Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open thread
Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open thread
The week we made the Finals
Explain: Steph, Klay and (surprise!) Moses…
Kerr presses all the right not-so-obvious buttons
Sleepy Freud (29 ♡):
(Per 36)
Klay 2019 playoffs: 19.1 pts on .575 ts / 3.8 reb / 1.9 ast / 1.2 stl / 0.7 blk / 1.7 tov
Klay 2022 playoffs: 20.3 pts on .575 ts / 4.4 reb / 2.4 ast / 1.0 stl / 0.8 blk / 1.3 tov
He's back. Life is beautiful, sometimes.
hammystyle (26 ♡):
This was Looney's best season. Not just playing full 82 but showing more deft around the rim.
Per 36: 10 PPG...12 RPG...3 APG...1 SPG...1 BPG...586 TS%.
In playoffs it's gone to next level. Truly outstanding play.
11 PPG...14 RPG...4 APG...1 SPG...1 BPG...664 TS%.
Compare that to the Per 36 for:
Bam: 16 PPG...9 RPG...3 APG...1 SPG...1 BPG...652 TS%
Horford: 13 PPG...9 PRG...3 APG...1 SPG...2 BPG....676 TS%
RW3: 13 PPG...10 RPG...1 APG...1 SPG...4 BPG...707 TS%
He's right in there! These guys play more minutes but whatever. He's right in there as the very rare C who can't be played off the court during the playoffs and can contribute on both ends. It's remarkable. There's a big reason these four guys are still playing and it blows my mind that Looney gets fair consideration right in that group.
Huge credit to Loon for developing his body and game. But I do think Coach Dejan played a big part and it gets me pretty hyped to see what he can do with Wiseman.
Sabrina420 (26 ♡):
POSSIBLE GAME ONE return for GPII! WHOA!
Sabrina420 (26 ♡):
Steve Kerr has spent approximately 48% of his NBA career getting to the finals (as a player and as a coach).
alv66 (25 ♡):
Dray on the Volume in about 30 minutes: "Jimmy Butler was ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. But there's no way he can do it again. Just zero chance. Also Bam is Kevon with bad hands".
Another solid day's work.
Chasing Rings... (23 ♡):
From https://www.basketballnews.com/
TNT’s coverage of the 2022 Western Conference Finals – which featured the Golden State Warriors eliminating the Dallas Mavericks in five games – delivered the network its most-watched Conference Finals broadcasts since 2018, averaging 6.7 million viewers.
Viewership for this year’s five-game series was up 23% when compared with last year’s Western Conference Finals (which saw the Phoenix Suns defeat the Phoenix Suns in six games, drawing 5.5 million viewers).
---
Good ol Suns beating themselves again 😅
Alex (23 ♡):
I'm here for the Favorite Play discussion! How about Curry's defense - with us up 13 with 4 minutes to go and Mavs making a final push - stopping Luka's drive, funneling it into help, then rotating at a dead run to BLOCK REGGIE BULLOCK'S CORNER THREE AND FORCE A SHOT CLOCK VIOLATION?! Can't even type it without yelling again :)
belilaugh (23 ♡):
Can't decide if my favorite play from last night's game was Moody's Kobe-esque turnaround fadeaway midrange shot or 34 year old Bjelica's full extension dive to keep possession. Both guys really stepped up as documented in this video, especially Bjelica.
KllrXvr (22 ♡):
Hello fellow Dubs fans, wanted to say thanks as a consistent but casual reader and very infrequent commenter. Your good spirits and keen insights throughout the year have really amplified the fun of watching this team.
And since I haven't seen it mentioned yet I want to point to the thing that is making me happiest about this latest milestone: Juan Toscano-Anderson is going to the NBA Finals!!!
Alex (19 ♡):
I know I posted it yesterday, but what a masterful stroke on Draymond's part to give Miami bulletin board material to extend the series! Seriously, so pleased...
Abaddon (18 ♡):
Now PJ Tucker on SportsCenter thanking Dray
Hashemite Kingdom (18 ♡):
This is now maybe my favorite Warriors team of all time. Not the best team, but the best story. I just love these guys.
There were so many down moments this year. The team never played together as a whole until the playoffs. Felt like it took Klay forever to get going. Curry's slump, and then his injury once he seemed to get it going again. Dray's injury. Bench players/ring chasers turning down the Warriors offers to play with other teams in preseason. Fan frustration with Kerr, and with the front office.
It's been gratifying tuning out the noise and some fans' suicidal ideation, hanging in there, assuming the coaches, front office, and players knew what they were doing, having a little patience with the situation. Watching Curry's record breaker, witnessing Poole's burgeoning talent, seeing Wiggins posterize Luka, watching these guys beat back everyone in the Western Conference. It's curious, but ... now we're back in the Finals, baby!
So much joy on this team. I liked the teams with KD, but this one is somehow way more satisfying to me.
And - we have next year to look forward to - mostly the same vets, but young guys Poole, Kuminga, and Moody with an extra year of maturity. I'm really hoping Wiseman is able to come along for this ride, too. If that works out, this could be truly amazing. If the younguns develop, I think the Ws can get past the Denvers and Clippers of the world, who could have been great but have been down because of injuries.
Tonkal (18 ♡):
Props to Kerr for his ball movement system. Like he said, when the ball moves around, it has energy. Guys are more engaged on both sides of the floor. How else do guys like Looney and Wiggs fly around on D and grab tons of offensive boards? They're engaged because they're not waiting around watching the ball for 20 seconds every possession.
Captain Jack (17 ♡):
That's why he wins at the highest level. Klay Thompson loves basketball that much. God, it's been such a pleasure to watch Steph, Klay and Draymond play this game. Even their relationship off the court has been refreshing to witness. Genuinely rooting for each other. No egos and no drama.
Five Alarm Freddy (17 ♡):
We are in the NBA Finals in large part because of the contributions of Kevon Looney, Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins. Tell that to my past self from two years ago.
