVslater
·
1m
Bob Myers: “We’ll make an effort to keep the team together. It’s a good balance of young, old and in the middle.”
Joe Lacob: “We have a good idea of what we’re going to do, obviously. We have a great roster. I don’t anticipate a lot of changes.”
DFiB (24 ♡):
Beat the MVP? ✓
Beat the DPOY? ✓
Beat the 3 All NBA First Team Players? ✓
Beat the 2 All NBA First Team Defense Players? ✓
Beat the MIP? ✓
They say this team is imperfect... It's just that this team was never healthy the whole regular season, and never able to perform for the masses. All of us HERE watched each player perform, watched the team fit, watched them battle through the year. Some of us were worried about pieces around the edges (WE NEED A BIG MAN!!!!), but we all knew that if the team could actually get on the floor together, especially Steph, Dray, and Klay, we have something special here.
They forgot that Curry was running away with the MVP, Dray was running away with the DPOY, and the Warriors were crushing fools for the first 2 months of the season. For Warriors observers, it was a proof of concept that this team would be special if Klay could come back and be somewhat useful. And we didn't even get to see Wise once.
This one is NOT the championship that validated Steph's greatness or the Warriors dynasty. But it IS the championship that showed the NBA that they're not even close to done. It IS the championship that pushed Steph/Dray/Klay past Duncan/Parker/Ginobili in NBA Finals victories.
belilaugh (22 ♡):
Also, some of you are very gracious and socially well adjusted people, but I cannot relate. I will be digging up hater receipts all summer. The team was ridiculously petty last night from Curry holding up the 0 to Iguodala's podcast Twitter account finally responding to Dillon Brooks to Klay calling JJJ out. So I am just going to take my cues from the champs.
Nellie (20 ♡):
Among my favorite memories of this Finals run will be the distinct and vital contributions made by pretty much every single guy on the roster. That’s true of any series, I guess, but feels especially true this time. Just a few things we’ll remember:
•Steph once again (and repeatedly) asserting his greatness. There will never be another athlete quite like him.
•Draymond figuring things out in Game 4 and going on to dominate the rest of the series.
•Klay with the absolutely huge 3s in games 4 and 5.
•Wiggins doing everything, in game 5 especially.
•Jordan Poole with those crazy buzzer-beaters.
•Looney holding it down like he has all season, especially on nights when Draymond was struggling.
•GP coming back from a scary injury to terrorize Boston's ball handlers, and the emphatic flush in the fourth quarter last night (after he’d clearly been forbidden from dunking).
•Iguodala coaching up Wiggins, finding Payton under the basket in Game 5, and taking the floor with his brothers at the end.
•Otto with some clutch 3s last night when Boston was making their third quarter push.
•Bjelica locking down Tatum (lol).
•Even JTA and D Lee accepting their roles, keeping things positive, and talking Draymond through the "benching" in Game 4.
Just an incredible team, and a magical season. What a privilege.
Also, much respect to the Celtics, who played a good, hard, clean series (minus a bit of flopping, but whatever). I always try my best to appreciate the competition and avoid petty animosities toward their players, but Boston made that easy in this series. Of course it helps that we totally smoked ‘em :)
Richard (20 ♡):
I'm going to savor this Explainer later today. So for now, here are 19 thoughts about the Dubs.
- Hey they won the Championship last night. Did anybody watch it? Not a bad game!
- Steph owned. Single coverage by Horford? Nope. White? Nope. Smart (DPOY)? Nope? When Wardell is DRIVING the locomotive you best just hang on and wait for your stop. Extra baggage? No problem, Steph will carry it for you.
- Smart laying on the floor over and over. Some flops, some ankle breaks, some just falling down because Curry altered gravity in ways Albert Einstein is crawling out of his grave to study. Sorry Albert some mysteries are beyond the ken of physics.
- Smart may be an overrated flopper, but I like his game. His attitude is a product of his team culture. If you lived in Boston for the better part of a decade just imagine how twisted your brain would be! Don't hate. Pity and share the email address of your psychotherapist. But seriously - Smart is a very skilled player. Imagine if he were our SG and could develop in a system that really took advantage of his talents.
- Looney doing all the dirty work as usual. Awesome boards. Switching. Covering anyone. Just a joy to watch this guy.
- Derrick White is perhaps the most overrated Celtic. He was just meh on both offense and defense all series. Precious few good moments. I haven't watched him play much but he was a huge disappointment. Just a regular season stat padder against weak teams?
- Steph 6 for 11 from 3 land. This isn't Curry island that we live on. It's Continent Curry - He is the King of all land beyond the 3 point arc.
- I loved watching Kuminga/Moody/Wiseman celebrating after the game. Genuine joy and yet so much more work to do. I saw Wiseman rubbing his hands together in a "oh man I can't wait to get there with these guys next season" moment. Stay hungry young man!
- Poole & Klay each had great moments in the playoffs as well as last night but I predict here and now that they both will be better next season. Poole will develop more subtlety on offense and more ability on defense. Klay will just get healthier and stronger. I'm pretty happy with their 3 point shooting though (.385 for Klay, .391 for Poole) this post-season.
- Klay part 2. Dude played 792 minutes in the playoffs, more than any other Warrior (Wiggins 767 and Curry 764). Beyond amazing.
- Robert Williams had 5 blocks last night. WTF this guy is a monster rim protector. Going to keep an eye on him. Still I loved how Poole attacked him fearlessly, even recklessly.
- Watching GP2 was pure joy. Blocks, swipes, steals, hustle all over the place. Subtle little dish passes to shooters and a slippery jam of a dunk. I want a GP2 highlight reel!
- OPJ had a few good moments (and thank goodness he hit a few threes). Both his strengths and weaknesses were on display. He was a good one year Warrior. Enjoy your ring sir!
- I really want to like Tatum and Brown. But it's hard. They are dangerous shooters but need better coaching. And Boston culture is infecting them. Neither of them is good enough to carry the team alone, and together they are not quite there.
- Boston could be back if they can grow and get better together. It's possible. But they have got to re-sign Horford. Coaching shake up? Doubtful but it would help.
- I love Wiggins - mister consistency on O and D - silencing the haters. And that smile is pretty contagious. He should be a great Warrior for the better part of a decade.
- I can't count to 19.
mDuo13 (19 ♡):
Thanks for the video as always.
We did it, Dub Nation. Our cheers empowered the players on the court, our pocketbooks paid* the salaries to assemble the team, our armchair analysis provided the coaches with all the ideas they could ever want for what not to do... For those of us who had to watch only when wearing our lucky shirts, or only watch after the fact, or whatever else it takes to win, I salute you. For those doing the dirty work of criticizing (sorry, "motivating") Steph and Draymond on Twitter, or defending them, or both, your service is not overlooked. For all the comments about the champagne smell in the Cleveland locker room, without you, the team might not have remembered to bring the champagne to Boston. For everyone who voted Wiggins an all-star, your fiery voices were crucial in throwing down the slams of the season. For all of us who spread the love of the sport, and the team, to friends and family: keep up the good work.
In the end, it's just a game, but it's a great game, and even better when you win. Congratulations, Dub Nation.
*P.S. more importantly, our subscriptions paid for this site to continue to exist, so keep doing that thing too.
OGG Gurl (19 ♡):
I'm supposed to be "working" again today, but all I can think about is how we be champions once again with Curry the effin FMVP!!!! Last night, I felt overwhelmed by joy, excitement and just a tad bit sad that the season is over. This is my favorite championship run. I love this team and I love this community of ours. It has been quite a ride and I've enjoyed every minute with each and every one of you. GOLDBLOODED FOREVER BABY.
belilaugh (19 ♡):
Last night was their best defensive effort all season imo, the GP2/Wiggins/Green trio (along with other talent of course) was incredible to watch.
That combo was +10 in the game and the first time they got on the floor together was basically the beginning of this 21-0 run and the end of the Celtic chances.
Please re-sign GP2 and Looney and unleash this defensive hell again Warriors, Curry+Defense=Championships.
EDIT:
Chasing Rings... (18 ♡):
Just got off an international plane ride back home and who should I be lucky enough to sit next to for three glorious hours??? A devastated Celtics Fan that's who!!!!
I couldn't help ask them when I was filling in the travel declaration form, "Hey did you see where you tick the box for bringing home the Championship?" Glorious I tell you :)
He was really good about it all but admitted he stopped watching after the first half even when a mate messaged him they had cut it close to 10...
Some of their takes:
- How the freaking hell did Jordan Poole get soooo good coming from the G League last year and playing with THAT much confidence?!
- How the freaking hell did Wiggins lock up Jason "NBA First Team" Tatum?!
- How the freaking hell does Draymond do what he does without doing any one thing really good?!
- How the freaking hell is Steph guarding Al Horford?
- He had unreserved praise for Curry though
- He thought going into the series they would just be able to play bully ball and have their way in the paint.
- He admitted that they had no leadership, particularly in the fourth quarters and wondered why they didn't just give the ball to Tatum and why was he not able to attack the rim more?