Chasing Rings... (17 ♡):
Shout out to Bjeli for that last second dive to prevent the backcourt violation! I have some receipts he would be better in the playoffs but I think it's he's just healthy! That bomb of a three to go up 17 in the 4th was the icing too :) Great we get homecourt advantage if we need to reach into our bench for more valuable minutes.
Eric Apricot (16 ♡):
LET’S GO MY HEAT
Been a huge Heat fan for HUNDREDS of minutes
WARRIORS ADVANCE TO NBA FINALS!
After two seasons, Golden State is chasing rings again
Eric Apricot (35 ♡):
I JUST WANT TO TELL YOU ALL THAT I LOVE YOU
belilaugh (33 ♡):
6 Finals in 8 years.
We will never see a Warrior core as good as Curry/Klay/Draymond again in our lifetimes, not even close. Savor every moment.
Daniel Hardee (30 ♡):
Now we gotta get past Phoenix
Sabrina420 (28 ♡):
TheWarriorsTalk
@TheWarriorsTalk
·
2m
Klay Thompson on a nickname involving series clinchers: "I'm satisfied with game 6 Klay, I don't need another nickname. It's nice to not have to bring him out."
Alex (28 ♡):
Night Night, Mark Cuban. Go fix your roof.
WastingCurrysPrime! (26 ♡):
I said this team was “Different Gravy” earlier this series.
They proved it tonight. Just like they’ve been proving it all throughout these playoffs.
They had a job to do, and got it done. Maybe they suffered a wobble in taking Dallas’ last punch, but the lead was never truly under threat.
When other teams collapse, they hold steady and endure. When other teams stay down, they recover and rise. When other teams give up, they go harder. For the last 8 years, that has been the Warrior Way, in a nutshell.
And now it’s on to the Finals. For the sixth time in 8 years. After dudes like Nick Wrong wrote this team and organization off in the aftermath years of the 2019 Finals.
No, the Wiggins trade did NOT mean that we would never see Steph Curry in a Finals again. It actually meant that we WOULD.
No, we did not need to trade our draft picks and young players for dudes like Bradley Beal, James Harden, Jerami Grant, Domantas Sabonis, or whoever, just so we could win NAO. Those draft picks and young players are contributing to us winning NAO, but also to keep winning in the future.
No, the Splash Brothers and Draymond were NOT done contending for rings just because KD left. They contended before KD came, they’ve contended after he left. Hell, both times they’ve gotten farther in the playoffs without KD than KD has without them. So tell me who actually needed who more to contend and win?
Anyway, on to the Finals, and whoever it ends up being we play. We can take them, whoever it is.
rcknfn (24 ♡):
FO being able to get Sign and Trade done w/ KD to keep that cap space (so to say), Lacob willing to pay and FO turning that into Wiggs (and Kuminga) is the underrated part of this winning chapter.
Thank you KD for agreeing to S&T.
rcknfn (24 ♡):
Liv being there for trophy presentation made me so happy. I will always have soft spot for him, for everything he overcame and being a team player.
Sleepy Freud (24 ♡):
Ws get to spend the next 13 days in the Bay Area. :-)
Sleepy Freud (23 ♡):
Kerr Warriors v. the West
Beat Pelicans 4-0
Beat Grizzlies 4-2
Beat Rockets 4-1
====
Beat Rockets 4-1
Beat Blazers 4-1
Beat Thunder 4-3
====
Beat Blazers 4-0
Beat Jazz 4-0
Beat Spurs 4-0
====
Beat Spurs 4-1
Beat Pelicans 4-1
Beat Rockets 4-3
====
Beat Clips 4-2
Beat Rockets 4-2
Beat Blazers 4-0
====
Beat Nuggets 4-1
Beat Grizzlies 4-2
Beat Mavericks 4-1
====
18-0 series, 72-21 games.
Marina (23 ♡):
I'm still trembling and tearing up, i really wish I could hug you all! Receive a huge abrazo from Buenos Aires, straight to anywhere in the world you are!
I am so happy to have found this place and you lovely people, you teach me bball, crack me up, and make me feel part of the community. And for almond that, I'm so grateful.
That's it for me. The very best night to you all, i hope you'll celebrate in style!
E2148 (23 ♡):
UNANIMOUS
Chasing Rings... (23 ♡):
Andre been carrying 7 years of guilt 🤣
belilaugh (22 ♡):
Shout out to Kerith Burke for actually wearing a fucking mask when interviewing these guys
fotd (22 ♡):
Damn. Did it the right way. OG3 - all original. Rehab Wiggs. Looney and Poole - original. Rookies, Santa Cruz vets, and found money FAs. Add in Andre who, from a mile high, had a vision of this dynasty almost a decade ago, and you’ve got the best story in basketball. World class owners. GM superstar. Coach of the century. But looks like the movie might have to wait a few years!
The Sword Of The Morning (22 ♡):
Warriors are the first team since the MJ Bulls to reach 6 finals in 8 years.
Pretty decent company.
Trogdor (22 ♡):
NEVER. LOST. AT. CHASE. CENTER.
fzwinter (21 ♡):
Licking my chops thinking about tonight's squad plus OPJ, GP2, and Andre. Can't think about a better time to be full strength (minus JW) than for the start of the NBA Finals!
BornInDaEB (21 ♡):
Klay: "I am on Cloud 9, Kerith. Any synonym for 'happy'. Steph is the captain of our ship; hopefully we can get him the Finals MVP."
Alex (21 ♡):
Nemanja Bjelica. I know how to spell your name now. Thank you for your valuable contributions today.
Sabrina420 (21 ♡):
Warriors actually won the West again man. 😳😳😳
BKisforSF (21 ♡):
Wiggs with 10 boards. Just tremendous all series
Will the Warriors lean on that second unit?