- He said he knew it was over even after going up 2-1
- Said Udoka seemed to just rotate/sub based on when a player was tired as they could really only keep the core 6-7 players on as they were not as deep/fresh as the Dubs
- He talked about Kerr in revered tones
- He said it was hard to not feel good about the Warriors winning after what they've been through
Sabrina420-"Holy Cannoli." (18 ♡):
For all my hand wringing, the Warriors never faced elimination once this playoffs. 🥶
crusty quips (18 ♡):
I appreciate the Warriors for finishing up this series before I leave for the woods this weekend, and I appreciate Apricot for having his best E1P season yet. The consistency of having them up the next day after every win, just like clockwork. The attention to detail in documenting how plays morph and evolve throughout the year. The patient deconstruction of every celebration. We salute you sir, even if you don't have a SMVP yet (Substack MVP).
Duby Dub Dubs (18 ♡):
I don't know about you all, but I am in a FANTASTIC mood today!
My buddy texting me to schedule my free round of golf that I won in our bet. I'm back home after a ton of travel, and after much internal debate, and going to for sure be at the parade on Monday. We are thinking around 3rd street.
WOOOO!!!!
WarriorsGoldenGirl (18 ♡):
What a glorious morning! School out for summer; coffee in hand to take the edge off the champagne hangover; reclining in my easy chair ready to marathon Dubs championship content on cable and online all day long; and open up Dubnation HQ to see a new E1P! The world can turn without me today - just shoot that gold blooded content right into my arm!
Five Alarm Freddy (18 ♡):
Did that really just happen last night?
Eric Apricot (17 ♡):
Ja Morant tweets on Steph: top 5 all time
Arash (17 ♡):
While the Warrios celebrated with champagne, that actually reminded me!! Your boy also won in the Finals with 4 points, 4 rebounds, 14 assists, 4 steals, and a block! Not my best game, but tbh I was spending all my energy defending the 6'5 monstrosity on the opposing team and boxing him out!!
Our squad got hot from three and just rained terror on the opposing team! After two damn seasons, of losing to the same super squad, we finally broke through and have those tickets to Cancun!! Unfortunately, I did not go to playoff MVP, that went to the 6'5 monster, but I did get second in those rankings!!
wonderyearsballer (17 ♡):
Celtics postgame interviews are worth watching. Brown, Horford, Tatum, Williams... these are good guys. Vey honest about being out-played. Determined to learn and come back. Mutual respect adds so much to this game.
Sleepy Freud (17 ♡):
We here.
Everybody else not.
The mind still reels.
DFiB (16 ♡):
So, here's the deal about WHY it makes sense to have kept the kids around:
You have to be a bit lucky to win the championship. You have to have health, you have to have "top level" depth and versatility.
The single best way to get lucky is to give yourself as many chances as possible. Bob could have traded the kids for a star player, but any trade that would consolidate depth (increasing detrimental impact of injury and reducing roster versatility), shrink the competitive window, and not return equal value would fundamentally go against competitive principles.
If one of Poole, Wiseman, Kuminga, or Moody turns into a superstar or two turn into stars, AND they can keep Wiggins around, the window of opportunity for Steph, Dray, and Klay to compete for championships is open well beyond the next 3 years as they transition to more "role players". Will it happen? No guarantees... but the opportunity is there now, where if those kids got traded away, it'd all be over the second Steph couldn't carry the team any longer... With Steph, Klay, and Dray showing the kids what champions look like in the offseason in how they're training, I think the bet is looking pretty, pretty good.
Invest for the long term.
belilaugh (16 ♡):
Random but I love that Looney has established himself so much as a terror on the boards that on this play Grant Williams cannot leave him to help poor Al Horford out on Curry because he knows not getting a body on Looney is death.
This is literally Looney gravity on the offensive end, unconventional but highly effective. Williams probably should have helped there, but as we know gravity can make you do the wrong things.
hammystyle (15 ♡):
My random game takeaways:
+ Classic performance from Steph and Dray on both ends that’s always been the championship formula. Where they dominate their end and contribute mightily on the other.
+ Bad shooting night from Klay but I thought he had a sneaky great floor game. Snatched a lot of loose passes, rebounds and balls that were 50-50. Might have saved 6+ possessions.
+ Wasn’t just last night, but a truly cementing performance by Wiggins as a cornerstone player for this team. I don’t think this is a controversial statement but it’s remarkable considering his prior reputation, “Andrew Wiggins was the most consistent and intense player throughout the playoffs for a championship team.”
+ Chip in efforts in limited doses from Poole, Porter and Looney were very important.
Big one:
I think that was maybe the best overall playoff run other than Durant’s first year. This team was exactly as great as they seemed as they could be at the beginning of the season with adding in Klay.
I think they’ll be back next year and will go on a similar “something to prove” campaign the way they did after their first title. This time they’ll have the chance to spread minutes out to where maybe only a couple players average over 30 while giving lots of run and rope to Moody, Kuminga, and Wiseman.
stopnpop (15 ♡):
This is still sinking in for me... did this really happen? We won it all again? Anyone else?
Bel (15 ♡):
Well put from Kareem Abdul-Jabar
An NBA championship is never just won, it is earned through the pain of endless practice, inevitable losses, and unexpected injuries. Only the strongest prevail. Today a new Golden light shines over the NBA world. Congratulations, Champs. Well deserved. @warriors@StephenCurry30
doublebang (15 ♡):
Something that may have gone unnoticed, but this moment really captures Steph's camaraderie with the team. When he was presented with the FMVP, the first thing he did was to high five all of his teammates. He made sure to share the spotlight with the team, and in turn, everyone showered him with MVP chants. That's what I love about Steph. He makes sure everyone gets involved, whether it's him giving up touches to make sure each of the 5-man floor squad has their chance to eat or something as small as acknowledging the squad during his award presentation. We got something special man.
Eric Apricot (14 ♡):
During their Charlotte Hornets days, Rex Chapman used to drive around with Dell Curry and Muggsy Bogues "thinking we were hot-shit NBA players."
@RexChapman: "It turns out the best player was strapped in a car seat behind us: Stephen Curry." 🤣
Abaddon (13 ♡):
Final playoff stats for DFG%, top 11
Top Field Goal Percentage Against (Playoffs, min 125 DFGA)
Player DFGM DFGA DFG%
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stephen Curry 88 232 37.9%
Jrue Holiday 64 166 38.6%
Draymond Green 133 344 38.6%
Jaren Jackson Jr 60 153 39.2%
Derrick White 87 217 40.1%
Bam Adebayo 83 207 40.1%
Deandre Ayton 87 215 40.5%
Gabe Vincent 64 158 40.5%
Kevon Looney 94 228 41.2%
Al Horford 181 438 41.3%
Marcus Smart 107 259 41.3%
Legend
Klon (12 ♡):
Now that the original Big 3 and Igoudala are four-times champions of the world, I can't help but think of the words of a four-times world champion in Formula 1.
"We have to remember these days, because there is no guarantee that they will last forever. Enjoy them as long as they last."
It is true. We don't know whether this is the last title or just one of many more. Regardless, let us as Dubnation take in all of these moments. It is a glorious feeling and I plan on being drunk on it for quite a bit longer.
DFiB (11 ♡):
Before the series, I’d seen a Celtics blogger asking why the older warriors would tire out the younger Celtics, citing that the warriors don’t have an especially fast “pace”.
Then the Celtics stopped a lot of the motion actions early in the series, but still got tired. And I realized it’s as simple as: they have to guard out 20-30% more court in the half court than usual because of Steph. Everything requires just a little more energy than usual when Steph is involved.
TwoRingTest (11 ♡):
I just rewatched the game.
I think that might have been apex Green (outside of 2016 Game 7 finals), right there.
Maniacal defensive effort.
Three end-of-clock shots made.
Good passing game.
Double digit rebounds.
And yet, despite his incredible intensity, he barely engaged with the refs, and when he did so, he didn't act overly aggressive.
DFiB (11 ♡):
The Memphis series was really two series in one. First series against a really good Ja led team. Second series against a defensive minded team. We had to figure out both of those teams.
Marina (11 ♡):
Great e1p, great way to end the season! And then again, so happy to have been on this journey with you all, lovely people ❤️
The last three games were so stressful I ended up doing some very bad MLP sketches to distract myself every time we were down. Luckily my daughter loved them, so win-win, people 😂
jeckyllhouse (11 ♡):
what a team! what a season! and what an incredible community of fans to share it all with!! just wanna share my appreciation & love for Dub Nation HQ, been an incredible place to enjoy this magical season
Dubs in six!!! Warriors win it all. The…
Amazing!
Klaymation (37 ♡):
538 now has the Warriors as 62% favorites to win the 2022 NBA Championship.
Richard (33 ♡):
And it was pretty pro to have Andre on the floor for the last minute. A great symbolic end to a fantastic career.
Eric Apricot (33 ♡):
I LOVE YOU ALLLLLLLLLLLL
Janet (32 ♡):
I’m trying to ❤️ all posts if I missed any know that I love you!
Alex (31 ♡):
For all of the Marcus Smart disrespect uttered on our Game Threads, it does not compare to the absolute evisceration happening on Celticsblog, where he is described, in green, as:
"A flopping, butterfingered, arrogant, delusional, turnover waiting to happen".
Poetry.
Eric Apricot (30 ♡):
***
Steve Kerr, joking, on the Finals MVP being the only thing Steph was missing:
"No. He's missing an Olympic gold medal. I think he really needs to focus on being on the 2024 olympic team."
***
(Steve Kerr will be the USA Olympics coach.)
Klaymation (30 ♡):
Wiggins has one more championship than Jimmy Butler.
WastingCurrysPrime! (30 ♡):
What a journey for this group.
People thought they were done with KD’s departure.
They thought they were done when Klay went down with a catastrophic leg injury. Twice.
They thought Curry would be exposed without KD to carry him. Or that his skills would somehow diminish as he, Klay, and Dray got older.
They thought Draymond was over the hill, especially when he was left alone to carry the load after everyone got hurt.
They thought the Wiggins trade would ensure we would never see this organization in the Finals again. Ever.
They thought Looney was just another stiff who was useless because he couldn’t score double digits a night.
They thought people like Andre, OPJ, and Beli were old scrubs who had nothing left to give.
They thought Poole was the worst player in the league, and would never amount to much.
They thought GP2 didn’t belong in the league, unless it was in a video room breaking down film.
They thought the era of the Warriors was over. That it was a new era, one that would be dominated by the new blood of Embiid, Luka, Ja, Tatum, Brown, Booker, or Trae. Or it would finally be the time of Kawhi, Kyrie, CP3, Paul George, AD, Harden, Westbrook, and Lillard. Anyone, but whoever won the throne would, FINALLY, not wear a Warrior jersey.
And even when we dedicated ourselves to rebuilding back to a championship level, they told anyone who would listen that it wouldn’t be enough. That the Warriors needed to trade any and all of their draft picks and prospects for players of the ilk of Bradley Beal, Victor Oladipo, Ben Simmons, Rudy Gobert, and Kevin Love. That the Warriors Front Office and coaching staff didn’t know what they were doing. They were, well, WASTING CURRY’S PRIME!!!
But they never knew the first thing about the makeup of this group. The skills, talent, and drive of the young men who pulled that jersey on each and every night this season.
Steph wasn’t an overrated jump shooter carried by other HOF players. He is arguably the greatest point guard to ever live, a man who can claim to have done something only Wilt and Mike can ever claim to have done in the history of professional basketball: Fundamentally change the way this game is played.
Dray wasn’t washed. He’s adapting to getting older, like the true greats in the game have done since the dawn of this league.
Klay wasn’t done. He needed time to recover from serious injuries, like all athletes do.
Wiggins wasn’t a heartless flop who would sink their chances to make the Finals. He’s a talented player who needed time and circumstance to find his place to shine.
GP2 wasn’t meant to be a video coordinator. He was meant to be a disruptive force on both ends of the floor, even if it’s in a unique and unusual way.
Looney isn’t a post scorer. He’s a glue guy who is amazing at defense and rebounding all over the floor.
Poole wasn’t the worst player in the league. But even if he was, he should now be running away with the “Most Improved Player” title, given how good he is now.
Beli and OPJ aren’t old scrubs just hanging on. They are intelligent players who know what it takes to contribute in ways people still don’t appreciate. Which is why they are here on minimum vet contracts.
But more importantly, these men, and all the others who contributed up and down the lineup this year, are something else the doubters and haters said they would never be:
CHAMPIONS.
And here is the crazy thing about the whole thing: This team is NOT DONE.
Curry, Dray, and Klay aren’t going anywhere. In all likelyhood, neither is Wiggs, Loon, or, GP2. OPJ and Beli are also good bets to stay.
But the most insane thing of all? This team has a boatload of elite young talent waiting in the wings.
Poole will only get better, and some people think he deserves a max contract now.
Moody already contributed in these playoffs, and looks like he could be a coveted skilled 3-and-D wing type for the next 10-15 years.
Kuminga has all the talent and athletic ability in the world, and he’s learning from the best in the business. He could easily be one of the greatest wings in the league in 5-8 years time.
And mark my words: the best big man in this league in 2026 will go by the name of James Wiseman. He has the ceiling of Hakeem Olajuwon with a three point shot, and no one can ever convince me otherwise. And he apparently has a work ethic that is drawing rave reviews from the legends on this team.
This team isn’t an old group looking for one last ride.
This team threaded the freakin’ needle. It has the championship talent and experience of a dynasty, combined with the elite young talent of a recent lottery team. No team in modern NBA history ever managed that (the closest was the 80’s Celtics when they won the title and drafted Len Bias, and Bias was only one young player who tragically never got the chance to be what he could have been).
The Warriors are on the throne, once again.
And news flash to the haters: they aren’t giving it up anytime soon. And if they do, it won’t be without a fight.
And here’s a last shot for those other rival players and teams who think it’s their time now:
You want the throne? Come take it from our cold, dead, gold-blooded hands. If you can.
ServantOfLuna (28 ♡):
In case you missed it, here's the final gif I have posted for this season.
Trogdor (28 ♡):
10% of all NBA players to win at least 4 rings are currently on the Warriors.
Marina (27 ♡):
You guys, lovely lovely DNHQ people:
I love you all very much, and I'm really happy to have enjoyed this season with all of you.
To all the ones in the Bay: celebrate in style for all of us, baby!
To all int'l fans: I'll carry your late nights and early mornings in my heart!
To the amici italiani: vi voglio bene a tutti!
A los amigos de Latinoamérica: AGUANTE GUERREROS!
And that's how much i can manage three languages at 1.50am. I'll see you all tomorrow!
Asher B. (26 ♡):
All this tiptoeing toward "Steph might be good at defense" gets on my nerves. Steph is a GREAT defender. Put him on the all defense squad and stop giving him backhanded compliments like "he's getting better, he's bulking up lately." Dja ever notice that when Steph Curry plays, teams win? Dja ever watch his defense? Really watch it? OK, then.
Sabrina420-"Holy Cannoli." (26 ♡):
Chris Haynes
@ChrisBHaynes
Golden State Warriors team is chanting “F**k you Draymond” in the locker room as they celebrate.
ServantOfLuna (26 ♡):
Gary Payton II is a champ. Went from a guy who's been bouncing around the NBA and the G-League for five years to a champ.
urlyadoptr (25 ♡):
Lockdown Wiggins absolutely broke Tantrum's game. This was epic.
A Canadian (Sorry) with 'no motor' just made a First Team All-NBA look shook for 6 games.
All-around out played him (as a 3rd option versus a first option).
With a smile on his face.
ServantOfLuna (24 ♡):
Thanks for giving us Wiggins, Minnesota!
Fabbroferruccio (24 ♡):
I love this incredible team, better than Avengers! For me the best ring at all!
I’m a silent reader since GSOM, I have to thank You for this beautiful place, I want to say You vi voglio bene!
And now let’s go to job wearing my 30 jearsey, my colleagues will consider be definetely mad!😀
urlyadoptr (23 ♡):
GOAT shooter Steph Curry
Legend
All-time great
Changed The Game
Warrior for Life
I am blessed to have witnessed this man play
hammystyle (23 ♡):
Congrats DHNQ!!!!!!!
What a special win. I’m so happy for everyone, but to get back here and have Steph play his best series and win it is about as good as it gets from a sports fan moment. I’m so happy for him.
Nadav (23 ♡):
Shout out OPJ for those two huge 3s.
Klaymatic37 (23 ♡):
How crazy is that Poole got more and more comfortable on the biggest stage the longer it went on. Dude is gonna grow so much from this!
rcknfn (23 ♡):
Steph "What are they gonna say now. What are they gonna say now".
Talk that shit, Petty King
Asher B. (23 ♡):
THIS IS THE ONLY PLACE THAT REALLY BELIEVED, THE WHOLE TIME. GIVE YOURSELVES A STANDING OVATION. WE. KNEW. WE KNEW!!!!!!
stopnpop (22 ♡):
Wiggs with 18/6/5/4/3... almost a 5x5
DrumRollGyro (22 ♡):
Draymond just called the Finals the Warrior Invitational.
Dude is fucking goated
Duby Dub Dubs (22 ♡):
HOLY CANNOLI!!
The Sword Of The Morning (22 ♡):
By far my favorite championship.
I'm almost in disbelief. Incredible.
DubPHan (21 ♡):
Love to all DNHQ and to Dubs fans everywhere. I am off to bed soothed by the silence of the haters. G'night.
Asher B. (21 ♡):
The Warriors can't win the title in 2022. You see, the Phoenix Suns have the experience now, they've been to the Finals, they have talent at every position, an outstanding (wha?) coach, and the best floor general in the league. The Milwaukee Bucks are the defending champs and are simply too dominant. The Boston Celtics have the best record or some shit in the calendar year and their defense is the best in world history. The Memphis Grizzlies are much more athletic and have youth and fire on their side. The Lakers are too talented with a Big Three in LeBron, AD, and Russell Westbrook. The Nets will put up so many points with their big three that no one will be able to stop them. The 76ers and Nuggets have MVP caliber centers and superbly well rounded teams. Meanwhile, the Warriors' time has passed. Their core is old. Klay Thompson is just back from injury and looks terrible. Draymond Green's game is fading. Steph Curry lost his touch from three. They don't have a legitimate center. Their young players are good but not ready for the big time. I appreciate the enthusiasm on this site, but it's just not the Warriors' year. (Did I forget anything?)
BadlyBrowned (21 ♡):
Guys with 4+ rings, 2+ MVPs, and a Finals MVP:
Lebron james
Michael Jordan
Magic Johnson
Tim Duncan
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Steph Curry
DrumRollGyro (21 ♡):
Draymond and Curry absolutely took the fuck over and dominated.
Absolute titans of human beings and ball players.
I loved this roster, so happy they all get rings. My boy Bjeli 🥹
BadlyBrowned (20 ♡):
Wiggins with 18 pts in the closeout.