Golden State is on the cusp of the Finals, but will need an answer for a Mavericks team that figured out the zone
Asher B. (19 ♡):
I'm traveling out of the country until June 12. The Substack interface doesn't seem to work well on my phone but I'll try to say hello. Worse, the games will be aired at weird times if at all and I probably won't have opportunities to say "skip the amazing tourist spot, I'm watching a ballgame." So ... good luck all. Go Dubs. I have full faith in a championship. Take care, all.
Goofus (19 ♡):
Greetings from the BATT! Boarded the sleeper car in St. Paul last night and woke up to a lovely sunrise over the Great Plains of North Dakota. We’re hoping for enough connectivity to watch the game as we head toward Whitefish, Montana (where my grandmother was born and raised). We’ll spend three days looking for wildlife in Glacier National Park.
Let’s wrap this shit up tonight!
Goofus (16 ♡):
Asher: I’m going to miss these next few games.
Kerr: I’m going to play Kuminga 48/minutes a game just to spite him.
Dilly (14 ♡):
For my mental well-being, Dubs in 5!!
Sabrina420 (10 ♡):
Damn, Otto. How many decades have you been playing? 😆
𝐇 𝐨 𝐨 𝐩 𝐕 𝐞 𝐧 𝐮 𝐞
@KGsGOAT
Last time the Warriors played the Celtics in the NBA Finals.
Sabrina420 (10 ♡):
F*k. I'm nervous.
DFiB (9 ♡):
Eh, last game we missed a bunch of makable shots in the first quarter, they made some adjustments we weren't ready for (e.g. loading up zones and cutting, instead of "5-out"), and they made their shots. If we continue to miss makable shots and not account for their adjustments, and they continue to make all their shots, they will win and we shall tip our cap. However, starting tonight, we will account for their adjustments, we will make a more reasonable quantity of shots, they will make fewer, and we will win.
hammystyle (9 ♡):
I didn't watch the 2nd half, but I thought the biggest issue in the 2nd quarter where the Mavs built their lead wasn't that they figured the zone. It as on offense. The Mavs have scored at times. Where we've punished them is they can't keep us out of the paint for easy buckets.
I thought Poole's decision making to start the quarter was atrocious. This was against a lineup with Brunson, Dinwiddie and Bertains. It's a free path to the rim. He hit his first step back 3. Then Kuminga and Moody worked for two nice shots in the paint. After that Poole did a 30 foot pull up, Kuminga shot a 3, Poole did another stepback, he had a turnover, another pullup 3. It was just horrible. Not one concerted drive and creation for a teammate against a very weak defensive lineup.
That was my takeaway from the first two games in particular. This team can't guard us. Work on offense for good shots, and no matter what happens with their 3 we'll keep the pressure on. But you do have to work for good shots. If you're doing pull up 3's with Bertans on the court it's just a giveaway.
Kuminga and Moody show flashes in Warriors…
Couldn't get the sweep, but at least the rookies got valuable experience in a huge game.
Sabrina420 (23 ♡):
95.7 The Game
@957thegame
·
9m
The latest on Gary Payton II from Anthony Slater:
"He’s moving that left arm much more freely. I wouldn’t be stunned (if he's back) by Game 1 in the Finals. At this point, I expect to see him in the Finals if the Warriors get there."
(via
@SteinyGuru957)
Sabrina420 (12 ♡):
The Warriors are forbidden from losing this series so I'd appreciate it if they could get it done tomorrow.
Captain Jack (12 ♡):
I really like Moody and while JFK/Poole might be the shiny toys for us in the future, I fully believe Moody will be our Iguodala. The backbone of our next run. I still think he needs to fully adapt to the physicality of the NBA but that's what the offseason is for and that's the least of my concern. We got a good one.
TwoRingTest (12 ♡):
Only 8 turnovers. Clearly our major adjustment needs to be to throw the ball away more.
On Kerr and Texas tragedy
pooryorick (23 ♡):
I’m realizing that this is one morning my heart is still very unsettled by what happened in that small school in Texas, I am so very proud of coach Kerr for the awesome human being he is and his eloquence and fearless honesty in addressing that dark tragedy. Perhaps,one day he’ll leave coaching and take up politics. We sure could use someone of his caliber of leadership right about now.
GlueAndBold (12 ♡):
I wrote a very similar comment yesterday. He is a passionate idealist, and his values seem to align with my own. Thankful for the beautiful things that Kerr, Myers, Curry and others bring to the Warriors fan experience.
Sabrina420 (13 ♡):
Maybe you should be more worried about voting out the NRA gun sucking fuckturds that run Texas?
Sabrina420 (10 ♡):
Vincent Goodwill
@VinceGoodwill
·
9m
Damion Lee: “It’s easier to get a gun than it is baby formula.”
Alex (10 ♡):
Hey Sabrina. Hold out for a better troll. You are, and we all are, saddened, outraged and frustrated beyond words about this horrifying act. But this tiny guy is just not worth your time tonight. Or likely ever.
Asher B. (16 ♡):
I usually am semi- "proud" of "my team" in a way that sports fans will recognize. Sure I'm a fan, but it's not really a personal matter so I work hard to make it one. You sort of have to do this mental jiujitsu to really pretend that the Dubs are "my" team. But in reality, they don't know me, I don't know them, and so it's not exactly accurate to say that I'm super proud of their character as human beings whom I know. Mostly it's more being pleased that they outscore the opponent or show hard work and grit in a sporting event, flashy play, or maybe determination in the face of injury, and so on, and let it add up to pride in my team. So I *say* I'm proud of my team -- but it's not like the pride I have in my children or something.
But Kerr's speech is different. Makes me truly proud to be a Warrior fan. It's not just that he's right, it's not just that he is using his platform when he could choose not to, it's that, like all of us, he gets emotional and vulnerable. I'm sure a part of him said, "I don't want to share that vulnerability with the world." But then he did it anyway. It's an inspirational reminder to all of us that speaking up for the things we believe in is the right thing to do. As Maggie Kuhn said, "Speak your mind -- even if your voice shakes."
Sabrina420 (15 ♡):
TheWarriorsTalk
@TheWarriorsTalk
Steve Kerr just screamed and pounded on the desk at his pregame presser regarding the horrific Texas shooting: "WHEN ARE WE GONNA DO SOMETHING!"
jzalvarado (10 ♡):
I wouldn’t play tonight. Simple as that. Actually was going to finally watch and I have no stomach to do so. I come from two immigrant Latino parents and joined the military as a young adult. Now have two school aged stepdaughters adopt me and I just have no desire to watch a basketball game thinking of them. Win or lose don’t care at this point
GlueAndBold (8 ♡):
This is deeply personal for Steve. I don't expect it from him at all, but should he decide to get into activism and/or politics after coaching, he could be a really powerful voice on this issue. Hopefully by the time he's done though, we won't need that anymore.
albeeeeezy (10 ♡):
14-15 people, mostly children, dead in a mass shooting at a Texas elementary school a few hours from Dallas. I suppose we’ll get a moment of silence tonight, a week of useless “thoughts and prayers,” a poignant statement from Kerr and, in a week or two, a Supreme Court opinion that will exacerbate the problem. So tired of this shit. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2022/05/24/uvalde-school-district-west-of-san-antonio-on-lockdown-after-active-shooter-report/?outputType=amp
Sabrina420 (12 ♡):
This is what we are now. Inhumane.
Variety
@Variety
·
35m
"It takes a monster to kill children," tweeted Amanda Gorman. "But to watch monsters kill children again and again and do nothing isn’t just insanity—it’s inhumanity."
No focus, no brooms - Starters get blown out…
Bad vibes and poor shooting swing that series back towards San Francisco
Sleepy Freud (21 ♡):
If we take care of business at home in Game 5 and no one gets hurt, it was probably good for us to get punched in the mouth tonight. Seven days off before the Finals is probably better than nine; and adversity builds character.
If we lose Game 5, all bets are off.
Sleepy Freud (12 ♡):
[on Mavs in 5] *years
belilaugh (10 ♡):
It was clear that Kerr felt the objective was completed in Game 3 with the road split and wasn't going to expend a huge effort chasing this one as soon as we saw the Poole/Kuminga/Moody lineup to start the second and also after a stoppage 3 minutes in when they were losing contact.
The Warriors have access to all types of biometric markers or whatever so if they felt like this was the right call, fair enough. Win in Game 5 and it doesn't matter. Hopefully OPJ can come back.
Good job by the kids coming back to the point where Bullock/DFS/Doncic all had to play reasonably big minutes, hopefully that pays dividends in Game 5. That said, personally I do not want to see Kuminga playing in Game 5.
Goofus (9 ♡):
I’m a Kuminga fan and get excited every time he enters a game. He’s exceeded what anyone could’ve reasonably expected on draft day. However, I think some of us are slipping into an irrational booster/apologist role where any time he doesn’t do well it’s the coaches or his teammates’ fault. If he’s so critical that that Kerr’s an fool for not playing him, he shouldn’t need a custom-built lineup around him.
The staff know more about his abilities and faults as both player and person player than we do. After watching his lack of effort in garbage time and G-League games, I suspect there might be some maturity/coachability issues going on as well. You hear everyone on the team gush about the effort, maturity and work ethic of Moody, but I haven’t seen much of that talk about JFK coming from the team.
New look Warriors causing some familiar…
A commanding 3-0 lead, a dominant playoff run, media eating crow? Golden State is coming back for their throne
jeckyllhouse (20 ♡):
man, woke up this morning with my knee feeling like Jordan Poole got a hold of it
Daniel Hardee (20 ♡):
BROOMS BROOMS BROOMS BROOMS
TheseGuysAreF’ingGIANTS! (17 ♡):
I would like to take a moment to recognize Myers and the FO for recognizing that signing an extra big was completely unnecessary and focusing on the wing depth necessary to survive multiple injuries in these playoffs.
Aside from the fact that Draymond has been far and away the best playoff center over the past decade, and Looney was a key part of putting away a much tougher Rockets team than any WCF candidate this year:
Of the two MVP candidate Centers: Embiid is a 3 game player that just can’t seem to get through a 7 game series, and Jokic is on a team with zero perimeter defenders even when fully healthy.
Kudos to Myers for doing a great job with this roster and giving the team what it needs for a shot at this year’s title!
Abaddon (15 ♡):
I would counter that Cuban has been talked about more than enough
Duby Dub Dubs (15 ♡):
GET US AN INTERVIEW!
PlainCandleLight (14 ♡):
GPII
Goofus (12 ♡):
Weird to be bringing this up now, but I keeping thinking how this team could be even deeper with more arrows in the quiver had Wiseman had two summer leagues, training camps, not got gotten Covid, not hurt his elbow and not hurt his knee and had gobs more g-league and NBA minutes. After two full normal seasons of development, it seems he’d be at least “useful” at this point.
Thank Zeus Looney keeps getting better and better, but just imagine.
Sabrina420 (11 ♡):
No lies there. Steph changing the game again? I'd say so.
95.7 The Game
@957thegame
Muggsy Bogues on Curry's influence as a PG:
"Steph, because of his presence alone, allows others to do what they do. That's what a point guard does."
(via
@SteinyGuru957
)
Abaddon (11 ♡):
Crazy factoid: the last time a Western Conference team NOT from CA or TX won the NBA Finals was 1979, when the Seattle Supersonics won it all. Only four [EDIT: five] Western Conference teams have won the finals since 1979; Lakers, Warriors, Spurs, and Mavericks [EDIT] as noted below, I forgot the Rockets!
Trogdor (11 ♡):
Warriors are on a 16-3 streak, going back to the regular season. Their best stretch at any time during the regular season was going 18-2 to start out.
If they only drop one more game the rest of the playoffs then they'll end things off going 21-4, which is the same record they had after 25 games.
I'd say that would be a nice way to bookend the season. They might as well do it. For symmetry's sake.