Ole' reliable
Asher B. (20 ♡):
Do you remember that shot Steph made when he cycled around the baseline and GPII fed him for a high-difficulty three to take the lead at 24-22? I thought it was difficult when I saw it, but on the replay please note that he made it *a moment after repositioning his mouthguard with his off hand while sprinting* THE STEPH CORNUCOPIA OF GREATNESS HAS NO BOTTOM. This can be seen at 1:12 of
rcknfn (19 ♡):
Steve - "Andre and I have been talking last week - we gotta do this for Steph"
So I guess it wasn't just us here saying the same.
stopnpop (19 ♡):
Dray: reflecting on his games "... and Game 3 was kinda like... terrible. Awful. [..] Game 5 I was pretty solid. [..] Game 6? I dominated. [...] I don't think I heard "FU Draymond" all night, they couldn't."
Asher B. (19 ♡):
Dear league: Kuminga, Wiseman and Moody are getting warmed up in the wings. Do we really need to play the whole year out or can we just have next year's ring now?
cpz (19 ♡):
It's crazy how well Draymond plays once a series has gone long. Lebron and Jimmy often do it too, so I'm guessing the pattern here is competitive fire. Being immune to mental exhaustion that most players suffer from. (Physical too? That I'm less sure of.)
Dray in particular has a game where being mentally locked in is most of what he needs since his game is less about shot-making.
belilaugh (19 ♡):
What an absolute privilege to root for this team and specifically those three guys and super specifically 4 time champion 1 time Finals MVP Top 5 All Time Stephen Wardell Curry.
Freddie (19 ♡):
Thank You DNHQ.
Follow the Dubs from Italy is much easier and gives much more fun with this community
You guys are doing an amazing job
Thank You from the bottom of my heart
FromMunichWithLove (18 ♡):
I’m still so happy & giddy. Smiling with no real reason. Sightseeing Vienna, saw a shop with something something BOSTON in the name, pointing to it laughing out loud. My husband thinks it’s time to get it together. Not yet…
fotd (18 ♡):
Dray: “Welcome back to the Warrior’s Invitational, baby”. 😁
jzalvarado (18 ♡):
Is espn replaying the finale. I was at Disneyland sorry but I told y’all I would be doing my part from picking against the Dubs every series to not watching the games
vignette17 (18 ♡):
Poor Baze. Traded from the Dubs in 2014. They win it all in 2015. Leaves as a FA in 2021. They win it all in 2022. Maybe we should sign him this offseason just to cut him this offseason.
Speaking of offseason. I want GPII, Looney, and OPJ back. In that order of preference if you really make me choose. But this team is really, really likeable. You can put any combo of the 15 on the court, and there's something fun to watch.
Also, Andre, thanks for all the wonderful memories. It's probably the last time you make it on an NBA court, but 4 rings and a top 5 wing defender all-time ain't nothing to sneeze at.
Steph's Ankle (18 ♡):
Hollinger’s 21-22 season projection:
“A healthy Curry playing at an MVP level might get this team to a mid-tier playoff seed; anything short of that, and it’s back to the Play-In Tournament.
Prediction: 39-43, ninth in Western Conference. “
Steph's Ankle (18 ♡):
Warriors don’t need KD to win a chip. All they need is an aging core, an erratic and under appreciated Canadian, some minimum salary vets, an undersized center who had neuropathy, a couple 19 year old rookies and a guy named GP2 picked up last minute for the 15th roster spot. Amazing!!!!!!
Duby Dub Dubs (18 ♡):
Lmao Bob Myers rolling outta the locker room barefoot with a little golden chalice.
Nadav (18 ♡):
Just dropped by to say… I dub you all!!!!
💙💛💙💛💙💛
Trogdor (18 ♡):
Remember all, this was just the reunification year. They're not supposed to really click until next year.
Being (18 ♡):
Dray 12/12/8. Man... what a beast tonight!
Sleepy Freud (17 ♡):
Klay calling JJJ a “frickin bum” in the presser (for having tweeted “Strength in Numbers”) was a peak pettiness moment. Love this team so much!
tempprofile (17 ♡):
It sure is a good thing all the stupid trades never came to fruition.
Matt (17 ♡):
Remember how we tore up the league early on? Seems so long ago! Then Steph's long chase for the 3 point record? Then the injuries, Dray's was quite scary at first, Klay pressing, the continued delays for JW, friggin' COVID, Marcus Smart injures Steph, more doubt and pressure. Such a long season - thank you all for being the only sports community I can stand! (that's meant as a huge compliment, really.)
DFiB (16 ♡):
They gotta get OPJ and GP2 to drunkenly agree to contracts!
I’m soooooooo ready for another B offseason!!!!
BKisforSF (16 ♡):
How far have we come, courtesy of Wardell, courtesy of Klay and Dray, courtesy of Andre, courtesy of serendipity. They built something here that will be remembered and cherished by those who’ve been touched by it. And we will tell the stories. Let them say we lived in the time of Klay and Dray. Let them say I choose Iguodala. Let them say we lived in the time of Wardell Stephen Curry
void (16 ♡):
What a ride! It has been a pleasure to experience this run with you all! Can’t wait to do it again next year 🥳 as Eric would say: I love you all!
Sabrina420-"Holy Cannoli." (16 ♡):
Steve Berman
@BASportsGuy
·
1m
Road teams to clinch a title in Boston:
1985 Los Angeles Lakers
2022 Golden State Warriors
rcknfn (16 ♡):
It's much more than that. These guys have supercomputer with photographic memory in their brains. They see patterns and after a while they know what you are going to do before you do it
Preview: Celtics pressed Curry more, it…
a Dynasty (re)born
Eric Apricot (19 ♡):
Isaiah Thomas: Heard that before lol
No really, he just quote tweeted that
ServantOfLuna (16 ♡):
One more win is all the Warriors need to win the series and become champs for this season. But it will NOT be an easy win. Celtics have their backs on the walls now, so they will, without a doubt, go all out tonight with the crowd supporting them. I hope the Warriors play their best tonight and close out the series.
Five Alarm Freddy (16 ♡):
For Fathers Day I would like a video of the Warriors flying home from Boston celebrating a Game 6 win please.
DFiB (15 ♡):
Coaching advantage #273:
Kerr is starting OPJ over Looney so he can have one of Dray or Looney on the floor at all times without giving them too many minutes or too many overlapping minutes. Also, minutes with both Dray & Looney are mostly aligned with RWIII on the bench.
What's the problem with Dray & Looney on the floor together? It's too easy to let Boston keep their shot blocker right by the rim. What's the best way to mitigate that? Play them together only when their shot blocker is off the floor. The Dubs are only really afraid of RWIII, as neither Horford nor G Williams are true shot blockers. This is how the Warriors "starting 5" unit is excelling without actually starting. They're being put in position to succeed.
Dan goutz (14 ♡):
I'm ready for that checkbook championship now
TwoRingTest (14 ♡):
My new phone message for the game:
Hi, this is <name redacted due to witness protection program restrictions>,
I am either currently watching the Warriors game or attached to a defibrillator.
If you will leave your name, phone number and a short message, I promise to get back to you no later than Oct. 2022.
Your message will be treated with priority if it includes the phrases "Kuminga", "Wiseman", or "Marcus Smart sucks"
tempprofile (14 ♡):
It would be nice to see game 6 Klay and to see Curry go off on the same night. I'm a sucker for nostalgia. Gets me every time.
Bel (13 ♡):
🙏 for an injury free game
Trogdor (13 ♡):
I hope we win.
DFiB (13 ♡):
Gary getting healthy and contributing is huge… if we win tonight, I’m 100% sure he’ll be a big reason why.
Trogdor (12 ♡):
And it's recognizing that there's nothing particularly special about the first few minutes of the game vs. any particular set of minutes later on.
Duby Dub Dubs (11 ♡):
Ok gang, here's hoping this will be our last GT of the season!
Irrationally optimistic (11 ♡):
I want to get on my 5 hour flight east tonight with no questions about this years Larry remaining.
I would prefer to board the plane ecstatic.
Sabrina420-For All The Marbles (11 ♡):
They put a camera in the stanchion and you know how Steph always runs to it before every tip off. LOL. (I apologize for those who can't see this).
Mikayla (11 ♡):
My prediction: Steph absolutely goes off. Combines with Klay for sixty plus points. Even the most ardent haters can no longer stomach denying his legacy for clicks and views.
Trogdor (9 ♡):
Another piece of history on the line tonight:
No quartet of teammates has won four titles together since the 80s Lakers.
Just goes to show how rare this sort of sustained success is with the same group of players.
Wiggins Island protects Warriors in Game 5…
ONE.MORE.WIN.
crusty quips (32 ♡):
Steve Kerr was on Damon and Ratto this afternoon to share some thoughts on the series so far. Transcribed below for your reading enjoyment.
------------------------------------------------------------
Q: How happy are you for Andrew Wiggins with all of the accolades he is now getting?
Kerr: I feel great for Wiggins, he has definitely earned it. He has been huge for us in these Finals and the entire playoffs. Really happy for him.
Q: Is this series more or less emotionally taxing than previous years?
Kerr: I don't really think in those terms; the ones that stand out are the most difficult ones. Losing to Cleveland in '16, beating OKC in '16, those were incredibly taxing series for different reasons. Obviously in Toronto losing a few seasons ago but more importantly having 2 players suffer devastating injuries, that was brutal. But they are all different, every series is different. We have been lucky to experience a lot of them (playoff series) and make a lot of deep runs. That's what its all about, you want to test yourself against the best and we have been able to do that over the years.