In between those two stretches? Yeah, they went 27-25. But hey, starting things off well and finishing things off well is good, right?
hammystyle (11 ♡):
Even if he can only play a few games, a fresh legs Andre (think of the great version we saw early in the season) could be HUGE against the Celtics. As could GP2. Maybe even moreso due to his ball pressure and hands.
The Heat are doing the Warriors a huge favor in the other series. Not just be wearing them out but by showing the defensive game plan that’s fueled their offensive game plan.
Especially after seeing the Memphis series post Ja it was hard for me to see the Warriors beating a very similarly constructed Celtics team that’s quite a bit better on both ends of the floor. Especially in half court offense it just seemed like they could really shut us down. (And they will btw. If we play them and get bogged it will be absolutely brutal at times). But one thing Memphis has that the Celtics don’t is a lot of competent ball handlers. Miami has taken huge advantage of that and used it to fuel their transition offense. The Warriors aren’t quite as physical as the Heat, but they’ve got pretty much every defensive component those guys have. Particularly if one or both of Andre and GP2 can go. Like between those guys could they add ~3 live ball turnovers a game? That add about 5-6/points a game? At that point the odds start looking pretty nice in your favor.
stopnpop (10 ♡):
Game 1 is also another home game. But really... it'd be incredibly short sighted, imo, to think the additional $ from Game 5 would be worth a lesser chance (ie. risking injury, fatigue, more Draymond techs) at a championship, which itself would mean a lot of residual $$$
Warriors take 3-0 lead over Mavericks…
BETTER LATER THAN NEVER!
crusty quips (44 ♡):
Kerr was on Damon and Ratto on 95.7 this afternoon, I transcribed some of his comments below in case anyone is interested.
On responding to some of the criticism over the last two years: Mostly ok with it and understanding of it, although it was annoying to have to hear about all the requests to use a ton more pick and rolls. There is a way we want to play basketball and when we are all healthy its beautiful to watch.
On knowing when to use all the tools he has: Never such a thing as too many tools, winning is all about talent and we have a lot of it. The ability to look down the bench and bring in a number of players that can impact the game is a huge luxury. Sometimes hard to decide who to put in because a lot of guys are worthy, all of our guys are capable and talented and can help us but we ultimately have to play the match-ups.
On Moody: Very professional, worked hard all season, embraced everything including weight room, instruction from the CS, stints in Santa Cruz, etc. He is an ideal 3 and D guy in the modern game; big, strong shoots the ball well, long wingspan. This series is very switchable so we need a guy like Moses out there to switch and make the smart plays when they double Steph. He has been a good fit.
On Looney: Always been Kevon's biggest fan, he has been rock solid for us over the years. Hard for people who only watch on TV to see the parts of a great team that happen in the locker room, and Loon has been such a big part of the internal leadership over the past few years, especially bringing on the young guys. He has gotten a lot better as a passer. never been an athletic guy to finish around the hoop, more based around understanding and preparing for his opponent. Dallas plays a lot of small 3-point shooting lineups, not a lot of shot blocking, so he is able to maneuver his way in there and find a bucket.
On Wiggins - This is why you have to have big, 2-way players. When you get to the playoffs, its about survival offensively while not giving it up on the other end. The trade for Wiggs was all about the potential of his 2 way play and he has embraced every challenge and is playing his best basketball of his career right now and it has been great to see.
Kerr on Luka: We are trying to throw a lot at him, that's how good he is. Can't let him get into a comfortable rhythm because he shoots any shot he wants; he can shoot the 3, the mid-range, and get to the rim. He is an absolute handful, brilliant young player. Our D is geared around stopping him and his talents. They have a lot of good 3 point shooting with Brunson and Dinwiddie and others that complement him well so its a difficult job. Wiggs is doing a ton of hard work staying in front of Luka, I thought he did a great job in game 3 even though Luka had 40 points. As long as we win the game that is all we care about.
Kerr on rebound dominance: Not really a surprise, we had a good rebounding season, top 10 in reb %. It was a surprise against Memphis because they were #1, they have a massive front line and athletic wings. But overall we have been a good rebounding team all year. The fact that it has continued in postseason is not a shock.
on needing to trade for a big man at the deadline to be successful in the playoffs: *laughs*
on Mavs bench: The energy is great, love seeing benches cheering and talking trash. Just can't interfere in the game, they did in game 2 when Steph passed to Theo Pinson standing in a white shirt and calling for the ball. Everything else is fine, good to have players engaged. Don't know if I would want to sit in the seats behind them but I had no problem.
on whether the beer vendor broke the vendor's code: Reminded me of the CYE episode. The access everyone has now seems like everyone is closer and more intimate than ever before, whether its people 2 feet away from the action or being interviewed or having a mic in the huddle or a cam in locker room, the way we tell the game and promote the game is very intimate. Most of it is good but I agree with Steph, wait till halftime to serve the guy a beer and he'll be fine.
on the idea of moving seats back to avoid similar situations: I don't think so, fine the way it is. Not much precedent in terms of injuries. Last year Steph got hurt because there weren't any fans, he backed up expecting to be held up and ended up landing on the floor beyond where the fans would normally sit. Fine with it the current way that it is.
on Curry: Easy to tell that Steph is having fun, one of his most appealing characteristics is his joy and love for the game. He is also one of the worlds great competitors. When you combine those 2 things you have the perfect playoff performer, its what guys live for. Steph is thrilled to be back, playing at such a high level, leading us in an incredible manner, wonderful to see him doing his thing.