Q: After 20 playoff games of this new iteration of the Warriors so far...not bad right?
Kerr: The most interesting thing about this year, we obviously got off to a great start but were thinking that by the time Klay came back, we would be whole and have several months to prepare for the playoffs and it never happened with Draymond's injury and then Steph's... Game 1 against Denver felt like the first game all year we had the whole group together. These playoffs have been largely about finding ourselves and improving our team. We have had a lot of growth and have gotten better series after series. (something along the lines of "so far, so good")
Q: Draymond green's first trip to Boston got mixed reviews but he was the Draymond you need last night... how impressed were you in the turnaround?
Kerr: Everything has been over-hyped because that's what happens in the finals with so much coverage. Game 4 he played very well; down the stretch he made huge plays, almost double digit assists and rebounds... the defensive force he has brought the last few games has been devastating. As always, he is the key to our team on the defensive side. He has been great... there is always gonna be a lot of chatter good and bad and you just roll with it, he has done a good job with that stuff and has responded well.
Q: do you listen to his podcast?
Kerr: haha ... I do not.
Q: Here's what Draymond said about your relationship (below). Do you agree?
Dray: relationships take time to grow, and when you meet someone who is just like you, its going to take more time than when its the opposite, cause opposites attract. Steph and Steve, Steve and Klay, total opposites, which helped them mesh faster. Me and Steve, we are built the same way, and it takes longer to get to the same place when you have two people like that.
Kerr: Dray is dead on, we Are similar in our maniacal competitiveness. We have butted heads over the years due to that level of competition. Our relationship never been better (than it is now). It takes time to build relationships in a super competitive environment, especially with hotheads like us, especially in the league and the world that we live in. We trust each other, I lean on him, he leans on me, we collaborate, figure things out together...its been wonderful. You can't win without a guy like that, and I like the challenge he brings every day to make sure I stay on top of my game and I try to do the same for him.
Q: Is this series tactically different to what you were doing in your runs from 3-6 years ago or even playoff 2 series ago?
Kerr: Every year is different, every season and team is unique and you have to adapt as you go every time. I have learned a lot in my 8 years of coaching, have gotten better in a lot of ways. This team has been very flexible, lot of guys playing different roles...I've had to be patient about it and make sure the players are aware of that. 5 years ago we had a set formula, we knew who we were for several years in a row... there was less volatility and less to think about for our coaching staff (than now).
Q: What's less likely to happen, Steph missing 9 3s in a game or the Celtics hitting 9 in a row?
Kerr: did they do that last night? It definitely felt like they did in that 3rd quarter. They are a really good shooting team, especially with Horford at the 5. I think this is the first time Steph has not made a 3 in a playoff game (confirmed by hosts). It's extremely unlikely (to happen again) but we won that game with the rest of the group really stepping up. Wiggins having a big game, Klay hitting shots, Draymond setting the tone...the rest of the guys picked Steph up. I believe that our best game is still ahead of us. We can have a game where we make the shots AND play great defense and that is probably what it will take because Boston is that good.
Q: This is the first time in 20 years no finals game has been decided by less than double digits. Is that strange?
Kerr: Its deceiving because games 1 and 3 were close, 1-point games where things broke loose at the end. Game 4 was close until the end. I guess it's strange that there hasn't been a game that has gone down to the wire... it's a bit misleading though because 3 of the games have been pretty tight.
Q: You've had consistent 3rd quarter success throughout the years... in last night's game, that didn't happen. Was there anything different about that third quarter? Anything ominous early on?
Kerr: When Jaylen Brown stole the ball mid-court on the opening possession of the quarter, made 2 free throws, stole the pass on our first play, made 2 more free throws, you could feel their force. Tatum knocks down a couple of 3s and suddenly its a 2-point game and everything shifts. That's how fast it can shift in the NBA, someone can go on a 10-0 run in 40 seconds and that's how it goes. I thought Boston was great, they were the team that played for longer stretches in that 3rd quarter with more force and that got them back in the game.
Q: Was the first half last night the best basketball so far in the series?
Kerr: The best defensive half, sure. Our offense was not great but our defense was on point, flying around without fouling, not reaching, not giving second chance opportunities. Like I said, I think we can play even better, we can play a better 2-way game and that is our challenge in the next game.
Q: Draymond said on his podcast that after not making a 3 for the first time in the playoffs, Steph would be livid the next game. What does livid Steph Curry even look like? We've seen him toss his mouthpiece and get a T but haven't really seen him livid, he's more like a Jedi in that regard.
Kerr: What Draymond is referring to is Steph's competitiveness. When he says livid he means that inside, Steph is going to be livid he went 0-9 from 3 and he is such a competitor that he is gonna go out there and light it up. I know from experience when Steph has a tough shooting night he bounces back quickly. He wants to right the ship, we have a practice tomorrow and shoot-around on Thursday. Lots of rest and lot of shots before the game Thursday and he will be ready to go.
Q: Any difference in the mood from him last night?
Kerr: It's imperceptible. You know it's inside him but he always projects an outward calm.
Q: You and Udoka both played for Pop, have you reached out to Pop at all this series?
Kerr: We were on the Olympic staff together, and so was Will Hardy his #1 assistant in Boston. We are all good friends and have been through a lot together. Pop texted all of us before the series started and said "I'm now neutral". He will be thrilled for whoever wins, I am sure, and despondent for whoever loses.
Ray Ratto: Bet he will have a glass of wine for whoever loses.
belilaugh (26 ♡):
The heavy tourism at Wiggins Island right now is a disaster, polluting the waters and destroying the local reefs and aquatic biodiversity. Corporations and military presence have exploited the rich soil and stunning florae for profit at the expense of the indigenous population quality of life.
Wait, what?
BeerGuy (24 ♡):
I have all kinds of thoughts on that game, but there are a couple of narratives that are all over the national post-game analysis, and they couldn't be more wrong.
1. The turnovers are proof the Celtics are beating themselves. Bullcrap. The Warriors D is forcing those turnovers.
2. Runs like 4Q game 1 and 3Q game 5 prove that the Celtics have a formula on offense that works when they aren't turning the ball over. I'm pretty sure that shooting 100% from 3 isn't a sustainable formula.
Captain Jack (23 ♡):
Still crazy to me how Klay returned to action from a 2 year break not even 4-5 months ago and now he's playing 40 freaking minutes in the playoffs on the regular. I think some of us were hoping he could give us even half of that lol
Goofus (23 ♡):
I normally ignore media loudmouths just wanting attention, but that Windhorst clip is especially egregious. He’s making it sound like they’re simply buying a championship because they have a big payroll when the big payroll is because they assembled an excellent HOMEGROWN team that won three championships and have paid to keep them together.
DRAFTED: Curry, Green, Klay, Poole, Looney, Moody, Kuminga, Wiseman
SCRAPHEAP GUYS (minimum salaries and undrafted FA’s anyone could’ve fit in their payroll): Payton, Porter, Bjelly, Lee, Toscano, Igoudala
TRADE: Wiggins (who’s in Durant’s slot, which they had to clear players to create)
Yes, the ownership group is writing big checks to keep this group together, but the reason they’re even able to is because of excellent talent evaluation and roster construction, not because of deep pockets.
void (20 ♡):
Some game 5 appreciation for Curry:
I think the fact that he was +15 despite an absolutely abysmal shooting line (32/0/66 34% true shooting) speaks to two things: As someone mentioned below his comically underrated elite defense, and his historically great, probably #1 of all time, gravity. Even when he's doing nothing on the court stats-wise, he's bending the defense to its breaking point, creating spacing, creating 4 on 3s, running the defense ragged, and just generally wreaking havoc. It's such a crazy unique part of his game that never gets discussed when people are making their top 10 all time lists or comparing him to LeBron, homie gets double teamed at the logo, it's crazy. I know you all already know this, but just saying.
Oh also, again despite his atrocious game 5 stat line, he's still averaging 30.6 points on 46.6/41.7/83.3 (60.4% true shooting) for the finals. Next 3 highest scorers are:
Tatum -- 23.2 on 37.3/47.5/65.6 (50% true shooting)
Brown -- 21.4 on 40.9/30.6/80 (51.4% true shooting)
Wiggins -- 18.4 on 45.8/25/69 (51.8% true shotting)
Eric Apricot (20 ♡):
Damn, someone’s leaking the questions on the Wiggins Island citizenship test
Chasing Rings... (19 ♡):
I'm starting to feel melancholic that we are coming to the end and there will be no more posts or videos or comments to be read about this year's team and each heroic battle they prepare for or come out of. It's been such an Oddyssey (an odd Odyssey?). I'm sure that joining DNHQ has enhanced my Warriors fan experience 100x and so there is a good chance next season will be as enjoyable. But this first experience has been like a first crush. Whatever happens, you will always be my first and I will be forever grateful 💙🙏🏽🤍
Nellie (19 ♡):
Andre only got 3 or 4 minutes last night, but I loved seeing that out of bounds play in the second quarter where he found GPII under the basket. Re-watching, I can see it was primarily a Curry gravity play—if you freeze the frame with the game clock at 4:14, you can see all five Celtics with their eyes locked on Steph, right at the moment where GP makes his cut. Still, a heads up play all around, and fun to see Iguodala with one vintage moment in these finals. Also felt like a bit of a passing of the torch, with GP as one of his heirs on the roster.
Man, I love this team.
Abaddon (19 ♡):
It's a good time to remind everyone about Steph's ELITE - yes I said it ELITE defense, since all anyone can see is his (well it's really hard to ignore given he's the greatest three point shooter of all time) horrific 0-9 showing from behind the arc, and not seeing his excellent 7-13 from 2, 8 assists, and only ONE turnover. Oh yeah, his defense. Here's the current top 10 playoff performers in field goal percentage against in the playoffs, minimum 100 field goals attempted:
Player DFGM DFGA DFG%
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Draymond Green 123 324 38.0
Stephen Curry 83 217 38.2
Jrue Holiday 64 166 38.6
Jaren Jackson Jr 60 153 39.2
Bam Adebayo 83 207 40.1
Deandre Ayton 87 215 40.5
Derrick White 85 210 40.5
Gabe Vincent 64 158 40.5
Kevon Looney 88 216 40.7
Marcus Smart 101 247 40.9
Mr Teal (19 ♡):
I can't be the only one on this board that is concerned that our underperforming backcourt is wasting Wiggins' prime. They better step up for game 6. #WiggsNeedsHelp
Captain Jack (19 ♡):
Draymond was right on the podcast. That Poole beater buzzer did wonders for the momentum for both teams. Man, that shot was freaking big time
Captain Jack (18 ♡):
I think this playoff run just extended Wiggin's tenure with the Dubs for the long run. I remember hearing talk about letting him walk after his contract ends but honestly I don't think we can afford to let him leave SF at this point if we want to keep playing in June. I think him and GP2 are a lock to stay for a while. They seem to love the team/culture to a point where they'll do whatever it takes to make it happen and I'm positive the feeling is mutual
PGBreaker (17 ♡):
"let the splash rain down on them with righteous indignation until they are all swept away." Amen brother!
Eric Apricot (16 ♡):
On that idiotic “checkbook win” statement: since 2011, the #1 payroll team has only won the championship once… the 2016 Cavs. Which I’m SURE Windhorst also called a “checkbook win”, right? RIGHT?
22. GSW
21. GSW
20. OKC
19. MIA
18. CLE
17. CLE
16. CLE
15. BRK
14. BRK
13. LAL
12. LAL
11. LAL
10. LAL
Mikayla (15 ♡):
As a fellow Canuck, I’ve been on Wiggins island since I first read about the sixteen year old future number one overall pick.
As he struggled in Minnesota the reasons I really started to root for him were because he reminded me a little of myself. Not athletically of course. The closest I’ve come to playing above the rim is rolling one up. (Specifically Canadian Joke 🎶 🎶 ) I myself was a late bloomer and didn’t come into my own in life until I found the right situation and was surrounded by great people that loved to work hard and smart. Also, for me and I suspect Wiggs as well, most things came easily. Naturally. So I either was good right away or gave up right away. Why wasted time grinding to be good at something when I’m already good at stuff? I wouldn’t spend ten hours on guitar let alone ten thousand. I sucked at it. Move on. This fostered in me a lack of real determination and hard-headedness. Once I was around “championship people” I finally flourished.
Needless to say I was ecstatic about Wiggs coming to my adopted team.
Sabrina420-For All The Marbles (15 ♡):
I'm no defacto leader - I have my temper and dealing with my raging 40's and all that - but I'm happy I was wrong about the series feeling over. It's not over till it's over. Here's to the Warriors escaping Boston in one piece after game 6, win or lose. 🍻
Explain: Wiggins and Klay and Warriors…
One. More. Game.
Captain Jack (11 ♡):
A streak for a streak. Steph made a deal with the basketball gods for the Game 5 stone.
Trogdor (10 ♡):
Lol, I heard one talking head saying that Steph needs a signature Finals moment for his legacy and he can now get that in G6 as it's a closeout game.
DID YOU NOT WATCH GAME 4?????
Five Alarm Freddy (9 ♡):
Smart's sheet metal sculpting was pretty annoying. Credit to the refs for not taking the bait. That said, come Thursday he will be making a Pamplona masterpiece I am sure of it. The Boston crowd, the chance to extend the series, the constant whining from Celtics players I think will all be too much for the refs to not call these flops. Hopefully the Warriors stay focused and don't let his flop hobby take them out of rhythm.
Sleepy Freud (9 ♡):
I’m trying to picture our collective nose hair — must be hella long, given the DNHQ family extends to NY, UK, Italy, and beyond… ;-P
AKChaz (7 ♡):
As a long time curler....shoutout to the Marcus Smart reference....he just needed some sweepers to get to the button.
Sanctorum (7 ♡):
High Three!
Awesome as always, Eric. Saw some speculation on the Twitters that suggested something was off with Steph's shooting, perhaps with his finger/hand, perhaps related to his foot injury (per e.g. Dr. Pandya). Did you happen to notice anything either live or on replay that lends credence to that theory? Or did it feel more like the Celtics' extra loving defense plus carrying all of Dub Nation on his back for several games finally got to him a bit?
Renailun (7 ♡):
I believe Steph switched shoes at half time to the ones that accommodate the more intense ankle-bracing things he sometimes wears. I suspect the amount of pain the Warriors (and most pro athletes play with) would curl our collective nose hair.
DraymondWantsItMore (6 ♡):
So now that Boston has tried guarding steph 1-1 and gotten torched for 34 pts a game, and tried face-guarding and trapping more and got everyone else easy buckets, what are they gonna try in game 6? Stick with the current plan of taking steph out of the game and hope he goes 0-9 again? Go back to drop coverage and hope his 40 isn't enough?
DFiB (6 ♡):
They blinked... they absolutely blinked and got all discombobulated.
Offero (5 ♡):
I know I have seen games where teams try this kind of defense (or even constant shining twins), but can't recall if it ever succeeds. Seems like the Dubs always exploit it for a win. Do we recall cases where it has? Also, I have already seen an article saying while Steph is the FMVP fav, now Wiggs has and argument, as if Steph taking one of their players out nearly every play was not a significant factor in the rest of the Dubs having so many chances to score. Despite a poor shooting night, Steph was still unequivocally the most valuable player on the floor. Gravity.
tempprofile (5 ♡):
The thing that impresses me most is that the Warriors still haven't put together a game where they have played their best for 48 minutes. in particular, in last night's game Curry and Wiggins combined to go 0 for 15 on pretty open 3s (Wiggins, really open, Curry, open for him). Klay had a nice game but he didn't go supernova. There is more offense to be had if the Celtics stick to face guarding Curry.
E2148 (5 ♡):
The nose hair curled round the world!
Game 5 Postgame Thread
ONE. MORE. GAME.
WastingCurrysPrime! (35 ♡):
Well, we saw Steph put the team on his back and win a game in Game 4.
Tonight we saw him find ways to contribute even when his shot wasn’t working. He made plays and got the ball to others who were hot and let their hot shooting win the game for us. He could have easily gotten greedy for the spotlight and shot us out of the game. Lots of other “stars” in this league would have and actually have done that in this scenario, then would have thrown their teammates under the bus for “not giving them help”.
Steph let Klay help with his threes. He let Wiggs help with his driving and midrange scoring. He opened the floor for GP2 and Draymond. And he played tough D on whoever tried to score on him.
But as much as I love Steph, he wasn’t the star of the show tonight.
The star of the show tonight would be the guy who Nick Wrong said had such a bad contract that trading for it ensured we would never see Steph Curry in a Finals again. Ever.
He’s the guy some people were comparing unfavorably to Harrison Barnes, saying that Barnes was better than him in pretty much every department.
Well, Barnes had his chance to shine on the Finals stage. And he choked harder than those poor souls who piss off Darth Vader in the Star Wars Original Trilogy.
But the star of the show tonight hasn’t just shone on the Finals stage. He’s elevated his game to new heights on the Finals stage. In the words of a certain famous Celtics fan, he’s making “The Leap”.
Yes, I’m talking about our buddy Two-Way Wiggs. Who broke his 17 point limit quota tonight and damn near equaled Tatum for game high scorer (26 vs. 27). Now he’s almost making the 17 his freakin’ rebound quota instead lol.
Wiggs hasn’t just been the second best player on the Warriors. He’s been the second best player in the freakin series. He is outplaying Jayson Tatum in pretty much every way except for three point shooting. That is not something Boston can afford to have happen, not if Steph is putting together a Finals PPG average of 30+ lol.
If in Game 6 Wigs outplays Tatum once again, and Steph puts up a game on par with his 2022 Finals average so far (let alone his transcendent Game 4), this series is almost certainly not leaving Boston. Boston would need multiple miracles to even be competitive in that scenario.
But still, we have to get the job done, and it ain’t over until it’s done.
(P.S: I’d also like to give shout outs to Klay for his great shooting game tonight, which helped us build a lead at halftime. Also to Jordan Poole, for playing his best overall game so far this Finals in the least amount of minutes he’s been given so far. If that is an adjustment from Kerr and his staff, they deserve the kudos once again for adjusting to the opponent on the fly.
But the next biggest shoutout after Wigs should go to GP2. He’s had an amazing journey, just in the playoffs alone. He was so good against Denver and Memphis, only to get hurt on that Brooks dirty shot. He hasn’t just come back for the Finals, he’s been one of the Warriors’ most reliable players in the Finals. He’s come in and made a huge impact in all 3 of our wins thus far in the Finals. His skill set and attitude fits in so well with the Warriors, it’s beautiful. And now he has the chance to accomplish something that his HOF’er dad was never able to achieve until the ring-chasing end of his career: become an NBA Champion.