Kerr on watching Boston/Miami: I will be watching for sure, probably have a beer and some dinner and think about our team later after the other game (did not share how many beers he would have)
Is there some Bob Knight in GSW's motion offense: I appreciate that but we have offense that is unique. No way shape or form was it informed by Bob Knight or Indiana, you're projecting Damon (radio host, Indiana guy). Really the offense comes from combination of influences; lot of triangle from Phil Jackson, San Antonio actions like side to side ball movement, Alvin gentry brought actions from him and D'Antoni from their time in Phoenix, trying to tailor it all to the modern game with the shooting and high screen and roll. Biggest thing about it is the personnel we have: Steph and Klay are two of the greatest off-ball shooters, Draymond is the quintessential point forward, and we have a bunch of guys who can pass and shoot and defend. Our continuity is crucial to our style and its mostly based on personnel and the talent we are incredibly blessed to throw out there.
on Otto: Feeling ok today, X-ray negative from last night, doubtful for tomorrow, we want to be careful. Will wait and see how things go for him at shootaround. If we can give him a couple of days, that would be great.
Sabrina420 (21 ♡):
@kendra__andrews
·
55s
Otto Porter Jr. is considered “doubtful” for tomorrow’s Game 4, Steve Kerr says. Kerr says Porter is feeling alright today, but if it comes down to a close call tomorrow, they’ll rest him. But, there’s an overall positive attitude regarding the injury that it’s not too serious.
Duby Dub Dubs (21 ♡):
I don't always like to be wrong, but in this case, I could not be more joyous about the ascendance of Andrew Wiggins. Amazing. I'll content myself with a vacation or two to the island.
TwoRingTest (19 ♡):
Years?
belilaugh (19 ♡):
All that "LOL Steve Kerr as a Top 15 Coach" mockery is aging about as well as CP3 after he turned 37.
Sleepy Freud (17 ♡):
Steph The Glove Curry…
Abaddon (17 ♡):
The Athletic's Mavericks beat writer has a good article up. Talks about something that I think a lot of general media is missing; "open looks" are considered all the same, but they're not when you're running the players taking them ragged. Same thing happened in 2018 in the famous 0-27 game, it's not random:
"Look at Reggie Bullock, the worst culprit for the misses, who was scoreless in 40 minutes while missing 10 shots. Many of his looks were good ones, but his legs weren’t there. Dallas has barely been able to take him off the floor this entire postseason, and there’s no other player on their bench capable of an extended role. Bullock has played more minutes this postseason (671) than any other player these playoffs; he had covered a league-high 41.4 miles on the court entering Game 3, per the NBA’s tracking data. It’s not just him: Finney-Smith ranks second in both statistics, and Jalen Brunson is in the top five."
Link ($): https://theathletic.com/3328268/2022/05/23/mavericks-warriors-season-playoffs/?redirected=1
crusty quips (16 ♡):
Daniel, never stop mercilessly dunking on Wiggins doubters and Warriors unbelievers like Wiggs mercilessly dunking on Luka. It brings me great joy to see those who tried to kick these guys when they were down get their just desserts, their takes exposed for the sheer folly and undisguised jealousy that they are comprised of. Keep on surfacing those musty receipts, I am here for all of it.
DFiB (15 ♡):
Visible on the horizon for sure… if your squint, you can even see Mount Wiseman off in the distance a few light years away
stopnpop (15 ♡):
There are so many frames of Wiggs' dunk that look so aesthetically pleasing. The extension on the cockback... the legs scissoring... the extension on the follow through. Now toss in all the context of it being a close Game 3 of the Conference Finals... Wiggins' career. If one wanted to draw up a series of comic book frames for an epic dunk, it'd probably look like this one.
Chasing Rings... (14 ♡):
Forget the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Avengers and Multi-Phases they assembled.
This is the Fn Golden State Basketball Universe and everyone else is a just spinoff series!
Who's got the best seats in the house?? DNHQ that's who 💙💛
Now where's my popcorn...
Explain: Steph Curry magic and Andrew Wiggins…
The coach’s challenge of the year
Five Alarm Freddy (17 ♡):
If we have "Klaytheism", can we also have "Apric-quotes"?
Draymond yelling "AND 1!" at the birth of his children is killing me from inside.
You have upped your game again sir.
Duby Dub Dubs (15 ♡):
there's a few good ones in here
"Wiggins throwing his hands up angrily like someone didn't realize that the fries were part of the poutine"
PGBreaker (14 ♡):
"European...flop technology...because of all the soccer." A hysterical observation. Love it!
Duby Dub Dubs (13 ♡):
lol
"I don't think there was really a foul here, but Draymond yells "AND ONE!" for every layup... probably... for every time his kid is born in the hospital he yells "and one"
GlueAndBold (12 ♡):
Yeah, flopping aside I see more humility from him than from Ja.
TwoRingTest (11 ♡):
I remembered something late last night.
When the Wiggins trade went through, a guard that had been on Minnesota's team (Tyus Jones, maybe?) said something like (paraphrasing):
Wiggs is going to be lit. It's [ Golden State ] the perfect spot for him.
Boy was that right.
Alex (9 ♡):
The manner in which I have prioritized watching and and re-watching this dunk over cleaning my kitchen is truly unhealthy... so now I shall prioritize trying to find the clip of Wiggins' massive baseline rim attack at the end of the shot clock where he tried to end the lineage of Reggie Bullock. He was playing with tremendous aggressioniveness* all night and it was just a matter of time before he caught a body.
Maybe the Doncic "Ow! My eye!" could become part of the Warriors ever-expanding repertoire of bench celebrations...?
Mr Teal (9 ♡):
>Kid still has some growing up to do.
Uummmmm, I think that was his point...
GlueAndBold (9 ♡):
These videos- hard as fudge! Love it.
Iconic dunk from Wiggins; Warriors take…
Hung that one in the hallways of Chase because we witnessed an epic posterization tonight
DrumRollGyro (52 ♡):
Kerr challenging that Wiggins dunk just made the Dallas crowd have to sit there and watch it over and over again on the Jumbotron 😂😂🤣
b.p. (34 ♡):
For reals, I would have traded DeAngelo Russell for just that dunk.