He needs to be a part of this team both now and in the future. Because in many ways, he represents the “new blood” that has helped the old Golden Empire dynasty in this new chapter of their story: Underappreciated, underestimated, and at times mocked for not being something or someone else. In almost all cases, these players were guys who other teams didn’t really want. Yet through their own hard work and willingness to buy into this proven championship winning system, they are showing everyone that they are both more and better than people ever thought they could be.)
Eric Apricot (33 ♡):
I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT I LOVE YOU ALL
Sabrina420-I Voted (30 ♡):
NBA History
@NBAHistory
Tonight marks Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and Stephen Curry’s 20th win in the Finals as a trio, passing Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili (19) for the most #NBAFinals wins by a trio over the last 30 years. #NBA75
Asher B. (29 ♡):
If someone were to ask you why the Warriors won, the correct answer is ferocious defense. I saw tenacious work from everybody -- Draymond, Wiggins, Klay, Steph, GPII, Looney. Especially the small lineups switching like crazy and contesting everything. Very few breakdowns. Insane defensive team.
Alex (29 ♡):
Klay Thompson interview, mentioning how playing on a team from California and beating the Celtics in the Finals is just continuing the family business...
JamesHardon (28 ♡):
Never thought I would want to win the finals on the road. But watching Boston fans cry when their team is eliminated sounds better then winning at Chase
Asher B. (26 ♡):
It feels like Dillon Brooks attempting to behead Gary Payton II was like a million years ago. Among the other narratives, I really really love this one. GPII was nearly done for the year and it was so sad how well he'd moved, from G-League to starter in the playoffs, only to go down. So it seemed like that was just a sad ending and we'd have to win without him. Instead, he's come back, has been playing well, and was just now a crucial factor in a massive championship series win, and no one can ever take that away from him.
crusty quips (25 ♡):
I was at this amazing, glorious, as Draymond would call it, absolutely incredible game. Some thoughts from (and around) Chase Center:
- I was lucky enough to be able to go to game 2 of the WCF against Dallas and that was the loudest the arena had gotten to that point in the few times I've been able to go to games there. Tonight surpassed it without question. My section up in 203 (near where the recent championship banners hang) was downright boisterous. Not every single person was a loud cheerer, but there was enough of us there to keep the volume up all night long. We also had the benefit of some Celtics fans being peppered amongst our section, giving those of us with something to say a little more motivation to make sure our voices were heard. It wasn't just my section though; it was the entire Arena. As Sheriff Bart would say, "let me tell you baby, they was open for BUISNESS". The place was raucous. Every time the Celtics would touch the ball, a chorus of boos would rain down on them. Every time they crossed half-court, the "DEFENSE" chants arose from the aisles with enthused defiance. The "Waaaarriors" chant organically manifested itself at the right parts in the game, including at the end of the third when the crowd was willing the boys to get back into it after the Celtics' run. It was another experience that hearkened back to the Oracle days and I was proud of all the Dubs fans who made that building as hostile of a place for the Celtics tonight as it was energizing to the Warriors.
- How about one Andrew "Mr. Fantastic" Wiggins? Best game of his career, right? When taking the stage into account, I don't see how it isn't. He is outplaying Jayson Tatum and it is totally demoralizing the Celtics. You could see it in their body language which got increasingly frustrated as the game wound on and as Andy kept eviscerating them from the mid-range and at the rim. I think the amount of Wiggins unbelievers on this forum is slim to none at this point, but I can't stop marveling at the fact that at the time that this dude was traded to the Warriors, he was considered the worst contract in the league by broad consensus, and now he is dropping 26 points and snagging 13 rebounds (a game after getting a career high 17) on the biggest stage in the NBA. On the way out of the Arena and on the various forms of public transit back to Oakland, I heard many murmur his name in awed, proud tones, as if he was one of the homegrown core. Given how the team has embraced him and let him be the best version of himself, he might as well be at this point; an adopted son that's no less a part of the family.
- I predicted big games from Draymond and Poole before the game, as well as more good shooting from Klay. While neither had a huge scoring night, both played excellent games tonight, Poole with his timely and efficient scoring and Draymond with his ferocious defense and rejuvenated aggression. Klay was great for the third game in a row and I think we can all feel that Game 6 version of him stir on the horizon. I think the team is hungry to close this out in Boston and will come out guns blazing on Thursday.
- On the way to the game, I sat next to a Celtics fan on the Muni from the Embarcadero to the arena. Chatted with him for most of the way and learned that he is from LA, which seemed odd to me given his choice of team. Apparently (according to him), there are a bunch of Celtics fans in Los Angeles who absolutely hate the Lakers but aren't even mostly from Boston. Seems weird, right? I've never heard of this before. Pretty cool dude although I had to manage a weird miss of disgust and confusion for someone who was at the same time a Dodgers and and a Celtics fan (also an Eagles fan for whatever reason).
- I brought my little pocket radio to the game so I could listen to Tom Roye and Tim Tolbert, another pleasant side benefit of not having to watch the national broadcast tonight. Tim Roye was out sick though, so Fitz filled in for him. At first I was pretty disappointed because Tim Roye is fantastic and I am not Fitz's biggest fan. However, I gotta give him credit, he called a great game. He was fantastic on the PBP, generating the right level of excitement for the biggest plays (I recommend you find his call on the Wiggins dunk in the 4th, absolutely perfect) and providing a continuous stream of useful commentary in between the action. Why can't he be like that on the TV side? If he was on Warriors broadcasts more like he is on Warriors radio (or when he was at the Olympics), he would be an unequivocally great broadcaster. Part of my frustration with him though is that although he seems perfectly capable of being that guy, he chooses to try and act like the color analyst as well during most Warriors broadcasts and I hate analyst Fitz.
- I know that many of the posters here are not baseball fans, but the SF Giants swept the rival powerhouse LA Dodgers over the weekend, which is always a big deal around here. Combined with the 2 definitive and defining finals wins over the Celtics on Friday and today, this may have been the best (extended) weekend in Bay Area sports in a very long time.
- There was a group of deaf fans sitting in the row right in front of where me and my buddy were sitting. This is not extremely notable in itself (outside of making me feel better by knowing I didn't have to worry about screaming too loudly right behind them), but during one of the breaks there was a t-shirt thrower guy who ascended into our section and was doing the time-honored tradition of getting fans engaged with the possibility of a free shirt, and these dudes were the most animated about this than they were about anything else the entire game. They gestured at themselves wildly and tried to get the guy's attention until he ran out of shirts and left. It was just nice to remember that regardless of what kind of fans we are or what are journeys in life have been, everyone just ultimately wants a free shirt. Ideally fired at them out of a cannon. But any kind will do.
- Godamn do I love this team and this organization. Let's go close this out in Boston, I want to tear those fans' hearts out on their own home floor.
Abaddon (23 ♡):
“When did you realize you could be a more impactful defender?”
Wiggins: the first day I got to Golden State […]
Sleepy Freud (21 ♡):
… and 538 grudgingly moves the Warriors’ title chances up to 3.08%.
Nate P (21 ♡):
They wrote us off. Left us for dead. Heaped praise on a Celtics team that hadn't been here before. And here we are ... back where WE BELONG.
Asher B. (20 ♡):
It's a beautiful thing that we're going to have a Game 6 Klay in the Finals. I don't know if he'll score a point or get a rebound. But I do know that he will play in a Game 6 of the Finals, and I do know that that was in doubt for a long, long time. An entire pandemic started and waned and Klay just kept rehabbing. He obviously lost his spirit to some extent, as anyone would. He worked really hard to get back that first year and to have his comeback stolen in preseason would leave some people with no desire left to bother. He bothered. He worked. He looked so frustrated, then he was traveling with the team but it was like he was a mascot: cute, loyal, but not an actual player. Like a water boy who can hit the three when no one is guarding him in practice. Then he came back and he wasn't himself but he worked on it and finally looks like the player he used to be, almost. And now we are going to get the ultimate: Championship Game 6 Klay. You can't make this stuff up.
alv66 (20 ♡):
Just saw a stat that blows my mind: the Warriors under Steve Kerr are 61-4 in the postseason when leading at halftime. That's a 94% win rate. That is truly amazing.
Finals down to best two out of three games …
Both teams are conceding opportunities in order to take away their opponent's biggest threat
Klaymatic37 (13 ♡):
Dubs gonna blow the series open and end it in 6 with a classic game 6 klay performance.
The new narrative will be the Celtics did well just to get 2 wins in and Curry is the greatest player on the planet.
belilaugh (13 ♡):
The Warriors can still win the series if they lose this game. The Celtics did that a few rounds ago actually, lost Game 5 to the Bucks at home before winning the last two. Hell, the Heat lost Game 5 and won Game 6 even though they could not pull the series out.
That said, it took a legendary Curry performance to steal last game and I do not want to see the Warriors have to do that again. Win the home games and you are NBA champions, that simple.
Please.
Eric Apricot (13 ♡):
Also, I think BOS's defensive strategy on Steph is very reasonable. It might not win them the Finals, but no defense on Steph would guarantee that. Steph is rightfully getting a lot of praise, but his shooting accuracy hasn't even been top tier from him.
In the end, I think this series is already in Random Ending territory. When BOS hits threes, GSW doesn't get transition opportunities; when they miss, GSW does. So if BOS keeps on shooting abnormally well on threes, they probably win. If they come back to earth (or slump), then GSW probably win.
I'm grateful to share the drama of these last games with you all.
crusty quips (12 ♡):
This is not a must-win game for the Warriors in the strictest sense of the word but I hope that they treat it as such. Last game I called big games for Wiggs and Dray. We got the former but not as much of the latter. Will be looking for the Michigan boys to go off in this game though, both Draymond and Poole are due for a good one. Look for Klay to continue to heat up as well.
I'll be there in person up in the nosebleeds and will do my part to roar our boys to victory. Let's step on their throats the whole game and never let up. WAAAAARRRRIOOOORS!
DNHQ Vidcast: Andrew Wiggins' defense has…
LOCKDOWN WIGGS!
Captain Jack (11 ♡):
Everyone is talking about the adjustments the Celtics are going to make to lock us up like they're the only team that's allowed to do that. They might be a great defensive team that's well coached but I feel like we have more options for different adjustments than them, plus we clearly have the best player on the court on our side.
Klon (10 ♡):
On the topic of Andrew Wiggins. I noted a while back that I made a bet after the trade that I was going to have his number shaved into my hair if he ever proved to be a key piece to a title run - following the rules of "Pics or it didn't happen": https://old.reddit.com/r/warriors/comments/vb9o5e/never_have_i_been_more_glad_to_pay_up_for_a_lost/
Benvolio (7 ♡):
Man, tough to say with that guy. Judging from the fact that he couldn’t even get any run in the playoffs for the Mavs (who the warriors were just killing in the paint), I’m guessing he just not a good enough defender to be playable. He sure seemed like a guy who could help when he was healthy.
Sleepy Freud (6 ♡):
Warriors net plus-minus through 20 playoff games:
+15.1 Wiggins
+11.7 Porter
+9.0 Green
+5.5 Curry
+5.4 Payton
+4.5 Looney
====
-2.5 Moody
-5.7 Poole
-10.4 Bjelica
-11.6 Iguodala
-12.9 Thompson
-14.0 Lee
-16.7 Kuminga
-22.5 Toscano-Anderson
(Head explodes)
Small sample alert (esp for the bit part guys), but the main takeaway is: Wiggins … my god.
alicat (5 ♡):
That is a scary man, sometimes! He usually has the demeanor of a hunting hawk or lion, but the Steph in that tweet is the inner dragon.
Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open…
The 2022 Finals rollercoaster, Games 1 through 4, as yelled through keyboards
Abaddon (18 ♡):
I've been thinking a lot about how Steph is guarded, sparked by Thinking Basketball's excellent video "Why no one guards Steph Curry this way":
(as always a great video). And I keep coming back to Game One of the 2018-2019 NBA playoffs versus the Clippers.
The Warriors were coming off of their second of two straight dominant championships and into the third and what would be final year of the Kevin Durant era. As we all know, in the Steve Kerr era teams have largely chosen to defend Steph with doubles/blitzes/traps and try to get the ball out of his hands. The addition of Durant made that choice untenable because it opened up the floor for his prodigious talents in the open floor. KD was coming off his second straight NBA Finals MVP trophy, a series in which he scored 28.8 PPG shooting 53% from the field and 41% from three and NINETY-SIX percent from the free throw line. He also racked up just under 11 rebounds a game, 7.5 assists per game to only 2.3 turnovers, and 2.3 blocks per game. Truly a MONSTER series.
The Clippers in G1 of the following postseason didn't generally employ that traditional defense against Steph. In some ways it is reminiscent of how the Celtics are defending Steph this series. His performance in that game is arguably one of his best postseason performances: 38 points in 37 minutes on only 16 (!) attempts from the field; 8 of 12 from three (11 of 16 overall) and 8 of 9 from the line for a sizzling 93.8% TS, 15 (!) rebounds (3 offensive), and seven assists (to four turnovers). By inpredictable.com's Win Probability Added metric http://stats.inpredictable.com/nba/wpBox.php?season=2018&month=04&date=2019-04-13&gid=0041800141 his +30.3% was top 10 in his career, even though the game was somewhat of a blowout (WPA weighs stats acquired with larger leads lower). My blended metric of box score stats and WPA places it comfortably first. (My metric doesn't include things like opponent difficulty or percentage of load carried by the player, which are the biggest two reasons I would personally rate this most recent game significantly higher).
Although highlights
are often misleading because they only show top plays for a player, and a good amount of Steph's impact was in transition and not against a set defense, you can see elements of the drop coverage here, executed much more poorly than Boston is doing now. Steph absolutely shredded the Clippers and you can see from the box score and advanced stats how big of an impact he had https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201904130GSW.html, with an outrageous 158 ORtg and 98 DRtg for the game. Durant's impact was limited to a still excellent and efficient 23 points on his 16 shots with an ORtg of 114 and DRtg of 95.
After this game, the Clippers completely revamped their defense to employ the usual Stephen Curry creepy twins defense employing traps, blitzes, and double-teams. That's right, it took ONE GAME of Steph going nuclear for the Clippers to decide they should focus their attention on him and let Durant cook. The Warriors would lose Game 2 before adjusting and going 3-1 the rest of the series to win in a hard-fought six games. The rest of the series, Steph averaged 22 points on 46% shooting from the field and 44% from three. KD averaged 37.4 PPG on 58% shooting from the field on almost 21 attempts a game and just under 40% from three.
Nowadays, it is probably better (despite cries from the media) for Boston to continue to guard Steph most of the time with the same defense they've been employing. The effectiveness of the other Warriors in efficiently scoring the ball when Steph's gravity gives them 4-3 opportunities more than makes up for limiting the offense Steph can generate by himself. Without that gravity, when Steph is guarded as he has been in this series, the Warriors really struggle to generate enough offense to fill in the margins and win the game, as we have seen in the first four games.
If I were Boston, I'd try mixing it up a little more... like they did at the end of Game 4... but they would have to execute much better than they did on that play. I think it's probably difficult to mix up the defenses too much at this stage of the game so I don't know if we'll see much of that at all. The Warriors need to find ways to be more effective when Steph is guarded with drop coverage and in particular have to find a way to get Draymond more involved than he has been. His regression offensively (which Boston's coverage has a lot to do with) has really demanded Steph play ridiculously to get to this point. If the Warriors can hit some of those open threes they've been getting, that would help a lot.
DrumRollGyro (17 ♡):
Man, if the Warriors win this series, not only is it maybe the one that cements Steph’s legacy the most, but think about the boost it’ll give next season: getting to see the core defend their title (the best title-defenders of the last 20 years) and hopefully maybe finally getting to see Wiseman play.
Add in assumed jumps from Kuminga, Moody and Poole (and maybe Wiggins?!) and it should be a blissful, fun-ass season.
It’ll feel like house money knowing only the smoothest-brained Neanderthals could possibly question Curry ever again while watching the team hopefully grow for the future Curry years and beyond.
Plus you know… always the mystery box that is FA. You never know with Meyers.
Please pull this out GSW.
Sabrina420-I Voted (14 ♡):
Such a bad look for the NBA. They really can't swing 50 million for pensions for former ABA players who were left out in the cold? 💔💔💔
Richard (11 ♡):
Flame me if you must but I’m all in on the rookies riding (non-garbage time) pine these finals. While I think Moody could be helpful on defense for very brief actions, GP2 is almost always going to be a better option. And Kuminga doesn’t have the system down enough for him to keep up on either end of the court. Hopefully they are motivated and paying attention because they are going to have to earn the right to be in the rotation in future playoffs. I think they will - I’m very optimistic about these two. But they play if they can contribute.
Janet (11 ♡):
I’m in awe of all the comments especially during Game 4. I was transfixed and could not multitask no way. I did notice the look in Steph’s eyes. Still not over it.
belilaugh (11 ♡):
My comment reminds me that Draymond got through the last two games with no techs, so he still has 4 and is safe from getting a tech-related suspension as long as he does not get two in the same game.
Abaddon (10 ♡):
Shout out to The Sword Of The Morning whose 12-point treatise in the series preview article was uncannily prescient.
Trogdor (8 ♡):
Am I the only one who is getting really annoyed at all the "Curry has no help around him, Draymond is unplayable, the Celtics are just more talented" takes?
Curry is incredible. No doubt. Like, one of the best ever. But it's not like the rest of the team is scrubs. It hasn't been the best series for several of the other Warriors (including Draymond, Klay and Poole) but that could all change tomorrow (and hopefully will!)
Any claiming the Warriors are just untalented outside of Steph clearly hasn't watched them play prior to the finals.
fzwinter (8 ♡):
Good reminder from one of the posts about Dray and technical fouls. He hasn’t gotten any more since Game 2 so he’s still at four. So he’ll be good to go even if he picks up one in each of games 5,6, and 7. Also still at 2 flagrant foul points.
Eric Apricot (8 ♡):
Either way, next season should be a banger. Either the Path of Revenge or Victory Lap For Two Timelines
Run_TMC (8 ♡):
Sometimes I'm (re)reading these comments and I try to "like" them again :)
https://deadspin.com/steph-klay-and-the-rest-of-the-nba-all-finals-team-1849082666
In many parallel timelines, Game 7 of the NBA Finals just ended, and either way, I would have a LOT more white hair and much less healthy heart