Oaktownws (30 ♡):
I feel like Dallas isngenerally more “likable” as a team , (in a similar way to the nuggets,led by a superstar who doesnt seem to be a prima donna), than say, the Grizzlies. So, I read this on espn and it kind of reminded me, this is just a game, and these are the things that matter: “Mavericks: Bullock won the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar social justice award. He has been active in the LGBTQ+ community. His sister, a transgender woman, was killed in 2014. Bullock worked with several organizations in the Dallas area after signing as a free agent in the offseason and has long been active in similar pursuits in his native North Carolina.”
Alex (29 ♡):
"Steph, when you look at the box score, what sticks out to you?"
"109-100"
Eric Apricot (28 ♡):
I am so happy that I can't hold back any longer.
I LOVE YOU ALL
belilaugh (26 ♡):
I'm mad that the ref robbed my immediate joy from that dunk. I jumped from my seat but I couldn't get the primal scream out, they stole that from me and I want the league to discipline them for it.
Sabrina420 (25 ♡):
Kendra Andrews
@kendra__andrews
·
13m
Otto Porter Jr.s X-rays are negative, Warriors say. he was running up and down the hallway testing his foot out. The team should know more in the next 24 hours, they say.
Sabrina420 (24 ♡):
Dalton Johnson
@DaltonJ_Johnson
·
1m
OK fine, I'll say it: The Warriors won the Andrew Wiggins trade
belilaugh (22 ♡):
CP3 decided he'd rather be humiliated by the Mavericks than take another Curry asswhooping.
WiltCurry (21 ♡):
Every time I rewatch Wiggs' dunk, I let out a guttural scream and flex as if I actually did something to cause that. I said this in the game thread and I'll repeat it: HOLY SHIT. WOW
This should also not take away from the fact that Andrew had 27 and 11 on 11/20 shooting. The best game of his Warriors career. Terrific
Abaddon (20 ♡):
Steph just said “got to see it [the dunk] 800 times because of the challenge; thanks Mark”
g8tgod (19 ♡):
Warriors are rocking. Can't afford to lose OPJ, but what a night. Dallas looked demoralized and frustrated. They're on the ropes.
I will say this: The more I see of Luka, the more I like him. As opponents go, he's got my respect.
kinbote (18 ♡):
I wore my "We Believe" shirt tonight just for old timey memories of destroying the Mavs. Told my wife that it would be the key to the Warriors winning.
My five year old, about half-an-hour later: "Daddy, that's your Warriors shirt?"
Me: "That's right."
Her: "How is that shirt going to help the Warriors win?"
Me: "Um ..."
It turns out I don't have a good explanation for superstitions in sports ready to go.
Eric Apricot (18 ♡):
It's the LeBron / Iguodala formula. You don't want to say that Steph is better than Doncic, so you award the guy who defended Doncic so well and who feasted on the space that Curry creates.
Game 3 in Dallas will be biggest challenge of…
The Mavericks have only lost one game at home this postseason.
SoCalJusticeWarrior (12 ♡):
Update: made it to San Diego. My kiddo toughed it out because he didn’t want his daddy to be sad (his words). Honestly, one of the kindest, most selfless things anyone has ever done for me. Now, if he’ll just let me watch the game tomorrow…
Klaymation (12 ♡):
Boy that game felt like Final Destination.
Miami had a 25 point lead with <2 minutes left in the first half but Boston is now outworking them.
I'm thinking "Miami really needs to get to halftime up 20", but they collapse and the lead is cut to 15.
A loss feels inevitable, Boston's going to go on a 10-0 run and there will be no answer.
And then Butler is gone. The series is slipping away.
Boston continues to outwork Miami but even though the quarter must have felt like an eternity for the Heat, miraculously Boston can't reduce the lead.
Entering the fourth I'm thinking "they need to keep it at double digits until the 6 minute mark but I don't think they can."
Sure enough Boston cuts it to 9 with 7:30 left but Miami battles it back up over 10.
Finally the inevitable run happens and Miami collapses.
Brown's 3 drops it to 1 with 2:40 left and the series is over.
And then somehow Max Strus intervenes in Death's Plan.
His 3 goes in as the shot clock expires and the Celtics disintegrate like minions of Thanos.
Trogdor (12 ♡):
Another thought on last night: when the Mavs first went up big and were hitting all their shots I started hand wringing.
Then I realized something; Dallas was playing fast. The game was going at the Warriors pace, not the Mavericks slow, plodding pace. When I realized that I suddenly became very confident that we'd come back and win. There's no way the Mavs can beat us at our own game. I knew they'd wear out, which they did.
The only shot Dallas has is to make their shots AND control the pace of play. They managed one without the other last night. That's not going to be enough against this Warriors team.
Aaannnd1 (9 ♡):
Kids usually learn kindness from their parents.
Sabrina420 (8 ♡):
Put Klay on him. They can loose dribble each other.
alv66 (8 ♡):
I want Heat in 7, with a triple overtime Game 7 and Jimmy Butler playing 60 minutes. Then only one day rest before they have to play the Dubs. No mercy.
Alex (8 ♡):
Dear Boston,
I no longer believe it when your players act as if they have sustained a career-ending injury.
Love,
Alex
Explain: Steph Curry, Kevon Looney & Moses…
These guys are f’ing giants
Captain Jack (14 ♡):
Our rookies and Poole are basically attending a playoff workshop that's going to be so huge for them in the future. Poole is even luckier because he's getting even more of a hands on experience of contributing meaningful minutes as the Robin to Steph. I hope he's watching how Steph handles the kitchen sink thrown at him closely because in about 3-4 years he'll be getting the same treatment from opponents
Trogdor (14 ♡):
Looney was amazing. He's never going to get a statue outside Chase Center, but maybe that can say least name a hand rail after him or something.
Janet (11 ♡):
Beautiful E1P. Thank you! But I would like to see an E1P slo-mo of Kerr hugging Looney.
DFiB (11 ♡):
So, Warriors roster has 9 players who have worn a Warriors uniform for their entire NBA career
Run_TMC (11 ♡):
So I don't know if this is rare but I noticed that Loon buckets were assisted by, for sure, Steph, Dray, Poole, Wiggs, and Moody (did Klay or OPJ get one to him? can't remember) but I thought it was kind of cool that everyone was finding him.
Also, if he can keep up even half of that amount of offensive threat it will throw a big wrench in how teams play D against the whole team.
thesarunas (11 ♡):
When Looney's career is done, we'll talk about how he was the bridge from the old guard of Curry, Klay, Dray, Andre and KD to the new core of JP, Wigs, JK, Moody & Wiseman, and how he has the most rings of them all. :-)
Five Alarm Freddy (8 ♡):
Oh he’ll get a statue if I have to make it myself...
TwoRingTest (7 ♡):
Just rewatched the game. That win was just nuts. There were enough highlights (on both sides) for three games.
Wiggins may not be a Luka stopper, but his defensive effort was a big part of the win. I love that dude.
They had us in the first half, not gonna lie
Looney career night, resilient Warriors withstand Dallas push
crusty quips (43 ♡):
Just getting back from the game. My first playoff experience at Chase and it did not disappoint! I don't know about those lower bowl yahoos but the upper deck in section 216 was raucous all game long, even when the boys were scuffling in the first half and the refs were doing their best to make this a more competitive series. Seriously, did some of those fouls look as bad on TV as they did at the arena? Pure incompetence by the crew tonight. DJ D-Sharp was on point with the Oakland and Bay Area jams all night though and helped keep the crowd into it all game long.
What a monster game for Looney, the dude was clutch all night. I am laughing so hard at all the people who were saying he would not be playable in this series. Eat your heart out TK, Chuck, Hollinger, and everyone else who has not put respect on that man's name. Fucking legend. Poole was at his slithery best on the offensive end and the dunks by Klay took the roof off the building. The Waaaaarriors chants permeated the arena for long after the game came to a close.
The friends who I was with expressed concern and worry that the Dubs were down 20 at some point in the second but I reminded them that this is not the first time we have seen the Warriors star in this particular movie and it felt so sweet to be vindicated when they retook the lead for good in the 4th. I just never felt like they were going to lose this one at home, even when they were playing poorly in the second. I lost my voice sometime in the third quarter but I think it was well worth it! Let's go get at least one in Dallas and close this thing out early! I would love for my 6 game prediction to be made to look silly and conservative.
Goofus (34 ♡):
Something is on my chest that needs to get off:
There’s a lot of BBIQ here at DNHQ and I love you all, but not a single person here knows more about basketball than Steve Fucking Kerr, no one here knows these players and what goes on behind the scenes more than Steve Fucking Kerr, and no one here spends more time working toward winning basketball than Steve Fucking Kerr. If you think you do, please show us your basketball resume as a rebuttal.
It’s perfectly fine to disagree with a coaching decision, but can we please refrain from referring to him as things like an idiot or moron when we do? I know it’s a game thread and emotions get hot, but would think after everything he’s accomplished in his college/NBA career and for the Dubs in particular, he deserves that respect.
Abaddon (32 ♡):
Per ESPN this was the third biggest halftime deficit of the Kerr playoff era.
The Warriors won all three games.
Asher B. (27 ♡):
From the postgame question to Looney: "What was it like hearing MVP chants when you went to shoot that free throw?" "Um, it was nerve-wracking. I ain't shot a free throw in like three weeks in a game. I'm trying to focus on making a free throw."
The Sword Of The Morning (22 ♡):
And for god's sake the NBA needs to do something about the Dallas bench. They basically stand on the court. Not only is that an injury hazard, but it also impacts the game. Today, the DLee/Bertans scuffle happened in large parts because they both had nowhere to go because 3 of the Dallas guys were on the court. And then Steph had a TO because a Dallas player in a white shirt was standing next to Klay.
The league needs to cut it out before someone gets hurt or it impacts a very close game in the clutch moments.
Abaddon (22 ♡):
33 assists, 13 turnovers. Man I am glad to not be playing the Grizzlies anymore.
Bel (21 ♡):
C.J. Holmes 🦹🏾♂️
@CjHolmes22
Steve Kerr said he went to rookie Moses Moody in the fourth quarter because of his size, strength and poise.
“He has a real calm about him. He doesn’t seem like a 19-year-old rookie.”
Klaymatic37 (21 ♡):
I'm visting my parents in the bay and they were freaking out at half.
I just told them to chill and let the Dubs do their thing and come through in the 4th. Fucking vindicated!
DrumRollGyro (21 ♡):
That Kerr & Loon hug was the best Warriors moment of the 20’s so far.
Chasing Rings... (20 ♡):
Yes I'm curious what the league will do about it too
alv66 (20 ♡):
Not to get lost in the shuffle: Warriors ONCE AGAIN dominate the glass (43 vs. 30), led of course by Looney and Steph.
Eric Apricot (20 ♡):
I actually don’t have a problem with D Lee. He’s come up huge in a number of games. Obviously he didn’t have it tonight and Kerr with the massive gutsy move to put Moody in. He would have been endlessly criticized if Moody played poorly. But Moody had his biggest game this year vs DAL as the release when DAL doubled Steph so, not a complete shot in the dark.
ServantOfLuna (19 ♡):
Jordan Poole: "The little kid in me is so excited, so excited. I grew up watching Loon. ... I'm so happy for him, and I'm proud to be part of it. Shoutout big bro Loon, for sure."
Two Milwaukee kids putting on a show in the Western Conference finals
Just reading about the Celtics having the 2nd lowest defensive # in the playoffs at 102.__ - but having seen several of their games against the Bucks and the Heat, those teams could not BUY a shot for long stretches. So that 2nd ranked playoff defense seems more than a bit like BS to me. Less to do with their defense and more to do with the weakness of their opponents' offenses. And they swept the Nets in the first round, which was not all that difficult.
Don’t wanna talk about prediction or schedule, I want to enjoy fully the history of what I hope will be a challenging and heart stopping series, because the last thing I want to think about it is what I will feel when there will be four months of no NBA in front of me.